Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Operating diagnostic sonographic equipment, producing diagnostic-quality images, and caring for patients directly overlap with civilian sonography work.
How to prepare: Ask a civilian sonography program to review your education and clinical records against its entry and completion requirements. Typical occupational entry is an associate’s degree or postsecondary certificate with clinical training; some states require licensure, and employers may require or prefer professional certification.
What the civilian work involves
- Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
- Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
- 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.
Civilian tools and software (examples)
- Patient medical record software