Diagnostic Medical Sonography

A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer receives specialized training to work with high-frequency sound waves that produce images of soft-tissue structures within the body. The individual provides patient service in a variety of medical settings in which a physician is responsible for the use and interpretation of sonographic procedures.

By assisting physicians in gathering sonographic data, the sonographer is able to obtain, review and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate diagnostic results.

A sonographer also performs appropriate procedures to record anatomical, pathological and physiologic data.

A graduate of the program is prepared to work in the area of general (defined as abdomen, obstetric, gynecologic, superficial parts, and other appropriate areas) diagnostic medical sonography. Employment may be found in hospitals, clinics, and private offices.  In 2008, the average starting salary for a diagnostic medical sonographer was $43,600 according to the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). With experience a sonographer may advance into the areas of education, management, research and/or marketing.

ARDMS rules indicate that ARDMS may take action against an applicant, candidate or registrant in the case of conviction, plea of guilty or plea of nolo contendere to any crime. If you are presently charged with, or been convicted or found guilty of or plead nolo contendere to any crime (felony and/or misdemeanor), other than a speeding or parking violation, you may have questions concerning this rule and may wish to obtain clarification as to how it pertains to your circumstances. ARDMS conducts a "pre-application review," for a $125 non-refundable fee, for individuals who wish to determine the impact of a previous criminal matter on their eligibility to apply for ARDMS certification. The pre-application review process is recommended for individuals who have not yet applied for examination and are contemplating employment in the field of sonography and/or enrollment in a sonography program. Go online at www.ardms.org for details on the pre-application review process.

Accreditation:

"The Abdomen-Extended and Obstetrics & Gynecology DMS Program at Houston Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS)."

Program Effectiveness Data

There are 1,121 Diagnostic Medical Sonographers employed in the Greater Houston Area. This number is expected to increase by 23.4% over the next four years.

• The estimated annual job openings is 90 jobs a year.
• Median Wages - $33.00 hourly, $69,000 annuall