Required Duties

• While the scan is taking place, an ultrasonographer inspects the screen for signs of unhealthy areas. Then, he selects the images that are most suitable for diagnostic purposes and presents them to the doctor. Additionally, an ultrasonographer is responsible for updating patient records and sanitizing equipment and may also be in charge of designing work schedules or managing a diagnostic imaging department.
  
  

Training Program Requirements

• The road to a career in ultrasonography is a variable one, as applicants have the option to pursue training in a hospital, vocational-technical institution, college or university or even the Armed Forces. Some training programs prefer that their applicants have experience in a related health profession, or at the very least, a strong aptitude for science. Most programs, however, will consider high school graduates with a liberal arts education that includes math and science courses.
  
  

College Education

• Colleges and universities offer 2- or 4-year programs that award an associate or bachelor's degree, respectively. Two-year programs tend to be the most popular option, with coursework relating to anatomy, physiology, basic physics and medical ethics.
  
  

Licensure

• Although a license is not required in order to practice diagnostic medical sonography, the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) offers registration to those who pass an examination in basic physics and instrumentation, as well as an examination that tests knowledge in a specialty, such as abdominal or neurosonography. As of 2005, the ARDMS only considers those holding an associate or higher degree for registration. Furthermore, in order to maintain their registration, ultrasonographers must fulfill 30 hours of continuing education every 3 years to stay up to date on technological advancements.
  
  

Necessary Skills

• On top of the required education, prospective ultrasonographers must possess strong communication skills, as it is necessary for them to explain details of the procedure and results to their patients in a clear and composed manner. It is also imperative an ultrasonographer be well-versed in mathematics and science, as they must execute related calculations in analyses for diagnosis.