Also called: Ultrasound Technician, Sonographer
Uses sound waves to create images of babies, organs, and blood vessels.
Glides an ultrasound probe over a pregnant patient's belly to measure the baby, then scans a gallbladder for stones and a leg for blood clots. Needs a good eye and steady hands; the images are only as good as the person scanning.
BLS May 2024.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate degree or certificate in sonography plus ARDMS certification.
Ways in: 2-year college, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Growing much faster than average (about 11% over 10 years). Much faster than average.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI-guided probes may let nurses do simple scans; skilled sonographers still capture hard images and handle complex exams.
Classes: Anatomy & physiology, Physics, Biology, Health-science CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 29-2032.
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