Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
What diagnostic medical sonographers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Review the schedule and clinical history for the first patients and set up the room. From there, the day usually includes review orders and patient history before each exam, prepare and position patients and explain the procedure, and scan with transducers and optimize the image settings. Outpatient sonographers usually work weekdays. Hospital sonographers may work evenings, weekends and on-call shifts for emergencies.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a diagnostic medical sonographer working full time.
- Review the schedule and clinical history for the first patients and set up the room.
- Perform an abdominal ultrasound on a fasting patient with upper-right abdominal pain.
- Scan a 20-week obstetric anatomy survey, taking dozens of measurements.
- Perform a lower-extremity venous Doppler to rule out a blood clot.
- Call the radiologist about an urgent finding before the patient leaves.
- Complete a portable scan in the emergency department.
- Finish technical worksheets and high-level disinfect an endocavity probe.
Where diagnostic medical sonographers work
Sonographers work in hospitals, imaging centers, physician offices and cardiology and obstetric clinics. Rooms are often darkened for scanning. The work involves standing, reaching and repetitive arm and wrist movement, so good ergonomics matter.
Hours and schedule
Outpatient sonographers usually work weekdays. Hospital sonographers may work evenings, weekends and on-call shifts for emergencies.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Review orders and patient history before each exam
- Prepare and position patients and explain the procedure
- Scan with transducers and optimize the image settings
- Capture required images and measurements per protocol
- Recognize normal and abnormal findings
- Write a technical summary for the interpreting physician
- Clean and disinfect transducers and maintain equipment
Tools you’ll use every day
- Ultrasound machines
- Linear, curved and phased-array transducers
- Endocavity probes
- Ultrasound gel and probe covers
- High-level disinfection systems
- PACS and reporting software
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Strong pay with an associate degree
- Fast job growth
- No ionizing radiation
- Specialties in OB/GYN, cardiac, vascular and more
What’s hard
- Repetitive strain injuries are common
- Delivering scans when news may be bad
- Accredited programs are competitive
- On-call and weekend shifts in hospitals
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I find anatomy and physiology fascinating
- I have steady hands and good coordination
- I can focus for long stretches
- I’m comfortable talking with patients one on one
- I can keep a calm face when I see something concerning
- I’m willing to complete a competitive two-year program
Not sure? Take the free Diagnostic Medical Sonographer fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use ergonomic scanning posture, adjustable chairs and support cushions
- Follow the ALARA principle for acoustic output
- High-level disinfect endocavity probes between patients
- Use standard precautions and verify patient identity