Medical sonographers – NOC : 3216

Unit Group

3216 Medical sonographers

Medical sonographers operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of various parts of the body to aid physicians in monitoring pregnancies and in diagnosing cardiac, ophthalmic, vascular and other medical disorders. They are employed in clinics and hospitals. Medical sonographers who are supervisors or instructors are included in this unit group.

Example Titles

diagnostic medical sonography instructor

medical sonographer

medical sonographers supervisor

registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS)

ultrasound technologist

View all titles

Main duties

Medical sonographers perform some or all of the following duties:

Operate ultrasound imaging equipment that transmits high frequency sound pulses through the body to produce images of those parts of the body requiring examination
Monitor examination by viewing images on video screen, to evaluate quality and consistency of diagnostic images, and make adjustments to equipment, as required
Record, store and process scanned images by using camera unit connected to ultrasound equipment
Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure patient safety and comfort
Prepare examination reports for physicians to aid in the monitoring of pregnancies and the diagnosis of cardiac, abdominal, ophthalmic, vascular and other disorders
Perform quality control checks on ultrasound equipment to ensure proper operation and perform minor repairs and adjustments as required
May supervise and train student and other medical sonographers.

Medical sonographers may specialize in abdominal, cardiac, cerebral, obstetrical and gynaecological, ophthalmic, intraluminal or peripheral vascular sonography. They may also specialize in adult or pediatric echocardiography or neurosonology.

Employment requirements

Completion of a three- to four-year program in diagnostic medical sonography or ultrasound technology
or
Completion of a two- to three-year program in a related allied health field and a one-year post-diploma program in diagnostic medical sonography from an accredited institution are required.
Registration with the Canadian Association of Registered Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Professionals and/or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is usually required by employers.
Registration with l’Ordre des Technologues en Radiologie du Quebec is required in Quebec.

Additional information

Membership in the Canadian Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is available but voluntary.

Classified elsewhere

Medical radiation technologists (3215)