Sonographer
A Sonographer or sometimes called Ultrasonographer is a specialist health professional and an important member of a diagnostic team from whom any subsequent patient treatments are dependent on. A Sonographer conducts ultrasound examinations by operating a machine to generate visual images of human organs, joints, blood vessels and/or internal soft tissues of the body. The said ultrasound machine is a radiation-free imaging modality that involves a hand-held scanner attached to a computer, utilizing high-frequency sound waves to transmit through a transducer images of the internal human body. Ultrasound diagnostic results are read and interpreted by Radiologists and recommendations are provided to the referring doctor for appropriate treatment plans when needed.
Qualified Sonographers usually work in diagnostic imaging clinics, hospitals, government advisories, education, and/or physician’s offices. The job of a Sonographer has diverse fields of specialization including:
- Abdominal – imaging of abdominal structures including blood vessels, soft tissues, and abdominal organs such as liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas, urinary tract
- Cardiac or Echocardiography – imaging that is focused on heart and blood vessels
- Mammography – imaging of on breast tissues
- Musculoskeletal – imaging of joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons
- Neurological – imaging for assessing brain and spinal cord
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology – imaging of the reproductive system
- Vascular – imaging for assessing blood flow throughout the body
Sonography job in Australia necessitates a post-graduate qualification in Medical Ultrasound and a health science related degree as a pre-requisite. To obtain full professional accreditation with The Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) and thus, perform clinical ultrasound exams eligible for Medicare rebates, one must present an evidence of previous scanning experience gained in the Australian or New Zealand clinical environment, or its recognized equivalent.
Degree
Bachelor of Science Degree (i.e. Medical Radiation Science - Nuclear Medicine and Post-Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound
Qualification
ASAR Accreditation and current Australian Registration as a Sonographer
Career
Minimum of 2 years’ relevant clinical experience within the last 5 years