Rising Demand for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Diagnostic medical sonographers use ultrasound equipment to diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions. Ultrasound equipment emits high frequency sound waves into a person’s body, providing an image of the tissue and organs inside.
Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is growing faster than the average for all occupations*, so career opportunities in diagnostic medical sonography may offer a chance to transition into the healthcare industry.
Growth of the Elderly Population
With advancements in medical technology, the life expectancy of humans continues to grow. This is one major reason that most countries across the globe are experiencing population aging, which is when the median age of a country or region rises.
As the population of elderly people increases, there are simply more and more patients to treat, keeping diagnostic medical sonographers and other healthcare workers in demand.
Preferred to Other Imaging Methods
Sonography is a widely popular method of medical imaging because of its inherent safety. Unlike x-ray, CT, and other imaging methods, ultrasound does not introduce harmful radiation to the body. Ultrasonic image is especially preferred in sensitive situations such as with pregnant patients.
The ultrasound equipment that diagnostic medical sonographers use is less complex than other imaging technology. This makes the machines less expensive for physicians and the procedures less expensive for patients.
Advancements in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Not only is diagnostic medical sonography already a safe and cost-effective imaging method, but the technology is also expected to rapidly evolve in coming years. Diagnostic medical sonographers may be able to image parts of the body where ultrasound imaging is less than ideal. This will further boost popularity of ultrasonic imaging.
Even today, ultrasound machines have been developed that are smaller than ever possible before. Diagnostic medical sonographers now have access to portable units as small as laptop computers. The majority of diagnostic medical sonographers are employed at hospitals, but accessibility to low-cost portable ultrasound equipment has led to a growing number of career opportunities at clinics and diagnostic laboratories.
This growing use of ultrasound technology is keeping diagnostic medical sonographers in high demand. Find a diagnostic medical sonography program near you to learn more about these great career opportunities.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos273.htm (visited April 24, 2011). This is a national estimate and conditions in your location may vary.
