Diagnostic Medical Sonographers - 29-2032.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians.

DOT Titles Included in this O*NET-SOC Code

  • Ultrasound Technologist

Sample of Occupations in this SOC Family

29-2011.00 Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
29-2012.00 Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
29-2021.00 Dental Hygienists
29-2031.00 Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
29-2032.00 Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
29-2033.00 Nuclear Medicine Technologists
29-2034.00 Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
29-2034.01 Radiologic Technologists
29-2034.02 Radiologic Technicians
29-2041.00 Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
29-2051.00 Dietetic Technicians
29-2052.00 Pharmacy Technicians
29-2053.00 Psychiatric Technicians
29-2054.00 Respiratory Therapy Technicians
29-2055.00 Surgical Technologists
29-2056.00 Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
29-2061.00 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
29-2071.00 Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
29-2081.00 Opticians, Dispensing
29-2091.00 Orthotists and Prosthetists
29-2099.99 Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

Related Occupations

No information available.

Tasks

  • Clean, check and maintain sonographic equipment, submitting maintenance requests or performing minor repairs as necessary.
  • Coordinate work with physicians and other health care 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 and information from physical examinations.
  • Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape and composition of blood, organs, tissues and bodily masses such as fluid accumulations.
  • Perform clerical duties such as scheduling exams and special procedures, keeping records and archiving computerized images.
  • Perform legal and ethical duties including preparing safety and accident reports, obtaining written consent from patient to perform invasive procedures, and reporting symptoms of abuse and neglect.
  • Perform medical procedures such as administering oxygen, inserting and removing airways, taking vital signs, and giving emergency treatment, such as first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
  • Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring them to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning them 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 and train students and 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