University of Nebraska Medical Center

Sonographers are allied health professionals who, through the use of high-frequency sound waves, produce images of parts of the human body to help diagnose illness and disease.

The procedure is called a sonogram, or ultrasound. Though many people associate ultrasound with prenatal exams, it is used to evaluate other areas of the body as well, such as:

		the heart
		the abdomen
		the nervous system
		blood vessels
		eyes
		superficial body structures

For most ultrasound procedures, this is how it works:

		First, the sonographer explains the exam to the patient, answers any questions and puts the patient at ease. They also take a complete history of the patient's symptoms or illness to aid in interpretation of the exam.
		Next, the sonographer selects the appropriate equipment settings and instructs the patient to move into positions that will provide the best view.
		To perform the exam, the sonographer places an instrument called a transducer on the body, which transmits sound waves that cannot be heard.
		The sound waves pass through the body, sending back echoes as they bounce off of the area being examined.
		The echoes are directed back to computerized equipment where they are converted into visual images on a computer screen.
		The sonographer records a number of images to show to the sonologist, a physician specially trained to interpret these images.
		The sonographer reviews the patient history and the images with the doctor to look for abnormalities that will aid in the final report.

Is this career for you?

		Do you have a strong interest in health sciences?
		Are you into technology?
		Are you detail oriented?
		Do you enjoy working with people?
		Do you possess good manual dexterity and physical stamina?

If so, a career as a sonographer might be for you. These professionals rely on their technical expertise, knowledge of human anatomy, and the physical principles of ultrasound to help diagnose and treat diseases.

Since sonographers have a high degree of patient contact, they must be good communicators and enjoy working with people. Plus, they must also work cooperatively with other members of the healthcare team.

Sonographers should also possess good manual dexterity and physical stamina to operate equipment or turn disabled patients.

Want to know more?
Jump over to Day in the Life and spend a "virtual day" with a practicing sonographer.