A career that is sometimes overlooked in healthcare (but is SO crucial) is that of a Sonographer (sometimes referred to as an Ultrasound Technician). So what exactly do they do? A Ultrasound Tech is a medical professionals who is trained to use specialized ultrasound equipment to create images of structures inside the human body. Unlike imaging technologies that use ionizing radiation, ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images in real time. And while many people immediately associate ultrasound with pregnancy, obstetrics is only one part of the profession.
Sonographers may perform examinations involving the abdomen, pelvis, reproductive system, blood vessels, heart and other structures of the body. The images they produce can help physicians monitor pregnancies and investigate or diagnose a wide range of medical conditions. Depending on their specialty and workplace, a sonographer’s day could include preparing patients for examinations, reviewing relevant medical information, positioning patients, operating ultrasound equipment, capturing and documenting images and communicating with other members of the team.
Attention to detail is incredibly important. Ultrasound imaging requires concentration, and sonographers need to recognize anatomy, identify the images required for a particular examination and make adjustments to obtain clear, diagnostically useful images. Sometimes relatively small details matter, so being observant, methodical and comfortable concentrating for extended periods can be a real strength. If you’re a detail-orientated person, this could be a good fit for you.
Problem-solving is another big part of the job. Human bodies don’t come with identical layouts, and every patient has different anatomy, mobility, medical history and circumstances. Obtaining the necessary images can require a sonographer to adjust positioning, equipment settings or scanning techniques. Being able to think critically, stay patient and adapt to the situation in front of you is incredibly valuable.
Of course, one of the questions prospective students often have is how much Ultrasound Technicians earn. Wages vary depending on province, employer, experience, specialty and working hours, but the national averages in Canada sit around $34.90 per hour at the lower end, $42.00 per hour as the median and $51.00 per hour at the top end. At a $42 hourly wage, someone working 40 hours per week for 52 weeks would earn approximately $87,000 per year before accounting for factors such as vacation, overtime or unpaid time.
Sonographers can work in a variety of healthcare environments, including hospitals, medical imaging clinics and other healthcare facilities. Over time, some people may also move into areas such as education, research, medical equipment sales or applications training.
For most people, becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer begins with formal education. You’ll want to find a program that combines academic learning with practical and clinical education because this is a profession where knowing the theory and being able to apply it are equally important. Students interested in the field should also understand the credentialing and regulatory requirements in the province where they hope to work.
Here at the Canadian College of Healthcare and Pharmaceutics, our team is hard at work on our new Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program that will be launching this fall. If you’re considering a career in Ultrasound, you can join our email interest list, and we’ll make sure to update you as soon as the program launches! Click here to join the list.