Sonography Career

Sonography The first time I started college I had a different career path. It was not after my pregnancies that I decided to make the change to sonography. I think sonography is a career that really fits my expectations, and to make sure I am in the right path I will research this career in depth. Tests and evaluations in sonography are in writing and practical. They are prepared to measure the student’s understanding of the material, and the knowledge in manipulating the transducer (Craig 53). At the beginning I was curious about how the test would be.
I now know the reading tests are normal types of tests: objective, which is cover multiple choices or true and false, and the subjective, which are the essays questions. I also found, I will have some tests on computer (Craig 46-47) which I think is a great idea because I will get accustomed to the way that certifying test are now presented, also it will help me to be successful in my career. The practical exams will help me to familiarize in working with patients on a day to day work habit, and the writing and computer exams will prepare me for my certifying examination post graduation.
Sonography has different types of sonograms in which I can specialize. There are eight types of diagnostic ultrasounds specialties, but there are three which are the common practiced: abdominal, obstetric and gynecologic, and cardiac (Craig 152). This is great for me, because obstetric and gynecologic is the type of ultrasound I would like to specialize. Also, since this type of ultrasound is one of the most common I think it will be easier find a job in this field. Registration is very important in the sonography field. Graduates are encouraged to take their registry examinations as soon as possible after completion of their training (Craig 53). ” In my opinion this is great because the knowledge of the sonographer is tested again giving us the opportunities to have prepared sonographers in the health facilities. Since “employers prefer candidates registered through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Morsch)” being registry is an open door for sonographers trying to get a job. American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) offers the opportunity to sonographers to earn three different types of credentials.

The credentials are Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer, and Registered Vascular Technologist. In order to be award with one of them the graduate needs to pass two exams: one general and one specialty exam that depend on the credential wanted (ARDMS). This I think is a wonderful requisite because it elevates the prestige of sonographers. As more credentials I can get more knowledge I will have. Salary is another point in my research. “In 2008, the starting salary for a diagnostic medical sonographer was $43,600 (Diagnostic Medical Sonography). Even though this is not the most important point for me I have to admit it is within the range I was expecting for salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the annual mean wage in Florida is $56,990 which breaks down in $27. 40 an hour (Bureau). This is better than the figures from 2008 and if salary follows this line by the time I graduate it should be even greater. The outlook of this job is great. “Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase by about 18 percent through 2018-faster than average for all occupations (Bureau)”.
This is about 2. 25 percent per year. Sonograms will become the most popular tool in the medicine field to check the human body since is not harmful and very effectively. The truth is that “sonography is in high demand trough out the country since the uses of sonography are expanded (Sonography). ” Another factor that will help on the growth of the sonography is the population who is aging. Older people needs more tests and Florida is one of the favorite states for retired people, so I would say that we will have a nice increase on the growth rate.
Learn about searching jobs I think is important. After I graduate I would like to know the most important factors when looking for a job. As I found there are many tips for a successful job search. A resume accompanied of a personalized letter, always listen to the interviewer and answer the questions straight and precise, choose professional clothes for the interview day, negotiate the salary if it is no right for you, and always get the final offer in writing (Craig 213-216).
Responsibilities are part of all jobs. Sonographers once they graduate start taking responsibilities which include preparing reports, organized daily work schedule, and report equipment failure(Craig 205). Searching this I notice that sonographers don’t only make reports and scans in fact I will do more than what I thought was my responsibilities. Sonography also has disadvantages. Musculoskeletal injury has been affecting sonographers for years.
The amount of sonographers in the country is a small number compare to other professions in health, but the amount of injured sonographers is that big relative to the total number of sonographers that brought the attention of NIOSH. To protect sonographers from musculoskeletal pain NIOSH recommend a few safety measures for under graduates to avoid injuries (Musculoskeletal). This is really worry because I want a profession not an illness. I really think the programs should emphasize more on safety rules to avoid MSI from happen so frequently.
I have learned plenty of information with my sonography research paper. Now I like even more my career. I believe I will have a great future if I keep going in this direction. Sonography is a very popular job, and learn the inside of the human body it is always amazing. [1010] Work Cited ARDMS,”Credential and Examinations. ”Web. 15 Nov. 2011. https://ardms. org/credentials_examinations/ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook,2010-11edition, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. Web. 9 Nov. 2011. http://www. ls. gov/oco/ocos273. htm Craig Marveen,”Essentials of Sonography and Patient Care”. St. Louis: Saunders,2006. Print. “Diagnostic Medical Sonography. ” CAAHEP. Org. CAAHEP, 2009. Web. 3 Oct. 2011. ‹ http://www. caahep. org/content. aspx? ID=23 Morsch,Laura. ”10 Best Paying Jobs for Associate Degress. ”CNN. com. Cable News Network,05 May 2006. Web. 3 Oct. 2011. http://www. cnn. com/2006/us/careers/05/04/cb. associates “Musculoskeletal pain hits 80% of sonographers. ” Occupational Health Management 1 Feb. 2007. Academic OneFile. Web. 4 Oct. 2011.