Find a School

Getting a Job as a Sonogram Technician

If you have any questions throughout your job search, feel free to ask us through our Facebook wall.

The Importance of Internships

A reputable training program must incorporate internships or externships into the program curriculum, as clinical training is required to earn certification with ARDMS. Although most often unpaid, an internship provides essential hands-on training and experience that cannot be achieved in the classroom.

Students interning in a professional ultrasound facility learn how to interact effectively with patients, recognizing verbal and non-verbal cues, and providing explanations of scanning procedures. Students become familiar with day-to-day work flow and discover the role of the sonographer in a medical facility. They familiarize themselves with the ultrasonography equipment, and the various operating systems. Students also can spend time practicing on other interns.

In an externship you work under professional sonographers who have years of experience, and who can therefore serve as a mentors, and provide constructive criticism and advice. This is a place to expand on your knowledge, asking questions and learning new exam methods by observing other techniques.

Clinical experience is really the only way to progress in a practical skill set such as this – you can only learn so much in a traditional academic setting. Observing sonographers who have years of experience and have had time to master their techniques will allow you to build upon your own knowledge base. You'll even be able to make mistakes, as there will be someone there to correct them, giving you safe hands-on experience with the chance to learn through trial and error.

Sample Cover Letter

Casey Smith
153 Aurora Avenue
Kansas City, Kansas 45026

(555) 555-2609
Casmith@xyzlmnmail.com
February 15, 2010


Matt Lispman, M.D.
Director
Hawk Medical Imaging Clinic
883 Queens Street
Pleasant Hill, US 99999

Dear Dr. Lispman:

I saw the obstetric sonographer position listed on allhealthcarejobs.com. I think I am the right person for the job as I have spent a substantial amount of time performing gynecologic ultrasounds in a recent internship.

I have 2 years of clinical experience in general ultrasonography, and have performed examinations on various parts of the body including the abdomen, the female reproductive system, and the heart.

As I have worked closely with diagnostic physicians, patients, and other healthcare staff, I have developed good interpersonal and communication skills. I am able to work on a healthcare team as well as empathize with patients who may be nervous or experiencing pain.

I am available for immediate hire if it is determined that I am a good fit for the position. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you in person to discuss my qualifications further.

I am available weekdays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Please call (555) 555-2609 or email me at Casmith@xyzlmnmail.com to arrange a date and time that works best for you. I will contact you within a week to see if any additional information is needed. My resume is attached in a Word document for your review.

Thank you for your consideration,

Casey Smith

 

Sample Resume

George Pitt
1234 Meridian Avenue Seattle, Washington 98105
Home: (555) 555-9311 Cell: (555)555-8204 gpitt@xyzlmnmail.com

Objective

An entry-level position in sonography, either as a general sonographer or obstetric/gynecologic sonographer.

Experience

St. Petersburg Hospital
Seattle, Washington May 2009-August 2009
Ultrasound Technician, Intern

Performed sonographic examinations by following standard procedures and physicians' orders, provided clear diagnostic images and data for interpretation by supervisor.

  • Prepared examination rooms for patients
  • Explained examination procedures to patients
  • Produced pelvic ultrasounds with color-flow applications
  • Worked with physicians to identify high-risk pregnancies

Swedish Medical Center
Seattle, Washington February 2009-April 2009
Ultrasound Technician, Intern

Performed ultrasound scans on many parts of the body, including the abdomen, pelvis, breasts, and heart.

  • Prepared patients for examination
  • Facilitated hysterosonograms
  • Processed obstetric/gynecologic reports
  • Operated both grayscale and color-flow Doppler sonography

Education

The Seattle Institute of Medicine
Seattle, Washington 2009
Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Certification

Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer certified in obstetrics/gynecology  

 

Where To Look for Online Job Postings

When searching for jobs online remember that there are multiple titles used for this position, so you will want to vary your search terms. The position titles most commonly used by healthcare employers include: ultrasound tech, ultrasound technician, ultrasound technologist and sonogram technician. Although these terms are used interchangeably, “sonographer” is the one most used by professionals in the field. Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, or RDMS, is the formal title used by certified professionals. The following job boards are all good sources for sonography jobs:

 

Article Resources:

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Radiology Information

Find a School