So, a sonographer and an ultrasound technician are the same thing in case you were wondering.  You probably already knew that, but just don’t understand why they had to go changing things on us.  Send me questions and comments about anything you would like to know about becoming an ultrasound technician.  Here is an explanation for the interchangeable names for this worthwhile profession.  Many people still refer to sonographer professionals as ultrasound technicians, ultrasound techs, or even ultrasound technologists.   Over the past ten years, there has been a trend to begin using a different more formal title of “sonographer” as opposed to ultrasound technician. The terms are still interchangeable and both are used frequently, but apparently “sonographer” is the more respectful/preferred term.  Once a student has completed his/her school and passed the certification process, the official title is “Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.”

What kind of images do sonographers take you might ask?

The actual scan or image a medical sonographer takes is called a sonogram or an ultrasound.   The scan or image can be referred to as an “ultrasound” or a “sonogram” depending on what body part is being scanned.

How many images are taken/needed?

Some sonographers prefer to take more scans than others; really it is up to the operator’s discretion.  The most important thing is that the job is done completely.  One ultrasound procedure may involve taking anywhere from 30-125 scans. One field that usually requires more is obstetrics.  Obstetrics has to do with expecting mothers and typically this field involves a high number of scans, anywhere from 75-110 images.  A thyroid ultrasound, on the other hand, probably only requires a few.

How many patients does a sonographer see per day?

The number of patients a sonographer may see on any given day depends largely on what type of ultrasounds are needed. Typically one ultrasound is booked to take an average of 45 minutes to an hour. So in an eight hour day a medical sonograph can have the potential to help up to 8-10 patients.

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