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What can I expect in terms of work environment?
#diagnostic-medical-sonographer #medicine #sonography #medical #healthcare
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Rachel’s Answer
The work environment of a sonographer is highly variable. You can work in radiology at a hospital or you can work in an outpatient clinic. One option for outpatient would be at the practice of an OB Gyn clinic. The options are many and you can pick what fits your personality the best.
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Mary’s Answer
Your opportunities are varied in terms of work environment as a diagnostic medical sonographer. As stated by C. Dawn, you could work in a hospital setting, private clinic, doctors office, free-standing imaging center, etc. I agree to start in a hospital environment will provide you with the most exposure to the varied types of exams sonographers perform. Hospitals, of course, are open 24/7, so this could involve working nights, weekends, or being on-call for emergency exams. Private offices and clinics would offer more "normal" hours. Also, once you have several years experience under your belt, there are also opportunities to work for companies that design and manufacture ultrasound machines (for example, Philips and GE). You can be part of a sales team that demonstrates the equipment to potential customers, then teaches the sonographers how to use the equipment after it's been purchased.
As far as the typical day in the life of a sonographer, it involves a lot of interaction with patients and physicians (particular radiologists). A typical ultrasound exam takes between 15-30 minutes to perform, so you will basically scan patients all day according to the department's schedule. Compared to a CT, MRI, or Xray technologist, the thing that is most different for a sonographer is that the sonographer must understand human anatomy and pathology VERY well. If that interests you, this might be a good job to pursue. An ultrasound machine does not automate picture taking like a CT or MRI scanner. Instead, the sonographer is responsible to scan the patient manually, and document what they see. A sonographer must consider the patient's symptoms, think about what diseases might be causing those symptoms, then scan the patient looking for abnormal finding in the anatomic structures of the body. If a sonographer does not recognize and take the proper images of pathology, a diagnosis could be missed. This can be challenging, but also very rewarding.
Review the ARDMS website to learn more about sonography (www.ardms.org)
Contact your local hospital to see if you could spend a few hours observing in the ultrasound department
If you decide this might be a career for you, research ultrasound schools. I would suggest only attending accredited programs. The list of these programs can be found on www.caahep.org by searching the category "Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound"
As far as the typical day in the life of a sonographer, it involves a lot of interaction with patients and physicians (particular radiologists). A typical ultrasound exam takes between 15-30 minutes to perform, so you will basically scan patients all day according to the department's schedule. Compared to a CT, MRI, or Xray technologist, the thing that is most different for a sonographer is that the sonographer must understand human anatomy and pathology VERY well. If that interests you, this might be a good job to pursue. An ultrasound machine does not automate picture taking like a CT or MRI scanner. Instead, the sonographer is responsible to scan the patient manually, and document what they see. A sonographer must consider the patient's symptoms, think about what diseases might be causing those symptoms, then scan the patient looking for abnormal finding in the anatomic structures of the body. If a sonographer does not recognize and take the proper images of pathology, a diagnosis could be missed. This can be challenging, but also very rewarding.
Mary recommends the following next steps:
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C. Dawn’s Answer
Try to always begin in a hospital setting. This will set you up to understand everything you've learned even better. You will be exposed to so many different types of exams and patients and this will help you to see the big picture. The Emergency room and ICU will offer different fast paced challenges but they can be exciting and rewarding. There are all types of schedules at a hospital. Shifts, days, nights, graveyards, weekends, on call, PRN (as needed.) Of course you will have to weigh how best those shifts fit into your schedule.
Clinics like vascular, ob/gyn, etc are a little different. They are smaller, seem less stressful and more streamlined to one group of people, for instance, OB/GYN clinic will see women who may or may not be pregnant. You obviously wouldn't be performing a testicular exam in an OB/GYN clinic. Clinic hours can vary but mainly they tend to stay within the normal M-F office hours schedule.
Clinics like vascular, ob/gyn, etc are a little different. They are smaller, seem less stressful and more streamlined to one group of people, for instance, OB/GYN clinic will see women who may or may not be pregnant. You obviously wouldn't be performing a testicular exam in an OB/GYN clinic. Clinic hours can vary but mainly they tend to stay within the normal M-F office hours schedule.