Ultrasonography, also called sonography, is a medical diagnostic process which makes use of high frequency sound waves or ultrasound in producing dynamic images of tissues, organs, and blood circulation in the body.
This procedure is often called as sonogram or also known as ultrasound scan. Sonographers are non-professional physicians but they usually work hand in hand with physicians and other medical doctors in treating patients. Moreover, there are specific types of sonographers called vascular technologists. They specialize in imaging and testing of the blood vessels in a human body. For those who are interested in sonography, the scope of work often encompasses the following:
• provide one-one-one care to various patients including healthy patients and severely ill patients
• use highly advanced machineries to produce and interpret images of a human body’s internal organs; these images are important for medical diagnosis done by physicians
• work as a valuable member of a health care team
• commit to a lifetime learning process to be able to maintain and expand knowledge and skills in the chosen profession
Furthermore, there are several specialization areas in the profession of sonography. These are:
• Abdomen – sonographers must evaluate all of the soft tissues, organs, and blood vessels
• Breast – they also deal with evaluation of breast abnormalities through diagnosis in mammography
• Obstetrics or Gynecology – they evaluate the reproductive system of women
• Echocardiography – they evaluate the anatomy and blood flow of the heart
• Vascular Technology – they evaluate and analyze the blood flow of abdominal and peripheral blood vessels
• Neurosonology – they evaluate the spinal cord and brain
• Ophthalmology – they evaluate the eye and its parts
Courses
Recognized universities and vocational schools can provide students educational courses in Sonography. Sonography students may further train in the area of Radiologic Technology. This can open career opportunities and prospects for those who aim to become sonographers. Authorized schools may offer certificate programs wherein the students must finish 6 months to 1 year study. Some of the specific studies may comprise the following courses:
• Physiology
• Clinical Practice
• Acoustic Physics
• Abdominal Sonography
• Obstetrics Sonography
• Anatomy
As for the degrees, there are different levels of study such as associate and bachelor degrees. For the associate degree course, it may take two years to complete the studies and training. Then, if a student aims to pursue a bachelor’s degree, it will take four years to complete the program.
