How Many Types of Sonographers Are There?

There are around 60,000 sonographers working in the US at present. 

Most people think of obstetric sonographers when they hear about sonography. But there are actually many different types of sonographers.  

So, how many types of sonographers are there and how do they differ? Let’s take a look!

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Diagnostic medical sonographers work with doctors, usually in hospitals and medical testing centers.

Using sonographic imaging, they look for medical conditions in patients experiencing certain symptoms. The internal images they produce then help with the identification of any abnormalities. 

Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonographer

Vascular ultrasound courses cover a variety of themes and techniques. But vascular sonography often involves the use of sonography equipment and echocardiograms. Cardiovascular sonographers use these to take diagnostic images of hearts and cardiovascular systems.

Often, these specialists take both 2D and 3D images to examine the heart’s structure. These images allow them to identify blockages and other issues. And from there, doctors can diagnose conditions and prescribe treatments. 

Abdominal Sonographer

These sonographers use imaging equipment to look for abnormalities in the abdominal region. These irregularities can include tumors, tissue damage, and stones. Some areas that abdominal sonographers take images of are the liver and kidneys.

Abdominal sonographers often work in hospitals. Although, they may also work in clinics and other facilities.

Obstetric Sonographer

Obstetric sonographers take images of fetuses during pregnancy to keep track of development. They can also take images of the uterus to determine pregnancy or identify a due date.

These sonographers usually work in hospital maternity wards. But they can also work in private practices, care centers, and diagnostic labs.

Musculoskeletal Sonographer

These sonographers take images of muscles and parts of the skeletal system. Areas of focus include tendons, nerves, and ligaments.

Some conditions that musculoskeletal sonographers look for include sprains, hernias, and trapped nerves. Often, this type of sonography involves diagnosis after traumatic injuries and accidents. As such, musculoskeletal sonographers tend to work in hospitals and emergency rooms. 

Neurosonology Sonographer

Neurosonology sonographers tend to be the highest-paid sonographers. 

Instead of sonography equipment, they use a Transcranial Doppler (TCD) machine. This allows them to take internal images of the brain. Such images help doctors diagnose conditions such as Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.

TCD machines can also take images of the spinal column and nervous system. This allows sonographers to look for irregularities such as strokes, epilepsy, and tumors. 

Breast Sonographer

Breast sonographers take diagnostic images of the breast and surrounding tissue. Often, this is necessary after a patient receives an abnormal mammogram or examination. Some abnormalities that breast sonographers may look for include cysts, tumors, and lumps. 

Breast sonographers usually work in hospitals, oncology centers, and women’s health centers.

Different Types of Sonographers

As this quick guide shows, there are seven main types of sonographers. 

All these different types of sonographers deal with distinct parts of the body. And, as a result, they can work in a variety of medical settings. 

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