How to be a great Sonographer

“For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.”
― Aristotle, The Nicomachean Ethics

How to be a great Sonographer?

Diagnostic medical sonography is becoming increasingly important in the application of modern medicine, and quality, trained sonographers play a vital role in today’s healthcare. But what qualities make up a truly great sonographer? Training, skills, and personality traits are all vital, and below we’ll discuss the 6 traits that differentiate the good from the great.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for diagnostic medical sonographers is “much faster than average” with a predicted 46% growth between 2012 and 2022. Furthermore, the U.S. News & World Report ranked the ultrasound profession #22 among the Best 100 Jobs for 2013 (and #13 for healthcare jobs).

It is clear that being a medical sonographer is an excellent job—but is it right for you?

Let’s look at some of the key personality traits, skills and qualities of a great ultrasound technician.

“A sonographer must be able to carefully explain procedures to their patients, some of whom may be nervous about the exam or the problems it may reveal.”

Compassion and Interpersonal Skills

This was going to be Molly’s first ever ultrasound…and she was nervous. Her family doctor had ordered the test because Molly had been having irregular vaginal bleeding and pains in her lower stomach. After researching potential causes online about what may be causing these symptoms, Molly was freaked out. And the fact the ultrasound was going to be transvaginal freaked her out even more. She dreaded going to pap smear appointments and this was going to be so much worse.

Lucklily, as soon as she arrived for her appointment, the ultrasonographer immediately put her at ease. She was friendly and warmly explained what exactly was involved and asked Molly if she had any questions.

Ultrasound technicians and diagnostic medical sonographers meet a wide range of patients, from those who are as calm as can be to those whose fear is at the top of the charts. And it’s not just for those tests that may potentially reveal bad news like—expectant parents about to see an image of their baby for the first time may also be nervous.

You don’t have to be a social butterfly to be a successful sonographer, but possessing genuine compassion and effective interpersonal skills are key. “A sonographer must be able to carefully explain procedures to their patients, some of whom may be nervous about the exam or the problems it may reveal,” states Northern Virginia Community College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. Speaking calmly with patients is key.

It is also important for a sonographer to work and communicate well with his or her medical and healthcare colleagues. Northern Virginia Community College adds, “[
] must be able to discuss technical details and examination results with physicians and other medical personnel…”

Technical Skills and Eye-Hand Coordination

“Advanced technical knowledge and human compassion are the two most important qualities of the medical sonographer”

Rob is a registered cardiac diagnostic sonographer. During the course of his echocardiography profession, he employs various ultrasound modes including 2-D, M-mode, and pulsed wave, color, tissue and continuous wave Doppler. He also has to properly maintain the ultrasound equipment, and ensure it is operating correctly.

Amarilla College’s Sonography program states that “advanced technical knowledge” along with “human compassion” are a sonographer’s “most important qualities.” The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics adds that hand-eye coordination is also important, so that ultrasound techs operate the equipment to get the best quality images possible.

Additionally, of all the medical imaging modalities, ultrasound is one of the most operator dependent. Of course you won’t learn these job-specific technical skills until you start an ultrasound training program. But if you pick up on using electronics or any other form of equipment easily and have excellent eye-hand coordination in everyday activities, then you will have no problem gaining the technical knowledge required.

Keen Learner

Liam, a sonographer for several years, has always been interested in kinesiology (the science of human movement). He started hearing about an emerging trend—musculoskeletal sonography. While working his day job, he took the initiative to complete extra courses in MSK ultrasound. Now his ultrasound profession focuses on imaging bones, muscles and tissues among injured athletes.

Continuous education makes you a better sonographer period, whether you want to advance your career or be effective throughout the span of your profession.

From the time you begin your ultrasound degree until the end of your career, learning is an essential part of your role as an ultrasound technician. “It is also important that sonographers truly enjoy learning because continuing education is a requirement for sonographers to stay abreast of the ever-changing field of diagnostic medicine,” states Northern Virginia Community College’s DMS Program. And again, continuous learning can also help you rise up the professional ranks, should you desire.

Finally, to maintain ultrasound certification, you are required to complete continuing education courses.

Detail-Oriented

While performing an ultrasound, Lisa took in a deep breath. She had seen images like this before, but never while she herself was performing a scan. The woman she was performing the ultrasound on had complained of pain in her abdomen, and now Lisa knew why. The scan revealed signs of an ectopic pregnancy—the fetus was developing inside one of the fallopian tubes, not the uterus—and it looked like the fallopian tube had ruptured. While remaining calm, Lisa immediately let the physician know. The patient was sent for emergency surgery immediately and her life was saved.

While ultrasound technicians and sonographers are not doctors, they play a vital role as part of the medical team. They need to be detail-oriented and share any potential concerns they may have with the physicians while presenting their findings—particularly in emergency situations.

“Being alert for tiny abnormalities in an image may mean the difference between an accurate diagnosis and an inaccurate one,” says InnerBody.com’s Lisa Davila. “Ultrasound technologists must be able to focus on subtle details despite working on their feet for hours at a time.” From understanding the intricate details of the human anatomy to the specialized functions of ultrasound equipment, as an ultrasound tech you must ensure utmost accuracy.

Physical Strength

It took some getting used for Valerie when she first started working as a sonographer in the hospital’s ultrasound department. Scanning eight or more patients in the course of the day, plus preparing exam rooms, moving ultrasound equipment from room to room, and sometimes helping patients position themselves onto the table took a toll; being on her feet for most of the day was tiring. But once she got used to the rhythm of it, it got easier. She made sure to wear comfortable shoes and started a regular stretching routines before and after her shifts. Now she loves the busy pace of her work days. There is never a dull moment and she finds this invigorating.

“Diagnostic medical sonographers work on their feet for long periods and must be able to lift and move patients who need assistance,” states the U.S. BLS. An ultrasound tech may need to tap into extreme endurance and stamina to carry out their day. Additionally, while some positions are Monday to Friday, 9 to 5, others may require overtime, being on-call or shift work.

Note: It’s important that at the beginning of your sonography career you learn and practice healthy tips to prevent occupational injuries.

Mental Strength

Andrew was determined to get through the day successfully. His newborn baby had been up for much of the night before, so he was quite tired, plus he was scanning more patients than average today. Andrew took pride in his work as a sonographer and knew that his concentration must be one hundred percent for each scan he performs. Thinking positively and going for a walk and eating a healthy lunch during his break helped him still provide that quality care to each of his sonography patients.

Being able to concentrate and focus is one example of mental strength required of sonographers. Additionally, according to the College of Health Care Professions’ blog, ultrasound technicians have “flexibility of mind and personality” and the “ability to display emotional stability, maturity, judgment and empathy for others”. Ultrasound techs may have to make decisions independently in a potentially busy environment, so they must cope well with stress well.

Sonographers will come across dire health conditions among the images they capture. They must be able to emotionally deal with this—and practice healthy strategies to cope with the stress so it does not affect their entire life.

They must also be able to remain professional with patients even if the most difficult of situations or prognoses arise.