Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)

Diagnostic medical sonographers use ultrasound equipment to produce images of the interior structures of the body to diagnose such problems as abdominal tumors and cysts, abnormal fetal development, and poorly functioning heart valves. Ultrasound is a high frequency sound wave like sonar that is reflected by internal organs in varying patterns. Sonographers display these images on a video monitor and look for subtle signs of problems. Physicians use these images in diagnosing medical abnormalities or in viewing the development of a fetus in a pregnant woman. Sonographers physically and mentally prepare patients, explain procedures, and obtain medical images used for diagnosis. They keep accurate records, including patient information, sonographic data, and their observations, for review and interpretation by a physician. Sonographers are also responsible for some preliminary image interpretation.

A specialized field of sonography is called echocardiography. Technologists are concerned with sonograms of the heart. The technologist performs echocardiography of the heart to identify abnormalities and pathology in both adult and pediatric patients. Exercises initiative and judgement in the examination according to the needs of the individual patients.

Places of Employment
Hospitals

High School/General Preparation
High School diploma required

Special Education and Training
After a degree in radiology technology there is special training in ultrasonography equipment and techniques.

Schools
Oregon Institute of Technology
www.oit.edu/mit
www.oit.edu

Portland Community College
www.pcc.edu/pcc/pro/progs/son/default.htm
www.pcc.edu

Licensure, Certification, and Registration
Oregon Board of Radiologic Technology
www.obrt.state.or.us

Professional Organizations
American Registry of Radiology Technologists
www.arrt.org

Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
www.sdms.org

American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
www.ardms.org

American Registry of Radiology Technologists
www.arrt.org

© Copyright 2002 Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems