Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Amelie Landry prof Evans English 102-2WA 20 March 2012 Diagnostic Imaging A phonate Cargoner in Sonography One of the main reasons for choosing a healthcare career in todays society, aside from the basic need for a egotism sustaining income, is the opportunity to make differences in peoples lives. With the demand for healthcare professionals and alternative medicines on the rise, so is the need for adequately educated trained personnel. Diagnostic medical interrogationination Sonography is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to radiologic procedures such as x-ray and magnetic sonorousness imaging (MRI).Accounting for approximately 50,300 jobs in the join States in 2008, compared to the 214,000 jobs held by radiologic technicians, according to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Sonography is a sm both yet rapidly growing field. In diagnostic imaging, at that place are several procedures that aid doctors in the diagnoses of ailments in uncomplainings. Radiology , commonly cognize as x ray, uses radiation to produce a picture on a film. Another common imaging method is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses giant magnets and radio waves to create an image.However, sonography uses sound waves to consecrate an image. Through the use of special equipment and computers, diagnostic medical sonographers direct tall frequency sound waves into parts of a patients clay through a wand cal take a transducer. The transducer sends and receives reflected echoes of sound, much like a dolphin uses echo-location (Merton). The initial responsibility of a sonographer is to explain the procedure to the patient and obtain any additional medical history relevant to the exam.During the exam a sonographer determines which sonogram images are of the best quality and documents any anomalous findings. Elizabeth Jackson, a graduate of diagnostic medical sonography, states There is a antithetic spectrum of anatomy a sonographer looks at every day which mak es it essential that they get it on what they are looking at, what to look for, and what pathology looks like in order to give what they see to the Radiologist to make an accurate diagnosis. Interpersonal skills and communications are vital to the success of the diagnostic process.Detailed oriented individuals with biological science and mathematic backgrounds contri simplye to the field of sonography. The increasing demand for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applied science promises an exceptional outlook for sonographers. The majority of diagnostic medical sonographers are occupied by hospitals, but accessibility to low- equal portable ultrasound equipment has led to a growing number of career opportunities at clinics and diagnostic centers (Rising nurture for Diagnostic aesculapian Sonographers).They now have access to portable units as small as laptop computers making commuting from hospital bedsides to clinical practices easier. Since some sonographers make their ow n schedules through contracts with clinics, these portable units make locomotion much more convenient. Less means more in ground of health risks. Unlike some imaging methods, sonography doesnt involve radiation, calumniatory side effects, nor complications from repeated exposure for both patient and sonographer.Although, due to repetitive movements they are unfortunately prone to musculoskeletal pains. In a report, stump spud and Russo show In Figure 1 an illustration of the anatomical sites of rawness reported by sonographers, showing that higher numbers of respondents experienced innervation in the shoulder, neck, low back, wrist and hand/fingers. A sonographer must take to moderate pressure on areas of a patients automobile trunk in order to get an accurate reading with the transducer. These ergonomic issues abstract when sonographers are unaware of their body mechanics.Fortunately, there are strategies that influence a better working environment. After evaluating the risks associated with becoming a Registered Diagnostic medical examination Sonographer some might find the monetary compensation, and the cost associated with obtaining the education comforting. The U. S Bureau of Labor Statistics also suggests, the middle fifty percent of sonographers pull in between $52,570 and $73,680 in 2008. The earning potential of a sonographer is highly dependent upon their take of education.Post secondary education is a must, therefore program or college knowledge can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $30,000 depending upon the level of program chosen (What It Costs). The cost of obtaining a bachelors degree in diagnostic medical sonography equates to roughly half of an annual salary. Before entering the world of sonography, an individual must first decide which learning path is right for them. The educational jaunt for a sonographer may vary from one to four years depending upon the documentation or degree completed.The typical educational path takes a pproximately ii years (United States). The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography(ARDMS) recommends that a student attend programs governed by The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health educational activity Programs (CAAHP), considering the accreditation is a requirement for taking national registry exams. Prior to price of admission into a sonography program, the applicant must at least have a high school diploma or GED.Individual schools have different criteria for entry into their program. For example, Delgado Community College requires one of three things an associates degree, a bachelors degree or successful completion of their Radiologic Technology program. Hospitals may also offer a vocational program. Its an acronym jungle for the potential sonographer. Upon successfully completing an commissioned sonography program, a student has up to five years to carry out and take their national registry exam.Once the applicant has been accepted as a chance by the American of Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), he or she has only ninety days to actually take their exam. A candidate who successfully completes their exam earns the credentials of a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS), or a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT). These credentials are dependent upon a graduates specific choice of modality in the field (Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography).With technological advances leading to improved diagnostic capabilities, learning for a sonographer is perpetual. According to the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, continuing education units are required to maintain their registered title. The ARDMS also mandates a minimum of thirty continuing education credits (CEs) within a three year period from an accredited teaching facility. Failure of the sonographer in completing the CE requirements usually results in a temporary impairment of their credentials and a fine assessed in addition to the regular payment of renewal.So when doing research for a specific healthcare career, careful consideration of all variables is a must. With the growing demand for more outpatient diagnostic imaging sites and a alternative innovations, a sonographer can expect a variety of battle opportunities. It may be a toilsome path for some to walk, but the reward in assisting physicians to make a difference in peoples lives may be all it takes to obtain a sound career in diagnostic medical sonography.