Overview
Medical sonographers operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of various parts of the body to aid physicians in monitoring pregnancies and in diagnosing cardiac, ophthalmic, vascular and other medical disorders. They are employed in clinics and hospitals. Medical sonographers who are supervisors or instructors are included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Operate 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 make adjustments to equipment, as required
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 aid in the monitoring of pregnancies and the diagnosis of cardiac, abdominal, ophthalmic, vascular and other disorders
Perform quality control checks on ultrasound equipment to ensure proper operation and perform minor repairs and adjustments as required
May supervise and train students and other medical sonographers.
Medical sonographers may specialize in abdominal, cardiac, cerebral, obstetrical and gynaecological, ophthalmic, intraluminal or peripheral vascular sonography. They may also specialize in adult or pediatric echocardiography or neurosonology.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$66,739
$83,424
$98,023
Job openings
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Strong job outlook
British Columbia
215expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of 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 Sonography Canada and/or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is usually required by employers.
Additional information
- Membership in the Canadian Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is available but voluntary.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Medical sonographers in B.C.
- Registration with Sonography Canada
Registration with Sonography Canada
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To work as a medical sonographer in B.C., you must register with Sonography Canada. For those educated in Canada, eligibility is achieved by completing an accredited sonography program and successfully undergoing Sonography Canada examinations.
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