Diagnostic Medical Sonography at a Glance

image of diagnostic medical sonographers viewing a sonogram

What does a diagnostic medical sonographer do?

Performs sonographic exams using high-frequency sound waves to visualize internal organs
Uses specialized ultrasound equipment, helps decide which images to use, summarizes technical findings and coordinates work with physicians and other health-care team members
Has direct and extensive patient contact
Creates sonographic images used by physicians to make a medical diagnosis

What is the career outlook?

Excellent job opportunities, with multiple specialties or credentials most in demand and best paid
Most jobs in hospitals and clinics, but procedures increasingly performed in outpatient settings
40-hour workweek typical for full-time sonographers, but may include evening, weekend or on-call hours, as well as reporting to work on short notice
In Texas: 52 percent job growth projected through 2020; median salaries $30.81 per hour or $64,070annually*
Dallas County: median salaries $31.83 per hour or $66,210 annually*

Statistics are included only as guidelines and will vary with fluctuations in the economy and job market. More specific local hiring and salary information can be obtained at college information sessions.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography program

Awards and coursework	El Centro	Credit hours	Continuing Education contact hours
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate in Applied Sciences Degree	X	72
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Advanced Technical Certificate	X	44
Although licensure is not required to work as a diagnostic medical sonographer in the state of Texas, many employers may require sonographers to be registered by successful completion of the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) examination. For more information, visit the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers website.

Measures of effectiveness

El Centro

Licensure exam pass rates for students attending**

Licensure/Certification through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

100%

Employment rates for graduates***

92.31%

Who can help me decide which health science career is right for me?

Contact the Health Careers Resource Center.

What more do I need to know?

Acceptance to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is by a competitive selection process based on a weighted point system
Learn more about Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

*America’s Career Infonet 2011 data for diagnostic medical sonographers
**Licensure Data Reporting System from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board 2009-2010
***Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Perkins 2009-2010