Program Options

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Similarities

Both professions require individuals to be properly educated, detail oriented, and have a desire to work in a direct patient care field. Each of the two fields produce diagnostic images that are interpreted by a qualified physician to assist the patient in acquiring an accurate diagnosis.

Job Titles

Sonographer
Ultrasound Technologist

Radiographer
Radiologic Technologist

Roles

Sonography images from the unborn to the geriatric; head to toe using high frequency sound waves to produce images of internal anatomical structures.

Sonographers are responsible for performing the examination, optimizing image quality, assessing the image, and generating a worksheet to describe the examination findings to assist the interpreting physician in making the final diagnosis and report.

Diagnostic radiographic images, Computed Tomography, Mammography, Cardiac Catheterization, Special Procedures and Bone Densitometry images are produced utilizing ionizing radiation. The images may evaluate bony anatomy and/or internal organs.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging utilizes a magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to produce diagnostic images.

Radiation Therapy employs radiation to treat malignancies of many parts of the body.

Radiographers and individuals credentialed in specialty areas are responsible for acquiring quality images or administering treatment with great attention to radiation protection practices for the patient and the public.

Specialty Areas

Abdominal
Breast
Gynecology
Obstetrics
Thyroid
Urology
Vascular

Computed Tomography (CT)
Nuclear Medicine
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Mammography
Cardiac Catheterization
Mammography
Special Procedures
Bone Densitometry
Radiation Therapy

Employment Opportunities

Sonography specialties and areas in which sonographers can be employed include, but not limited to:

• General Sonography departments in a hospital or out-patient imaging center (abdominal, thyroid, pelvis, OB, vascular)
• Mobile Imaging
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Pediatric Hospital
• Perinatology centers
• Urology office
• Vascular surgeon offices
• Women’s Imaging Centers

Medical Imaging professionals have many employment opportunities that include:

• Medical Imaging (Radiology) departments in a hospital
• Out-patient Imaging Centers
• Mobile Imaging
• Pediatric Hospital
• Pain Management Clinics
• Urology office
• Women’s Imaging Centers
• Cancer Treatment Centers

Professional Societies/National Credentialing Organization

SDMS
AIUM
ARDMS
ARRT(S)

ASRT
ARRT

Program Accreditation Information

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS)

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)