Overview
In this career, your responsibilities may include:
- Operating diagnostic imaging equipment.
- Ensuring that images or test results are of sufficient quality and adequately cover areas required for accurate diagnosis.
- Reading and interpreting diagnostic information to summarize results for physicians.
- Regularly maintaining imaging equipment and preparing it for each use.
Job Titles
In your job search, you may find listings for this career under different titles. You can find some examples of these, as well as more information about this career, here and here.
Academic Requirements
Typically requires an associate or a bachelor’s degree, although some employers will accept a non-degree certificate.
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Certification
Certification is not required, but most employers prefer to hire candidates with a professional certification, as many insurance companies and Medicare will only pay for procedures performed by certified technicians. Certifications are available from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, Cardiovascular Credentialing International, and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
- Because certifications are so specific (i.e. breast sonography), many technicians hold more than one, which gives them a wider variety of professional opportunities.
Many employers also prefer to hire candidates with Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, which is available from a number of vendors and organizations.
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Licensure
Licensure of sonographers is currently required in only four states: New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Oregon. However, it is possible that more states will continue to pass licensure requirements in the coming years. Licensure is not required to work as a Cardiovascular Technologist.
Contact us with any questions you might have.