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How To Become An Ob Gyn Sonographer – Diagnostic sonography is a type of real-time imaging technology that uses high-frequency sound waves to process images and movements from inside the body. This technology is invaluable in the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions of the abdomen, chest, heart, blood vessels and musculoskeletal system. Sonographers help doctors make diagnoses – or offer proud parents a first look at their baby before birth.
This is the most common application of sonography. Obstetric sonography involves performing an ultrasound on a pregnant woman to determine information about the unborn fetus. Information obtained from the scan includes the size and weight of the pregnancy, the progress of the pregnancy and the estimated date of delivery. Sonograms are also used to detect and monitor fetal abnormalities and pregnancy complications. Overall, obstetric ultrasound plays an important role in ensuring the health of the patient or fetus.
How To Become An Ob Gyn Sonographer
Obstetric ultrasound can be performed on pregnant women in two ways – transabdominal (external) and transvaginal (internal) ultrasound. Transabdominal, which is the most common type, involves applying a gel to the patient’s lower abdomen and using an ultrasound scanner. In contrast, a transvaginal ultrasound provides clearer images and is only performed for a select number of reasons. For example, if the mother has previously had complications in her pregnancy, this is the best method. In this case, the probe is inserted into the vagina of the expectant parent. The technology does not use radiation and has no side effects on the patient and fetus.
Help Women Stay Healthy With A Bachelor’s In Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Becoming an obstetric sonographer (OB ultrasound technician) can be accomplished through a formal educational program. Those who wish to work in this field should obtain an associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography.
The educational path to becoming an obstetric sonographer begins with training in the field of diagnostic medical sonography. Typically, courses will cover important topics including medical ethics, patient care, physiology, physics and anatomy. A command of regulatory, ethical and legal topics will also be required. Specialist training in obstetric sonography can be obtained.
Students also learn to recognize and evaluate ovarian, uterine and fetal pathologies. Examples of classes students may complete include medical terminology, reproductive scanning, surface structures and the neonatal brain, practical aspects of sonography, and the application of 3D obstetric ultrasound. An associate degree program includes classroom instruction as well as hands-on training, meaning that students have relevant knowledge and practical experience. Because sonographers work closely with patients throughout the day, a formal program of study can help develop the soft skills needed to interact positively with different groups of patients—patients who may receive good news or bad news.
People who already work in the field of sonography and want to specialize in the field of obstetric sonography would do well to enroll in the study program. Those looking to get into more administrative roles should complete a degree. Formal education is necessary to prepare students to work in places such as doctor’s offices, hospitals, imaging centers and laboratories.
Reasons You Should Become A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Most employers prefer sonographers who are licensed and certified by the leading accrediting organization, the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Although there are states that require sonographers to be certified, some states do not require certification by law. Certification comes by meeting experience and education requirements and passing a certification exam.
As an obstetric sonographer, there is a wide range of duties that you may be expected to perform. Some of these include preparing patients for the procedure, determining the equipment to be used, and positioning the patient properly. During and after the sonogram procedure, you will review the images to decide which one fits the doctor’s requirements. The sonographer’s job is to keep the equipment in good working order, as well as to keep patient records.
While OB ultrasound technicians must have a solid background in physics and biology, be proficient in the use and maintenance of ultrasound technology, and be detail-oriented, they must also be personable and compassionate. It is necessary for expectant parents, and their partners can experience various emotions from fear to excitement when going for an obstetric ultrasound. Therefore, while answering all patient questions, sonographers must maintain a calm and professional demeanor.
Obstetric sonographers must be prepared for a variety of situations; some situations will be terrifying and tragic for expectant parents while others will be cause for celebration. OB ultrasound technicians must also continue to learn. This does not mean only formal education; it means stepping out of their comfort zone to gain more knowledge by learning from older and more experienced guides, including asking questions in any case of uncertainty.
Sonography School Oklahoma
Are you interested in obstetric sonography? If you want to earn an associate of applied science degree in diagnostic medical sonography, consider the education you’ll need to get started with university. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions counselor today.
DISCLAIMER – The University makes no claims, warranties or guarantees as to the actual employability or earning potential of current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the domain; however, accuracy is not guaranteed. Its contents do not create any contractual rights, express or implied. Ultrasound technicians, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, use sound waves to look inside patients’ bodies to access and diagnose various medical conditions. Although best known for checking fetal health, diagnostic medical sonographers also use sound waves to help doctors diagnose problems in the chest cavity and elsewhere in the body. High school students interested in this career can begin by adding appropriate classes to their schedule.
When entering the medical profession, a thorough knowledge of the sciences is required. CityTownInfo.com suggests that high school students interested in becoming diagnostic medical sonographers can improve their chances of success by taking physics, biology, physiology and anatomy. Good grades in these subjects will not only help with admission to the appropriate college, but will also help the student succeed in their subject.
According to Campus Explorer, ultrasound technicians must perform various calculations after the initial measurements, so high school students who want to enter the field should make sure they get good grades in all math classes, including algebra. Classes focused on computer skills may also benefit aspiring diagnostic medical sonographers, as it will be their responsibility to use and maintain relevant sonography equipment.
Aas Diagnostic Sonography Degree Program
To be successful, a diagnostic medical sonographer must have excellent communication skills, according to the US. News & World Report. Sonographers are often among the first medical professionals to work with certain patients, so it is important that they know how to express themselves in a clear and friendly manner. While gathering information about the patient’s relevant medical history, ultrasound technicians must be able to explain the sonogram procedure in a way that keeps the patient at ease. Campus Explorer suggests that sonographers need solid writing skills, as they are responsible for maintaining various patient records. Taking English classes in high school—preferably with advanced placement—will help develop and sharpen the communication skills necessary for success in this profession.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the field of diagnostic medical sonography is expected to grow by 44 percent between 2010 and 2020, which is a faster growth rate than the average for all other occupations. As technology advances, physicians will likely begin to favor sonography over invasive diagnostic procedures. The median annual salary for an ultrasound technician was $64,380 in 2010. High school students who choose to pursue a career in this field can rest assured that they have chosen a reliable, stable career.
Bill Reynolds holds a BA in Communications from Rowan University. He has written hundreds of articles for print and online media, drawing inspiration from a wide range of professional experiences. As part of the UCLA Extension Writer’s Program, he was nominated for the James Kirkwood Award for Creative Writing. Sandra Minck, RDMS has been a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) for nearly 29 years. She was inspired to start her ultrasound career after seeing her first sonogram while pregnant with her first child. Now a mother of two, Minck is also the author of Ultrasound Unwrapped: A Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy Pictures, where she provides a wealth of information about OB/GYN ultrasounds and answers questions from expectant mothers and other patients.
Minck took the time to speak with us, revealing her career progression, rewards and challenges, and some valuable advice for aspiring sonographers and ultrasound technologists, as well as first-time pregnant women.
How Much Do Ob Gyn Sonographer Jobs Pay Per Week In 2023?
I didn’t really know what direction I wanted to take professionally, but I knew I wanted to continue my education and I was fascinated by my first sonogram. I have always been fascinated by the physiology of the human body so I did some research and found that there was a local program. I started mine
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