A diagnostic medical sonographer uses equipment to focus sound waves into a patient's body, where the sound echoes are converted into images a physician can use for diagnosis. A common use of sonography is ultrasound imaging to monitor pregnancy. Sonographers train in hospitals, vocational institutions and colleges and universities in one-, two- and four-year programs. You can choose the program right for you depending on your budget, available study time and desired skill level. For example, you can study for two years to obtain an associate's degree or for four years to obtain a bachelor's degree in medical sonography, or you can participate in a one-year diagnostic medical sonography certificate program at a vocational institution that prepares you to do basic medical sonography diagnostic exams. According to the United States Department of Labor, about 50,300 sonographers had jobs in 2008, the latest year for which statistics are available, and employment in this field is expected to rise by about 18 percent through 2018.
Instructions
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Go to the Medical Assistant Training Schools website to find sonographer training schools (see Resources).
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Browse the list of states to find yours or the one nearest you.
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Click on the state's link. You will see details about sonography schools and employment in that state, with links to schools where you can get training. Click on a school's link to get more information.
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Go to the Ultrasound Technician Schools website for ultrasound technician and sonography schools (see Resources).
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Type your ZIP code into the "ZIP Code" box and click on "Go," or click on the "Select a State" pull-down menu.
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View the list of schools providing sonography training in your area. Click on a school's link for more details.
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Go to the Radiology Schools website for sonography schools (see Resources).
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Click on "Ultrasound (Sonography) Schools," located under "School Directories."
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Browse the list of schools offering sonography training, which is sorted by state. Click on a school's link to request more information about its program.