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New York Health Careers

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

What Do Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Do?

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (DMSs), also known as ultrasonographers or sonographers, use special equipment that directs high frequency sound waves into a patient’s body to collect images for interpretation by physicians to assess and diagnose various medical conditions (procedures commonly known as ultrasounds, sonograms, or echocardiograms).

This diagnostic medical procedure can be used to examine the abdomen, breasts, female reproductive system, prostate, heart, and blood vessels. Sonography is increasingly being used in the detection and treatment of heart disease, heart attack, and vascular disease that can lead to strokes. Specialization in gynecologic sonography, abdominal sonography, neurosonography, and ophthalmologic sonography is common in the profession.

Unlike x-rays, sonography is a radiation-free imaging modality. Although most ultrasound procedures are non-invasive, invasive ultrasound procedures are becoming more frequently used with the development of new technology.

For more information about DMSs, click here.

Where Do Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Work?

The majority of all DMSs are employed in hospitals. Some DMSs work in physicians’ offices and clinics, particularly diagnostic imaging centers and offices specializing in obstetrics. DMSs are also employed in medical and dental laboratories. Also, some DMSs work in federal or local government and offices of non-physician health practitioners and allied health professionals.

How Much Do Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Earn?

In 2022, the average annual income reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for diagnostic medical sonographers in the United States was $84,410. The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) reports that, in 2023, diagnostic medical sonographers in New York earned a median annual salary of $89,277 (diagnostic medial sonographers in the 25th percentile made approximately $74,705 while those in the 75th percentile made approximately $101,809).

Supply and Demand

As ultrasound technology evolves, it will become a more and more common method used to assist in diagnosing medical conditions, favored over more invasive procedures. As a result, the number of DMS jobs is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of jobs for diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians in the U.S. will increase by 10% between 2021 and 2031. The New York State Department of Labor projects that the number of jobs for diagnostic medical sonographers in the state will increase by 29% between 2020 and 2030.

For more information on the need for DMSs by New York State labor regions, 2018-2028, click here.

New York Educational Requirements

DMSs usually have an associate degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree and programs are available through colleges and universities. Some sonographers train in vocational-technical schools, hospital training programs, or the Armed Forces. Many employers prefer a degree or certificate from an accredited institute or hospital program. The accredited programs usually follow a specific course of study and include clinical training. Course work may include classes in anatomy, physiology, instrumentation, basic physics, mathematics, patient care, and medical ethics. These programs also include courses in medical terminology and interpreting sonographic images.

New York Licensure Requirements

New York does not require DMSs to be licensed. Individuals wishing to demonstrate proficiency in their occupation may receive certification through national organizations such as the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), http://www.ardms.org. ARDMS certification is also available in specialty areas within sonography.

Financial Support

Although specialized scholarships for diagnostic medical sonographers are not widely available, students seeking an education in sonography can apply for financial aid through a number of state and Federal aid programs.  More information about student aid is available at: www.https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/apply-for-financial-aid/apply-for-aid-start-here.

Education Programs in New York (subject to change)

Hudson Valley Community College
80 Vanderburgh Avenue
Troy, NY 12180
(518) 629-4822
Long Island University
Brooklyn Campus
1 University Plaza
Brooklyn, New York 11201
(718) 488-1011
Rochester Institute of Technology
One Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, NY 14623
(585) 475-2411
SUNY Downstate
College of Health Related Professions
450 Clarkson Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11203
(718) 270-1000
Western Suffolk BOCES
152 Laurel Hill Rd
Northport, NY 11768
(631) 261-3600
Trocaire College
360 Choate Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14220
(716) 826-1200
SUNY Upstate Medical University
College of Health Professions
750 East Adams St
Syracuse, NY 13210
(315) 464-5540
Hunter Business School
Suffolk Campus
3247 Route 112
Medford, NY 11763
(631) 736-7360
Center for Allied Health Education
1401 Kings Highway
Brooklyn, NY 11229
(718) 645-3500
Alfred State College of Tech
10 Upper College Dr
Alfred, NY  14802
(800) 425-3733
NY Medical Career Training Center
36-09 Main Street
Flushing, NY 11354
(718)460-1717
The CURE Center
for Ultrasound Research & Education
333 Westchester Ave
White Plains, NY 10604
(855) 843-2873

Additional Web Links

For more information on medical sonographers, go to the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography website at: http://www.sdms.org/.

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