Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

A variety of work settings exist for sonographers, from health maintenance organizations to mobile imaging centers to clinical research labs. In health care settings, diagnostic medical sonographers may work in departments of obstetrics/gynecology, cardiology, neurology, and others.

Sonographers enjoy a workplace that is clean, indoors, well lit, quiet, and professional. Most sonographers work at one location, although mobile imaging sonographers and sales representatives can expect a considerable amount of travel.

The typical sonographer is constantly busy, seeing as many as 25 patients in the course of an eight-hour day. Overtime may also be required by some employers. The types of examinations vary by institution, but typically include fetal ultrasounds, gynecological (i.e., uterus, ovaries), and abdominal (i.e., gallbladder, liver, and kidney) tests. Prospective sonographers should be aware of the occasionally repetitive nature of the job and the long hours usually spent standing. Daily duties may be both physically and mentally taxing. Although not exposed to harmful radiation, sonographers may nevertheless be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous materials from invasive procedures. Universal safety standards exist to ensure the safety of the sonographer.

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that 76 percent of diagnostic medical sonographers were women. This percentage is significantly higher than their representation in other health care careers.