About Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) is a multi-specialty profession comprised of abdominal sonography, breast sonography, cardiac sonography, musculoskeletal sonography, obstetrics & gynecology sonography, pediatric sonography, and vascular technology. An individual trained and credentialed in the field of DMS is known as a sonographer.
The sonographer performs diagnostic sonographic examinations and procedures using high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to document organs, tissues, and blood flow characteristics. In addition, sonographers commonly assist physicians perform interventional, invasive, or therapeutic procedures. Sonographers must be committed to increasing knowledge and technical competence through continuing medical education in emerging trends, technologies, and advancements in the profession. Sonographers use independent, professional, and ethical judgment to think critically and safely perform diagnostic sonographic examinations and procedures.
Daily tasks of a Sonographer include:
Scope of Practice and Clinical Standards for the Diagnostics Medical Sonographer
The Scope of Practice for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography profession outlines the duties and responsibilities of a sonographer. This document was developed and revised in consultation with the leading professional organizations, registries, accreditation committees, and societies. The most recent version can be reviewed at the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
The sonographer performs diagnostic sonographic examinations and procedures using high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to document organs, tissues, and blood flow characteristics. In addition, sonographers commonly assist physicians perform interventional, invasive, or therapeutic procedures. Sonographers must be committed to increasing knowledge and technical competence through continuing medical education in emerging trends, technologies, and advancements in the profession. Sonographers use independent, professional, and ethical judgment to think critically and safely perform diagnostic sonographic examinations and procedures.
Daily tasks of a Sonographer include:
- Obtain and record accurate patient history
- Perform diagnostic examinations and procedures to obtain high-quality diagnostic images
- Analyze technical information
- Use independent judgment to recognize the need to extend the scope of the procedure, depending upon diagnostic findings
- Provide an oral or written summary of the technical findings to the physician for medical diagnosis
- Provide high-quality patient care
- Collaborate with physicians and other members of the healthcare team
Scope of Practice and Clinical Standards for the Diagnostics Medical Sonographer
The Scope of Practice for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography profession outlines the duties and responsibilities of a sonographer. This document was developed and revised in consultation with the leading professional organizations, registries, accreditation committees, and societies. The most recent version can be reviewed at the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.