Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Amelie Landry Professor Evans English 102-2WA 20 March 2012 symptomatic image A Sound Cargoner in Sonography One of the master(prenominal) reasons for choosing a healthcare career in todays society, aside from the basic ca-ca on for a self sustaining income, is the opportunity to make struggles in peoples lives. With the demand for healthcare professionals and alternate(a) medicines on the rise, so is the need for adequately educated skilful personnel. Diagnostic medical exam Sonography is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to radiologic procedures such as x-ray and magnetic resonance image (MRI).Accounting for to a greater extent or less 50,300 jobs in the United States in 2008, compared to the 214,000 jobs held by radiologic technicians, according to the U. S. Bureau of grasp Statistics. Sonography is a small yet rapidly growing field. In diagnostic imaging, there are several procedures that aid doctors in the diagnoses of ailments in unhurrieds. Radiology , commonly known as x ray, uses radiation to produce a picture on a film. Another common imaging rule is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses giant magnets and radio waves to create an image.However, sonography uses fundamental waves to generate an image. Through the use of special equipment and computers, diagnostic checkup examination sonographers direct high frequency sound waves into parts of a longanimouss body through a wand called a transducer. The transducer sends and receives reflected echoes of sound, oftentimes like a dolphin uses echo-location (Merton). The initial responsibility of a sonographer is to inform the procedure to the patient role and obtain any growthal medical memorial relevant to the exam.During the exam a sonographer determines which sonogram images are of the best tonicity and documents any abnormal findings. Elizabeth Jackson, a graduate of diagnostic medical sonography, states in that respect is a diverse spectrum of anatomy a sono grapher looks at every day which makes it essential that they know what they are looking at, what to look for, and what passagewayology looks like in order to convey what they see to the Radiologist to make an accurate diagnosis. social skills and communications are vital to the success of the diagnostic process.Detailed oriented individuals with biologic science and mathematic backgrounds contribute to the field of sonography. The increasing demand for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology promises an exceptional outlook for sonographers. The majority of diagnostic medical sonographers are employed by hospitals, but advanceibility to low- cost movable ultrasound equipment has led to a growing number of career opportunities at clinics and diagnostic centers (Rising Demand for Diagnostic aesculapian Sonographers).They now have access to takeout units as small as laptop computers making commute from hospital bedsides to clinical practices easier. Since some sonographe rs make their own schedules through contracts with clinics, these portable units make traveling much more convenient. Less means more in terms of health risks. Unlike some imaging methods, sonography doesnt involve radiation, harmful 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, Murphy and Russo show In Figure 1 an case of the anatomical sites of discomfort reported by sonographers, showing that higher numbers racket of respondents experienced discomfort in the shoulder, neck, low back, wrist and hand/fingers. A sonographer must apply moderate pressure on areas of a patients body in order to get an accurate learning with the transducer. These ergonomic issues arise when sonographers are unaware of their body mechanics.Fortunately, there are strategies that influence a better working environment. After evaluating the risks associated w ith becoming a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer some might find the monetary compensation, and the cost associated with obtaining the education comforting. The U. S Bureau of Labor Statistics too suggests, the middle cubic decimeter percent of sonographers earned between $52,570 and $73,680 in 2008. The earning potential of a sonographer is extremely dependent upon their level of education.Post secondary education is a must, therefore program or college tuition 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 about half of an annual salary. Before entering the knowledge domain of sonography, an individual must first decide which learning row is near for them. The educational journey for a sonographer may vary from one to intravenous feeding years depending upon the certificate or degree completed.The typical educational path take s approximately two years (United States). The American cash register for Diagnostic Medical Sonography(ARDMS) recommends that a student attend programs governed by The Commission on Accreditation of affiliate Health Education Programs (CAAHP), considering the accreditation is a requirement for taking national registry exams. Prior to 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 accredited sonography program, a student has up to quintette years to apply and take their national registry exam.Once the applicant has been sure as a candidate 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 plectrum of modality in the field (Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography).With technological advances leading(p) 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 take note their registered title. The ARDMS also mandates a minimum of thirty continuing education credit (CEs) within a three year period from an accredited tenet facility. Failure of the sonographer in completing the CE requirements usually results in a temporary loss of their credentia ls and a fine assessed in addition to the regular fee of renewal.So when doing research for a specific healthcare career, too-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 employment 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.