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How many types of sonographers are there?
When I first started studying sonography I only knew of one type of sonography and it was Ob/gyn sonographer. Also how does the pay vary between them all?
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3 answers
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Jessica’s Answer
There are actually many areas of sonography that are available with many certifications for them! I had the same thoughts when I started ultrasound school as well. In most ultrasound schools you will learn general ultrasound, that covers abdominal organs, small parts like thyroid and testicular ultrasound and on/gym things too. Some schools teach vascular like veins and arteries ultrasound and limited breast ultrasound.
I have been in the field for 10years and I have certifications for abdomen, on/gyn and breast. But I have been doing exclusively breast for the past 7 or so years. I really enjoy the environment of being at the breast center I get to have a very close relationship with my radiologist and I learn so much from them! I have a good team that helps a lot and helping patients is the highlight of my day. My advice don’t look at the money so much but find the ultrasound area where you thrive in learning, team work and patient care!
I do make pretty good money but going into ultrasound I wanted to help wherever I could. But starting out my first years I probably made 75k a year. Which was good I was 24 and no real responsibilities. Of course over time I got raises and switched companies but now I am the senior breast ultrasound technologist I make about 90k a year.
The pay can vary between specialties. I think Maternal fetal medicine sonographers and echo sonographers are the highest paid.
My advice learn as much as you can and find the area that feels good to you! Ultrasound is very rewarding. If you go to the ARDMS website you can see what certifications and specialities exist. I know it’s also musculoskeletal and pediatric certifications.
I hope this helps!
I have been in the field for 10years and I have certifications for abdomen, on/gyn and breast. But I have been doing exclusively breast for the past 7 or so years. I really enjoy the environment of being at the breast center I get to have a very close relationship with my radiologist and I learn so much from them! I have a good team that helps a lot and helping patients is the highlight of my day. My advice don’t look at the money so much but find the ultrasound area where you thrive in learning, team work and patient care!
I do make pretty good money but going into ultrasound I wanted to help wherever I could. But starting out my first years I probably made 75k a year. Which was good I was 24 and no real responsibilities. Of course over time I got raises and switched companies but now I am the senior breast ultrasound technologist I make about 90k a year.
The pay can vary between specialties. I think Maternal fetal medicine sonographers and echo sonographers are the highest paid.
My advice learn as much as you can and find the area that feels good to you! Ultrasound is very rewarding. If you go to the ARDMS website you can see what certifications and specialities exist. I know it’s also musculoskeletal and pediatric certifications.
I hope this helps!
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Hey Autumn,
Sonography as a whole has become quite large! OB is a great speciality for sonography but if you ever had an interest in another area you have the option to do so.
You can specialize in Breast sonography focusing on breast imaging and oncology, you can specialize in abdominal which would cover all areas of the abdomen, you can cover Muscular focusing on the muscular system in sonography and many more!
Picking an area that maybe you have a passion for or have had personal experience may help you seek your fit!
Sonography as a whole has become quite large! OB is a great speciality for sonography but if you ever had an interest in another area you have the option to do so.
You can specialize in Breast sonography focusing on breast imaging and oncology, you can specialize in abdominal which would cover all areas of the abdomen, you can cover Muscular focusing on the muscular system in sonography and many more!
Picking an area that maybe you have a passion for or have had personal experience may help you seek your fit!
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Excellent query, yet there isn't a concrete response. The domain is progressing at an unprecedented pace, a speed unimaginable just a few years back. It was predominantly employed in OB-GYN for an extended period, but it has now expanded to incorporate handheld devices that accurately identify various blood vessels and nerves. Until recently, MRI or CT Scans were the sole noninvasive techniques for observing organs, yet sonography has emerged as a highly esteemed alternative. Apart from bony structures, it is an incredibly effective means of examining soft tissues. Moreover, as the devices advance and become more portable, the utilization of this diagnostic instrument is experiencing a robust surge.