Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Although it is impossible for you to gain direct experience in sonography without proper education and certification, you can gain insight into duties and responsibilities by speaking directly to an experienced sonographer. Ask your school counselor or health teacher to help arrange an interview, or contact health and/or sonography organizations to ask for interview leads. Suggested interview questions include: What made you want to enter this career? What do you like most and least about your job? How did you train for this field? What advice would you give to young people about preparing for the field and being successful on the job? How will advances in technology change your career?

Additionally, you can visit a hospital, health maintenance organization, or other locations to view the equipment and facilities used and to watch professionals at work. You may also consider contacting teachers at schools of diagnostic medical sonography or touring their educational facilities. School counselors or science teachers may also be able to arrange a presentation by a sonographer.

Participate in competitions that are offered by SkillsUSA (https://www.skillsusa.org) and other organizations to build your skills and vie for scholarships and cash prizes. Some of the SkillsUSA competitions that will be of interest to aspiring sonographers include Medical Math, Medical Terminology, and Health Occupations Professional Portfolio. Consider joining HOSA-Future Health Professionals, a national membership organization for high school and college students who are interested in pursuing careers in health care. HOSA offers competitions for aspiring medical professionals.