Sonographer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You will need a degree in a relevant subject like:

• radiography
• midwifery
• nursing
• science
• health science

You must also complete a postgraduate certificate or a postgraduate diploma in medical or clinical ultrasound, recognised by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE) .

The course is a mix of study and practice, so you will need to have an agreed placement in an approved setting.

Some universities offer a master's course in medical ultrasound as part of a medicine degree.

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a sonographer degree apprenticeship.

There may be apprenticeship opportunities with the NHS, or with independent and private providers of healthcare services.

The apprenticeship takes a minimum of 36 months to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Work

If you're a health professional like a nurse, midwife, radiographer, doctor or a healthcare scientist, you may be able to take in-service training for medical ultrasound. This will add sonography to your skills.

Courses vary in length and are run by experienced healthcare professionals.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work on your own
• knowledge of medicine and healthcare
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• customer service skills
• knowledge of English language
• active listening skills
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of physics
• thinking and reasoning skills
• administration skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Sonographers use ultrasound equipment to screen and diagnose medical conditions.

As a sonographer you'll:

• use ultrasound equipment to carry out examinations
• deal sensitively with patients
• produce and interpret images
• train healthcare staff to use specialist equipment
• make referrals to other healthcare professionals

Location : You could work in an NHS or private hospital or in a therapy clinic.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £44,000
Experienced : £50,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

36 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

Career Path:

There are opportunities to move into specialist sonography areas like:

• obstetrics and gynaecology
• vascular
• cancer services

You could work with specific patient groups such as children or pregnant women.

With experience, there are opportunities to go into teaching sonography or to do clinical research.