| Ultrasound is one of several imaging technologies used | | | | in infants, seeking evidence of a stroke in children born |
| in medicine. X-ray machines use radiation, while CT | | | | with sickle cell anemia. The equipment for |
| and MRI scanners use radio waves. The third form of | | | | neurosonography uses a frequency and "beam shape" |
| technology is ultrasound, or sonography. Becoming a | | | | that differs from those used by sonographers working |
| sonographer is the first step in the career, but many in | | | | with the abdominal cavity. |
| the field specialize. Here are five steps that you can | | | | - You can opt to specialize in breast sonography. This |
| take along your path to an ultrasound career. | | | | technology complements the X-ray exams used in |
| - You can choose the best known sonography | | | | mammograms to detect tumors or growths in the |
| specialty which is the obstetric or gynecological field. | | | | breast. Sonography of the breast can provide |
| This will provide you the opportunity to inform the | | | | information on blood supply conditions within the breast, |
| expectant couple whether their child is a boy or a girl. | | | | on changes in any tumors, and can also assist in the |
| Other exams in this field examine the ovaries, the | | | | biopsy process. Once again, technicians working in this |
| uterus, the bladder and the Fallopian tubes. Many of | | | | specialty use a high frequency sound wave that is |
| these exams are conducted to look for cancerous | | | | unique to breast sonography. |
| growth. | | | | - Choose among a one year certificate program, a |
| - Abdominal sonographers conduct tests that focus on | | | | two-year associate's degree program or a four-year |
| another set of abdominal organs: the kidneys, | | | | bachelor's degree. Generally, the more education a |
| pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, liver, spleen, and male | | | | sonographer has the better the resume looks. |
| reproductive organs. Tests on these organs may | | | | Employers prefer to hire certified sonographers, a |
| highlight stones in the bile ducts or kidneys, or detect | | | | status which is conveyed by the American Registry |
| unusual growths or swelling. | | | | for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) after an |
| - You can opt to become a neurosonographer, a | | | | examination which includes material on whichever |
| technician that specializes in the nervous system, | | | | specialty the sonographer has trained for. Sonography |
| which includes the brain. Technicians in this specialty do | | | | is a career that is only going to get more interesting, as |
| a lot of work in the neonatal unit at a hospital, working | | | | researchers discover more ways to use the |
| with premature babies and checking for neurological | | | | technology for medical imaging. |
| disorders. Sonograms are also used on blood vessels | | | | |