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Occupation AtlasDiagnostic Medical Sonographers

O*NET · 29-2032.00

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

Also called Cardiovascular Sonographer · Echo Sonographer · Echo Sonographer (Echocardiograph Sonographer) · Echo Tech · Echo Tech (Echocardiogram Technician) · Echo Tech (Echocardiographic Technician) · Echo Technologist · Echocardiographer
31 more

Echocardiographic Technologist · Echocardiography Tech · Echocardiography Technician (Echocardiography Tech) · Echocardiology Technologist · Echosonographer Technologist (Echo Technologist) · Medical Sonographer · OBGYN Sonographer · OBGYN Sonographer (Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonographer) · RDMS · RDMS (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer) · Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer · RVT · RVT (Registered Vascular Technologist) · Sonogram Tech · Sonogram Technician (Sonogram Tech) · Sonography Tech · Sonography Technician (Sonography Tech) · Sonography Technologist · Staff Sonographer · Travel OB Ultrasound Tech · Travel OB Ultrasound Tech (Travel Obstetrics Ultrasound Technician) · Travel Ultrasound Sonographer · Travel Ultrasound Technologist · Ultrasonic Tester · Ultrasound Tech · Ultrasound Technician (Ultrasound Tech) · Ultrasound Technologist (Ultrasound Tech) · Ultrasound Tester · Vascular Ultrasound Tech · Vascular Ultrasound Technician (Vascular Ultrasound Tech) · Vascular Ultrasound Technologist

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic5.87
  • C Conventional5.05
  • I Investigative4.75
  • S Social4.10
  • E Enterprising1.51
  • A Artistic1.32

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Post-Secondary Certificate2%
  • Some College Courses6%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree67%
  • Bachelor's Degree25%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (66%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (40%)
On-the-job training
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (30%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Speakingbasic3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Social Perceptiveness3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Operation and Control3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Writingbasic3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Monitoringbasic3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Operations Monitoring3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Coordination3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Active Learningbasic3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
Show the other 23
  • Service Orientation3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Instructing3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Complex Problem Solving3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Sciencebasic2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
  • Quality Control Analysis2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Persuasion2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Negotiation2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Systems Analysis2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Equipment Maintenance2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Troubleshooting2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Mathematicsbasic2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Systems Evaluation2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Equipment Selection1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Management of Material Resources1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Repairing1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Operations Analysis1.51.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Management of Financial Resources1.50.9
  • Technology Design1.50.8
  • Programming1.40.4
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

18 core · 1 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.4.9
  2. Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.4.9
  3. Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.4.9
  4. Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.4.9
  5. Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.4.9
  6. Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.4.9
  7. Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.4.9
  8. Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations.4.8
  9. Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly.4.8
  10. Coordinate work with physicians or other healthcare team members, including providing assistance during invasive procedures.4.8
  11. Maintain records that include patient information, sonographs and interpretations, files of correspondence, publications and regulations, or quality assurance records, such as pathology, biopsy, or post-operative reports.4.7
  12. Record and store suitable images, using camera unit connected to the ultrasound equipment.4.6
Show the other 7
  1. Clean, check, and maintain sonographic equipment, submitting maintenance requests or performing minor repairs as necessary.4.6
  2. Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling exams or special procedures, keeping records, or archiving computerized images.4.6
  3. Supervise or train students or other medical sonographers.4.5
  4. Perform medical procedures, such as administering oxygen, inserting and removing airways, taking vital signs, or giving emergency treatment, such as first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).4.3
  5. Maintain stock and supplies, preparing supplies for special examinations and ordering supplies when necessary.4.2
  6. Perform legal and ethical duties, including preparing safety or accident reports, obtaining written consent from patient to perform invasive procedures, or reporting symptoms of abuse or neglect.4.1
  7. Process and code film from procedures and complete appropriate documentation.5.0

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Medicine and Dentistry4.54.7Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
  • Physics4.54.7Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Customer and Personal Service4.24.3Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Biology4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
  • English Language3.74.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Computers and Electronics3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Education and Training2.92.8
  • Administrative2.83.3Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
Show all 33
  • Mathematics2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • Public Safety and Security2.72.4Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Telecommunications2.41.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Production and Processing2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Engineering and Technology2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Communications and Media2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Psychology2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Administration and Management1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Law and Government1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Mechanical1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Chemistry1.71.5Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Sales and Marketing1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.71.5Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Therapy and Counseling1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Design1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Philosophy and Theology1.6—
  • Foreign Language1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Economics and Accounting1.40.8Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Transportation1.40.7Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Building and Construction1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—
  • Geography1.0—
  • History and Archeology1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Inductive Reasoning4.03.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Near Vision4.04.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Problem Sensitivity4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Written Comprehension4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Oral Expression3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Speech Clarity3.93.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Written Expression3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
Show all 52
  • Deductive Reasoning3.83.6
  • Control Precision3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Flexibility of Closure3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Speech Recognition3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Speed of Closure3.43.5Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Perceptual Speed3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Selective Attention3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Information Ordering3.13.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Category Flexibility3.03.3Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Finger Dexterity3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Visualization3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Extent Flexibility2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Manual Dexterity2.92.8
  • Multilimb Coordination2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Trunk Strength2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Far Vision2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Fluency of Ideas2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Originality2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Time Sharing2.82.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Auditory Attention2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Depth Perception2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Memorization2.32.8
  • Response Orientation2.32.1Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Static Strength2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Gross Body Coordination2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.02.3Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Rate Control2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Reaction Time2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Stamina2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Dynamic Strength1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.90.9
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.40.4
  • Glare Sensitivity1.3—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.1—
  • Explosive Strength1.1—
  • Spatial Orientation1.1—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Assisting and Caring for Others4.75.9
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.76.0Level 7 looks like: Learn information related to a complex and rapidly changing technology
  • Getting Information4.54.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.45.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.25.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.24.8Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.95.3Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
Show all 41
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.73.4Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Processing Information3.74.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.54.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Working with Computers3.53.7Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.43.7Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.44.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Training and Teaching Others3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Thinking Creatively3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.92.9
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.82.6
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Developing and Building Teams2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.11.4Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.02.2Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.2—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Contact With Others5.0
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls5.0
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • Physical Proximity4.7
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections4.6
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions4.6
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.6
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.5
  • Consequence of Error4.4

Technology

8 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (4)

  • eClinicalWorks EHR software
  • MEDITECH software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
Other tools (4)
  • Database software
  • Email software
  • Medical procedure coding software
  • Patient medical record software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
  2. Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
  3. Neurodiagnostic Technologists
  4. Radiation Therapists
  5. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
  6. Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
  7. Endoscopy Technicians
  8. Surgical Technologists
  9. Nuclear Medicine Technologists
  10. Surgical Assistants

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.