What Do They Do?
What Do They Do?
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, or sonographers, use high frequency sound waves to capture images for physicians to diagnose medical conditions. This radiation free procedure, known as ultrasound or sonography, examines areas like the abdomen, heart, and blood vessels and is increasingly used for heart and vascular disease diagnosis. Specializations include gynecologic, abdominal, neuro, and ophthalmologic sonography. Though mostly non invasive, invasive procedures are becoming more common with advancing technology.
Where Do They Work?
Where Do They Work?
Most Diagnostic Medical Sonographers work in hospitals, while others are employed in physicians’ offices, clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, and obstetrics. Some also work in labs, government, and offices of allied health professionals.
How Much Do They Earn?
How Much Do They Earn?
Median annual salary: $99,760
Entry-level annual salary: $77,838
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Searchable Wage Database: https://dol.ny.gov/occupational-wages-0
Supply and Demand
Supply and Demand
Diagnostic medical sonographers are expected to grow statewide by 27% between 2022 and 2032, with 696 average annual openings.
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Employment Projections: https://dol.ny.gov/employment-projections
Educational Requirements
Educational Requirements
Diagnostic medical sonographers typically hold an associate or bachelor’s degree from colleges or universities, though some train in vocational schools, hospitals, or the Armed Forces. Employers often prefer graduates from accredited programs, which include clinical training and coursework in anatomy, physiology, physics, patient care, medical ethics, and sonographic image interpretation. One year certificates programs are available for individuals already trained in another health care field.
Licensure Requirements
Licensure Requirements
New York does not require diagnostic medical sonographers to be licensed, but individuals can obtain certification through national organizations. Certification is also available in specialty areas within sonography.
Financial Support
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.
Education Programs
Education Programs
| Institution | Degree | City/Town | Region | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Western Suffolk BOCES | Certificate | Northport | Long Island | Visit |
Trocaire College | Certificate | Buffalo | Western NY | Visit |
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University | BS | Brooklyn | New York City | Visit |
School of Diagnostic Medical Sonagraphy at Northwell Health | Certificate | Lake Success | Long Island | Visit |
Rochester Institute of Technology | BS | Rochester | Finger Lakes | Visit |
Monroe University | AAS | Bronx | New York City | Visit |
Hudson Valley Community College | Certificate | Troy | Capital Region | Visit |
Hunter Business School | Diploma | Levittown | Long Island | Visit |
Center for Allied Health Education | Certificate | Brooklyn | New York City | Visit |