Have you ever wondered how ultrasound reports are prepared? Sonographers are the professionals who prepare them. They use equipment that produces high-frequency sound waves. When these waves strike internal organs and bounce back, they are recorded and used to create medical reports. This way, sonographers help doctors to properly diagnose a patient and identify the respective disease or health problem.
Sonographers play a crucial role in the healthcare sector and there are a lot of bright career opportunities in this domain. However, you need to complete the BSc Sonography program from a reputable college to get a job at a good health facility. A lot of students are confused about how to become certified medical sonographers. To eliminate this confusion, we have prepared a career guide for students. It will help them to understand the whole process. So, without any further delay, let’s check it out!
What Does A Sonographer Do?
The main work of sonographers revolves around visualizing pathology, physiology, and anatomy. They use an instrument known as a transducer. It is a device that acts both as a speaker and microphone. It produces sound waves. When the sonographer applies it to the required section of the body, these sound waves bounce back from the internal organ sending data to a computer for processing. This data is processed in the computer, images are generated and analyzed, and the sonographer prepares a report from it. They make reports in multiple formats, like print, video, etc.
Difference Between An Ultrasound Technician and A Sonographer
Most people are confused between the terms sonographer and ultrasound technician. There is a slight difference between the two. Sonographers have to complete additional training and get more certifications, compared to ultrasound technicians. However, the responsibilities and duties of both professionals are almost the same.
Benefits of Being A Sonographer
Sonographers get a handsome salary from the very beginning of their careers, and the growth opportunities are also good. In addition, they have job satisfaction that their work is helping the doctors to diagnose the health problems in patients. A career in sonography is different from a typical desk job. As you need to operate various instruments and devices, your body will always stay in movement, which keeps your health better. Like every allied health profile, being a sonographer you contribute to the betterment and physical well-being of society.
Educational Requirements For Becoming A Sonographer
There are multiple ways by which you can become a sonographer, according to which the required educational requirements vary. But the most common approach is completing a Bachelor of Science in Sonography from an accredited college of health and allied sciences. However, the program duration is shorter if the respective person is already working in the healthcare sector and wants to switch job profiles.
Key Things To Look For in A Sonography Program
Before enrolling in a sonography program, you should consider the things mentioned below for effective learning and the best career opportunities.
Specialization
There are multiple specializations in the sonography program including pediatric, vascular, abdomen, and more. So, you should choose one while keeping your interests and career goals in mind. It is good to confirm in advance whether or not the respective college is offering the specialization you want before enrolling.
Accreditation
The college that you are planning to join should be accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission. It provides you with security that the educational institute is genuine and reliable. Moreover, when you complete the educational program from an accredited institute, you get better career opportunities. By joining an accredited institute, you don’t need to worry about the authenticity of the respective college or university.
Admission Requirements
It is better to go through the admission requirements of the respective college in advance that you are planning to join. This way, you will be fully prepared and can avoid unpleasant surprises at the time of admission. You can check out the website of the respective allied health institute or directly make an inquiry phone call to know about the admission requirements. As different educational institutes have different admission requirements, you can compare multiple ones and decide on a college for which you complete the eligibility.
Curriculum
It is crucial to check the curriculum of the respective sonography program, before getting started with your education. The syllabus should be vast and consist of multiple topics. Also, check the description of the practical tasks because sonography is best learned by doing things practically and gaining hands-on experience. So, if the curriculum for the practical section touches a lot of topics, it will be beneficial for you as you will be able to gain more experience.
How To Become A Certified Sonographer?
To become a certified sonographer, you need to complete a 2 or 4-year educational program from a reputable institute of health and allied sciences. In addition, you should pass licensure assessments from the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC). This way, you can become a certified sonographer and give your career a boost.
How To Start Working As A Sonographer?
Sonographers have a lot of job opportunities across the country in various hospitals, clinics, and related medical facilities. In addition, you can check the AHPC website to get various opportunities in form of a job or internship as a sonographer.
Sonographers are required at almost every location, so you have a lot of options from which you can select when it comes to the job location. In short, you have the freedom of living in a metro city or any other place according to your convenience.
Conclusion
Sonography is a good option for those who are interested in an allied health career. After going through the points mentioned above, you should have a good idea about the roadmap that you need to follow to start a career in sonography. It is advised to do proper research and verifications before enrolling in a program. This way, you will be able to learn effectively and develop the skills that are required in the market. Afterward, you can start practicing and eventually become a professional sonographer.
