Medical Sonographers
(NOC 3216)
in All HealthMedical sonographers use ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of various parts of the body to help physicians monitor pregnancies and diagnose cardiac, ophthalmic, vascular, and other medical disorders. They work for clinics and hospitals. Medical sonographers who are supervisors or instructors are included in this group. Medical sonographers may specialize in abdominal, cardiac, cerebral, obstetrical and gynecological, ophthalmic, intraluminal or peripheral vascular sonography. They may also specialize in adult or pediatric echocardiography or neurosonology.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Health
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$63,794
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Health
Hourly Pay
$16.70
Minimum$26.60
Median$43.30
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,740
Minimum$43,853
Median$88,944
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Medical sonographers use ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of various parts of the body to help physicians monitor pregnancies and diagnose cardiac, ophthalmic, vascular, and other medical disorders. They work for clinics and hospitals. Medical sonographers who are supervisors or instructors are included in this group. Medical sonographers may specialize in abdominal, cardiac, cerebral, obstetrical and gynecological, ophthalmic, intraluminal or peripheral vascular sonography. They may also specialize in adult or pediatric echocardiography or neurosonology.
Job duties
Medical sonographers:
- Use ultrasound imaging equipment that transmits high frequency sound pulses through the body to produce images of those parts of the body requiring examination.
- Monitor examination by viewing images on video screen, to evaluate quality and consistency of diagnostic images, and adjust equipment as needed.
- Record, store, and process scanned images by using camera unit connected to ultrasound equipment.
- Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure patient safety and comfort.
- Prepare examination reports for physicians to help monitor pregnancies and diagnose cardiac, abdominal, ophthalmic, vascular, and other disorders.
- Do quality control checks on ultrasound equipment to make sure they work properly and complete minor repairs and adjustments as necessary.
- May supervise and train student and other medical sonographers.
Sample job titles
- diagnostic cardiac sonographer
- diagnostic ultrasound supervisor
- diagnostic ultrasound technician
- echocardiographer
- medical sonographer
- registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS)
- registered ultrasound technologist
- ultrasonography technologist
- ultrasound technician
Skills
- You should be interested in medicine and health. You must be able to deal with people in a mature, tactful, and professional way. You should also be comfortable working with instruments, apparatus, and technology. A background in science would be helpful.
Job requirements
- A three- to four-year program in diagnostic medical sonography or ultrasound technology or completion of a two- to three-year program in a related allied health field and a one-year post-diploma program in diagnostic medical sonography from an accredited institution are required.
- Registration with the Canadian Association of Registered Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Professionals and/or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is usually required by employers.
Other considerations
- While most people in these jobs work full-time, part-time and casual work arrangements are common. Membership in the Canadian Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is available but voluntary.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Health
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$61,972 median annual incomeCape Breton
N/ASouthern
N/ANorth Shore
N/AAnnapolis Valley
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Health care and social assistance
Public administration
Construction
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
35-44
25-34
45-54
15-24
Compared to: All Health
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$67,058 median annual incomeBachelor
$62,116 median annual incomeHigh school
N/ACompared to: All Health
College Diploma
$40,033 median annual incomeBachelor
$61,668 median annual incomeMedicine, Dentistry, Veterinary, Optometry
$81,191 median annual incomeHigh school
$24,829 median annual incomeMaster
$69,296 median annual incomeEducation & training
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students, under the supervision of physicians, to utilize medical ultrasound techniques to gather sonographic data used to diagnose a variety of conditions and diseases. They include courses in obtaining, reviewing, and integrating patient histories and data; patient instruction and care; anatomic, physiologic and pathologic data recording; sonographic data processing; sonography equipment operation; and professional standards and ethics.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional licence. A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to legally do this work.