During a time of economic uncertainty, medical sonography is one field that is continuing to grow. Many radiological procedures have been replaced with sonography causing an increase in job opportunities. A sonography degree can be a powerful tool in helping you to secure stable, well-paying employment.

Colleges and universities across the country offer two-year and four-year degree programs, through which students can earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. There are some one-year programs to achieve a vocational certificate. However, a sonography degree will increase your career options in the field.

Due to technological advances, sonograms are quickly becoming one of the most widely used diagnostic tools for everything from heart disease to evaluating breast abnormalities found in mammograms. Sonography is radiation-free making it a safer alternative to standard x-rays. This is positive news for you as a potential sonographer, because the burgeoning field is forecasted to continue its growth for years to come.

Over 150 colleges, universities, and even some hospitals, have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs to offer medical sonography degree programs. Two-year programs are far more common, yet four-year degrees are an option. In addition to taking regular courses, you can choose to study a specialty. Areas include the abdomen sonography, breast sonography, obstetrics and gynecology, echocardiography, vascular technology, neurosonology, and ophthalmology.

Most sonographers work in clinics, hospitals, physicians’ offices, public health venues, laboratories, or other medical facilities. However, opportunities exist for those interested in working with mobile providers using mobile diagnostic imaging equipment, in supervisory or management positions, in research and education, administration, commercial companies, as sales representatives, and more.

In both two-year and four-year degree programs, you will take courses in anatomy, physiology, scanning techniques, medical terminology, sonographic imaging, medical technology, pathophysiology, ultrasound, basic physics, patient care, and medical ethics.

Though degree options vary and include associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Cardiovascular Sonography, general Allied Health, Ultrasound Technologies, and much more, every student must take courses to develop general skills.

You will also be required to fulfill clinical education standards, including clinical rotations, ideally set by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This will enable you to apply the skills you learn in the classroom in patient care settings.

You will need to demonstrate that you can obtain accurate, patient health histories, help patients on and off of a table, interact with patients in a compassionate manner, work sonography technology, view sonograms and distinguish different colors, perform diagnostic procedures, obtain quality diagnostic images, communicate the technical findings to physicians and nurses, and collaborate with a team of health care professionals. This may sound daunting, but degree programs are aimed at developing your technical, interpersonal, problem solving and critical thinking, examination, patient history recording, and data reporting skills.

Sonography requires the effective use of highly technical equipment. As a result, employers are looking for individuals who are trained and skilled. Though some institutions accept degrees in a related allied health field, a sonography degree is preferred.

It is important to ensure that any program you enter is accredited and reputable. Sonography degree programs should meet the minimum educational curriculum and clinical training standards recommended by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Obtaining a sonography degree from an institution of high-standing will also make you eligible for certification.

Upon graduating from a sonography degree program, there are several organizations through which you can acquire your certification. Depending on the organization, you may have to complete a certain amount of clinical or work experience prior to taking an examination. After passing the examination in general sonography, or a specialty area, you will be certified as a registered medical sonographer. However, the first step is obtaining a sonography degree, which will give you access to a wide range of opportunities in the field.