Careers in the fields of ultrasound and sonography are high in demand right now. These jobs involve diagnostic imaging, which encompasses several procedures that aid in diagnosing ailments. Ultrasound has long been associated with imaging of fetuses during pregnancy, but there is much more to this career than just obstetrics. Sonographers and ultrasound technicians help doctors to detect, diagnose and ultimately treat numerous medical conditions throughout the human body. And the job outlook for these medical professionals is good.

Medical diagnostic sonographers currently earn an average of $67,000 annually, which is why getting an advanced degree is a good idea for this field. While you can go to school for a short time to become an ultrasound technician, the additional schooling to become a diagnostic sonographer will allow you to earn a much higher income. The demand for both sonographers and ultrasound technicians is expected to grow 18 percent every year through 2016, though, so if you can only finish the shorter trade school program, you can still get a good job that’s in demand.

Of all medical diagnostic sonographers, 70 percent hold an associate’s degree, and 30 percent hold a bachelor’s degree. It is most important that you go to an accredited school, because otherwise you might just be wasting your time if your degree is not recognized within the state you seek employment. Look for accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs. That way, you’ll know you can confidently apply for jobs once you have finished your schooling.

Diagnostic medical sonographers have a variety of duties and responsibilities in their jobs. These sonography professionals use special equipment to direct non-ionizing, high frequency sound waves into areas of the patient’s body in order to detect and diagnose conditions. The equipment is highly sophisticated, and the evidence may be recorded over videotape, photograph or other type of transmission. You will work with patients and provide care during what may be a trying time, and you will provide doctors with the information they need to interpret images and diagnose diseases.

The career outlook is good in the sonography and ultrasound field, which is a common trait among most jobs in the medical field these days.