Diagnostic Medical Sonography Is A Growing Allied Health Field
Diagnostic Medical Sonography is part of the allied health field; and, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics; Diagnostic Medical Sonography, is expected to grow 46 percent between 2012 and 2022 while average job growth is approximately 12 percent. Driving this growth are several factors, including full implementation of the Affordable Care Act, a move away from procedures using radiation, an aging population, and employment of sonographers by non-hospital clinical and diagnostic facilities.
Currently, the state of Maryland does not license sonographers, but most employers favor those who have completed an accredited program and obtained voluntary certification through ARDMS/ American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers by passing a rigorous examination. ARDMS also handles all continuing education; and the ARDMS website has additional information for those interested in learning more about this career path. There is also a wealth of information on this site for patients about to undergo sonograms and wishing to have additional information about the procedure.
Three schools in Maryland offer accredited courses in sonography:
Johns Hopkins - 14 months; Certificate
UMBC - 13.5 months; Certificate
Montgomery College - 24 months; Associates degree
Specialties in sonography include obstetrics and gynecology, neuro-sonography, cardiovascular, abdominal, and breast sonography. More information about each of these specialties may be found on the ARDMS website.
Some specific skills needed for this profession include interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a diverse population; the ability and desire to work with complex equipment; hand-eye coordination; physical stamina, position requires being on your feet for long periods, sometimes moving patients who are not well; moving heavy equipment; and attention to detail with the ability to follow directions and obtaining proper images
Salary information specific to Maryland shows that the median for the field is $72,205 currently with the higher salaries going to specialties in cardiovascular and related specialties.
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.