Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Is a Fast Growing Health Occupation
The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Handbook predicts that Diagnostic Medical Sonographer jobs are going to be one of the fastest growing health jobs over the next ten years (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos273.htm). As the largest industry in 2004, health care provided 13.5 million jobs, and diagnostic medical sonographers are in rising demand.
Sonographers train in hospitals, vocational-technical institutions, colleges and universities, and the Armed Forces. Many of these training programs can be found at Healthcareers.net. Colleges and universities offer formal training in both two- and four-year programs, culminating in an associate or a bachelor's degree. Two-year programs are most prevalent. Course work includes classes in anatomy, physiology, instrumentation, basic physics, patient care, and medical ethics.
Diagnostic imaging is a critical procedure that aids in diagnosing ailments. Diagnostic medical sonographers may specialize in gynecological sonography (the female reproductive system), abdominal sonography (the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen and pancreas), neurosonography (the brain), or breast sonography. Median annual earnings of diagnostic medical sonographers were $52,490 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $44,720 and $61,360 a year.
