Sonogram Nurse: Definition & Salary

<h2 id="section---CareerAtFirstGlance">Career at First Glance</h2> <p>A sonogram nurse, more commonly referred to as a diagnostic medical sonographer, is a person who works directly with patients by providing ultrasound images or tests. As a sonogram nurse, you will be brought into close physical contact with patients due to the nature of operating an ultrasound machine. Check out the chart below for more information: </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b> </td><td> Associate's degree or postsecondary certificate</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Education Field of Study</b></td><td>Sonography</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Duties</b></td><td>Prepare and operate equipment; take patients' medical history; record findings; analyze normal and abnormal imaging</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Certification Preferred</b></td><td>Certification with ARDMS</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$75,920 per year (diagnostic medical sonographers)*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2020-2030)</b></td><td> 19% Growth ( diagnostic medical sonographers)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatDoesASonogramNurseDo">What Does a Sonogram Nurse Do?</h3> <p>Sonogram nurses or diagnostic medical sonographers are specialists in a certain area of medicine concerning the body's organs and tissues. They go over a brief medical history with their patients, answer any questions about the procedure, operate the equipment effectively, and record the findings. Sonogram nurses work an instrument called an ultrasound transducer that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the specific part of the body for which the doctor wants more information. </p> <p>A few of the sub-fields are abdominal sonographers, cardiac sonographers and pediatric sonographers. An abdominal sonographer focuses on the patient's abdominal area and the surrounding organs, a cardiac sonographer focuses on imaging regarding the patient's heart, and a pediatric sonographer specializes in infants and children. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatEducationIsRequired">What Education is Required?</h3> <p>The minimum requirements for becoming a sonogram nurse, or diagnostic medical sonographer, are to obtain an associate's agree or a postsecondary certificate in sonography; there is also the additional option of earning a bachelor's degree in sonography. A degree is nursing, as such, is not required. You will want to refer to the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) to find an accredited program. </p> <p>During your studies, you will take courses in anatomy, applied sciences, and medical terminology. This type of program tends to start students in their specialization of choice early; for example, cardiovascular and vascular programs will have separate coursework in invasive and non-invasive sonography. Once you have graduated, you will be able to apply for certification through various agencies, such as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). Licensure requirements vary by state. </p> <h3 id="section---HowMuchWillIEarn">How Much Will I Earn?</h3> <p>The median salary of a diagnostic medical sonographer is $75,920 per year. In 2020, some of the highest paid sonogram nurses were in outpatient care centers making $102,070 and in hospitals earning around $77,510 per year. Most work full-time; however, there are those who choose to work weekends, evenings, and overnights in clinics or hospitals. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsTheJobOutlook">What is the Job Outlook?</h3> <p>Between 2020-2030, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that jobs could grow 19%, which is way above the average for all occupations. Sonogram nurses are expected to have the best job opportunities if they are certified in more than one specialty. According to the BLS, the large baby-boom population is beginning to age which means that there is more need for diagnostic procedures. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Alternative Careers?</h3> <p>Becoming a registered nurse (RN) is another great route to go as you would be able to provide and coordinate patient care, educate, and give advice to patients and their families. While RNs may typically hold a bachelor's degree, they might also gain licensing after completing an associate's degree or diploma in the field. Another possible occupation could be to become a radiation therapist, which is someone who treats cancer and many other diseases by giving radiation treatments to patients. If you are very interested in the imaging part of being a sonogram nurse, there are also occupations called radiologic and MRI technologists, who perform procedures such as x-rays and MRI exams.</p>