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Diagnostic Medical Sonographers - 29-2032.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Sonographer
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
  • Ultrasonographer
  • Ultrasound Technologist
  • Ultrasound Technician
  • Registered Diagnonstic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
  • Cardiac Sonographer
  • Cardiac/Vascular Sonographer
  • Echo Tech (Echocardiographic Technician)
  • Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Clean, check, and maintain sonographic equipment, submitting maintenance requests or performing minor repairs as necessary.
  • Coordinate work with physicians or other healthcare team members, including providing assistance during invasive procedures.
  • Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.
  • Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.
  • Load and unload film cassettes used to record images from procedures.
  • Maintain records that include patient information, sonographs and interpretations, files of correspondence, publications and regulations, or quality assurance records, such as pathology, biopsy, or post-operative reports.
  • Maintain stock and supplies, preparing supplies for special examinations and ordering supplies when necessary.
  • Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
  • Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
  • Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations.
  • Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.
  • Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling exams or special procedures, keeping records, or archiving computerized images.
  • Perform legal and ethical duties, including preparing safety or accident reports, obtaining written consent from patient to perform invasive procedures, or reporting symptoms of abuse or neglect.
  • Perform medical procedures, such as administering oxygen, inserting and removing airways, taking vital signs, or giving emergency treatment, such as first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
  • Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly.
  • Process and code film from procedures and complete appropriate documentation.
  • Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
  • Record and store suitable images, using camera unit connected to the ultrasound equipment.
  • Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.
  • Supervise or train students or other medical sonographers.

Detailed Work Activities

  • analyze medical data
  • collect clinical data
  • communicate technical information
  • explain testing procedures to patient
  • follow dental or medical office procedures
  • follow infectious materials procedures
  • follow patient observation procedures
  • identify body response variations
  • inventory medical supplies or instruments
  • lift or transport ill or injured patients
  • make presentations on health or medical issues
  • observe patient condition
  • operate ultrasound equipment
  • perform noninvasive medical diagnostic techniques
  • prepare patient reports
  • prepare patients for tests, therapy, or treatments
  • record medical history or data
  • take vital signs
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use clinical sterilizing technique
  • use emergency medical procedures
  • use hazardous materials information
  • use interpersonal communication techniques
  • use knowledge of medical terminology
  • use medical diagnostic equipment
  • use quality assurance techniques
  • use sanitation practices in health care settings

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Advanced X-Ray Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Apprentice, Ultrasound (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Craftsman, Ultrasound (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Helper, Ultrasound (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Journeyman, Ultrasound (Air Force - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Ultrasound Technologist