How to Advance Your Career in Sonography
The best way to boost your career potential in sonography is to become certified. It is not a legal requirement in any state to have a license or certification, but applicants who have earned their credentials from a professional certifying organization will be much preferred in a job search to those with only a certificate or college degree. Employers give preference to credentialed applicants because registration provides an objective measure of the applicant's professional knowledge and competency.
To earn certification, you must first meet the prerequisites for the examination. You can become eligible to take the exam by completing an approved training program, earning a degree, or through clinical experience. Once eligible, you must pass two comprehensive examinations, one covering Sonography Principles and Instrumentation, and the other in a specialty area, such as Abdomen, Breast, or Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Why is Certification Important?
In addition to higher pay and increased employment opportunities, certification improves your industry skills and knowledge by requiring a high level of proficiency in its exams. Ultrasonography is a field currently seeing major advancements, so it is especially important for ultrasound professionals to be aware of the latest innovations in the industry. Certification illustrates commitment to the profession, showing career aptitude and distinguishing you as a leader in your field, increasing your credibility among colleagues and supervisors. Certification goes well beyond a college degree to set an industry standard.
After initial certification, some sonographers choose to earn further credentials in an additional specialty area. For instance, a sonographer initially trained in obstetrics and gynecology may seek further training in abdominal sonography to boost his or her employment possibilities and marketability. Sonographers may choose to earn multiple credentials, for instance becoming both a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer.
Sonographers continue their education throughout their career by earning additional credentials and building competency in multiple specialty areas. It is also a requirement of ARDMS for sonographers to complete a certain amount of continuing education in order to remain knowledgeable about technological advances in the occupation.
What Other Paths Exist for Career Advancement?
Within the industry, sonographers may advance their careers by seeking managerial, supervisory, or administrative positions. After gaining three or more years of experience within the field, you can become a lead sonographer or director of an ultrasound department. Once you have earned your certification you will have many opportunities outside of the profession of sonography as well, for it is an ever-expanding field. Career advancement opportunities can for instance be found working with the companies that manufacture ultrasound equipment—positions include consultant, technical advisor, and sales representative. Opportunities for registered sonographers also abound in the fields of ultrasound research and education.
Article Resources:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography