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Claire
Student
Colorado Springs, Colorado
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What advice do you have for sonography students? #Spring25
I am currently taking prerequisite classes to apply for a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.
#Spring25
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2 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Claire! First of all, congrats on diving into the world of sonography—you’re about to make some serious waves! 🌊👶
So, you’re already on your way, taking those prerequisites? That’s like getting the foundation for building a house—solid and smart. Here’s some fun, light-hearted advice to keep you energized and on track:
1. Patience, Grasshopper!
Sonography can be tricky, and those early classes? You might not always feel like a superhero right away, but with practice, you’ll be seeing things like a pro. It’s all about learning the ropes, getting comfortable with the equipment, and perfecting those skills. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your sonography skills be!
2. Get Cozy with Ultrasound Gel
This is a weird tip, but trust me—when you’re in the clinic or during your training, that ultrasound gel is about to become your new best friend. You’ll be using it a lot! Just remember, it’s not the gel's fault if it gets everywhere (or on your favorite shirt). 😜
3. You’re Going to “See” the World in a New Way
What you’re learning isn’t just science—it’s art, too! Sonography is all about visualizing the unseen. You'll be amazed at how your mind starts to pick out patterns and shapes you never noticed before. Pretty soon, you’ll see the world in a whole new light—even in your daily life!
4. Take Care of Yourself (And Your Back!)
You'll be standing a lot, using your arms for long stretches of time. So make sure you stretch, hydrate, and invest in some comfy shoes. A happy body = a happy, successful sonographer.
5. Don't Stress—It's Normal to Be Nervous
Sonography students are sometimes like magicians—the pressure is on! But don’t let the nerves win. As long as you keep practicing, ask questions, and keep that positive attitude, you’re going to get the hang of it. You got this, and you'll be scanning like a pro before you know it!
Lastly, remember—you’re going to be part of something amazing. Whether it’s spotting a baby’s heartbeat or finding important medical information, you’re the one people are going to thank for helping them.
Well, I can telk you that I still remember how I reacted the first time I saw that little baby in the screen and over time curiousity expanded and i just wanted know more, it was when i was in high school so you know curiousity kills a cat. I can telk you it is realky a new and amazing insight. Just remmeber with curiousity but mostly passion nothing can stop you or hold you back.
Keep your head high and your gel bottle full! 🎉 because you will need it full always, like literally.
So, you’re already on your way, taking those prerequisites? That’s like getting the foundation for building a house—solid and smart. Here’s some fun, light-hearted advice to keep you energized and on track:
1. Patience, Grasshopper!
Sonography can be tricky, and those early classes? You might not always feel like a superhero right away, but with practice, you’ll be seeing things like a pro. It’s all about learning the ropes, getting comfortable with the equipment, and perfecting those skills. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your sonography skills be!
2. Get Cozy with Ultrasound Gel
This is a weird tip, but trust me—when you’re in the clinic or during your training, that ultrasound gel is about to become your new best friend. You’ll be using it a lot! Just remember, it’s not the gel's fault if it gets everywhere (or on your favorite shirt). 😜
3. You’re Going to “See” the World in a New Way
What you’re learning isn’t just science—it’s art, too! Sonography is all about visualizing the unseen. You'll be amazed at how your mind starts to pick out patterns and shapes you never noticed before. Pretty soon, you’ll see the world in a whole new light—even in your daily life!
4. Take Care of Yourself (And Your Back!)
You'll be standing a lot, using your arms for long stretches of time. So make sure you stretch, hydrate, and invest in some comfy shoes. A happy body = a happy, successful sonographer.
5. Don't Stress—It's Normal to Be Nervous
Sonography students are sometimes like magicians—the pressure is on! But don’t let the nerves win. As long as you keep practicing, ask questions, and keep that positive attitude, you’re going to get the hang of it. You got this, and you'll be scanning like a pro before you know it!
Lastly, remember—you’re going to be part of something amazing. Whether it’s spotting a baby’s heartbeat or finding important medical information, you’re the one people are going to thank for helping them.
Well, I can telk you that I still remember how I reacted the first time I saw that little baby in the screen and over time curiousity expanded and i just wanted know more, it was when i was in high school so you know curiousity kills a cat. I can telk you it is realky a new and amazing insight. Just remmeber with curiousity but mostly passion nothing can stop you or hold you back.
Keep your head high and your gel bottle full! 🎉 because you will need it full always, like literally.
Thank you so much! I appreciate your great tips and advice.
Claire
You're very welcome, Claire! I'm so glad the tips and advice were helpful. If you need more guidance or just want to chat, feel free to reach out. Keep up the great work!
Dr H
Thanks for the tips, Dr. H! I love how you made the whole process sound exciting and manageable. Since you mentioned the importance of staying healthy, do you have any specific exercises or stretches you recommend for keeping your body in shape for the physical demands of the job?
Cheeky
Hey Cheeky, thank you for your amazing feedback. So you could do:
Probe Grip Gains – Squeeze a stress ball to keep that steady hand.
Neck Rolls & Shoulder Shrugs – For surviving long scans (and awkward small talk).
Ergo Squats – Protect your back while reaching for that ultrasound gel.
Printer Sprints – Dash like it's the last coffee in the breakroom.
Stay strong—your spine and sanity will thank you! 😆 hope this is helpful, it is the main exercises most sonographers do.
Dr H
Evangeline Watkins
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
36
Answers
Santa Ana, California
Updated
Evangeline’s Answer
Hi! I'm a diagnostic medical sonographer in my last months of internship getting an associates in May. First of all, you've picked a great field to go into and I really hope you enjoy it. My biggest advice to you is to do your research and look into the type of program it is before you fully commit or sign anything. A lot of people will sign up for programs and get told false promises that offer no guarantees.
Types of Schools & Certification: Different schools can only offer a certain kind of accreditation and you have to be careful because some schools will only give you a certificate (NOT a degree). Most places will not hire you without an associate's or bachelor's degree. Some schools will also choose to pay for your registry exams. These are important. Certification is critical for finding a job after graduating. If you live in an less competitive area, you can sometimes get a job without it, but the pay will be much higher if you're certified. The ARDMS or American Registry does the certification for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. This means you can get a job in almost any state. (Some states have extra state exams). There are a few routes for qualifying to take your ARDMS. 1 Get a bachelor's degree in something (healthcare or sonography). If you get a bachelor's in something other than sonography, you will also need an associate's in sonography. 2 Go to a CAAHEP-accredited school and get an associate's degree. 3 Get an associate's and work in the field for a year. This can be a little hard because most places will not hire you without certification, BUT it is possible. If you do an internship through your school, sometimes they will offer you a job after if they like you. 4 Take the ARRT. ARRT stands for AMERICAN REGISTRY OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS. This is an exam that covers abdomen procedures and pathology, OB questions, and ultrasound physics. If you pass you can sit for your ARDMS. YES the ARDSM is an exam. You have to meet the requirements before you can apply to take the exam, which is $275. You also have to take the SPI, which is an ultrasound physics exam done by ARDMS before you can take the ARDMS for a specialty. My school paid for my SPI, and it was included in the tuition cost. If I chose to get my bachelor's degree, they would have paid for my ARDMS too. Check to see if your program is 1: accredited, 2: if they offer internships, and 3: if they will pay for your exams or give you free tools to pass (textbooks or study programs that you normally pay for), or if these will all be additional costs out of pocket.
Specialty: Also, check what type of ultrasound they teach at the school. There are different kinds of specialties. It's not just babies. If that's not your thing, you can also scan the abdominal organs (liver, kidneys, spleen, etc). Or you could scan vascular, which is the arteries and veins; typically, you will check for plaque in the vessels. This requires a very steady hand. Then of course there's OB which is scanning pregnant women. There are other specialties like musculoskeletal, echo (the heart), and pediatrics (children), as well as countless others. The pay and lifestyle will vary greatly based on the specialty you choose. If you want to learn one type, check to make sure your school teaches that type.
Be Aware of the Risks: Sonographers are at high risk for workplace injury. Performing an ultrasound exam puts a lot of strain on your wrist, arms, and shoulder. Many sonographers will end their career or transition into teaching sonography (this still pays really well) after a few years due to these injuries. Some people will experience pain after performing exams back to back all day, but most companies have mandated breaks for sonographers in between exams or will hire two sonographers who switch off. Some patients are harder to scan than others. For example, a larger patient may require you to use more force to get a good image which could hurt more. I know for myself I've been scanning daily for over a year now and there are days where my arm gets sore. Your specialty can also affect this. If you work out your arms well and take breaks you should be fine, but it is something to be aware of.
Once you start, get ready to study physics, anatomy, and pathology. This is what the focus of my program taught and the main things that you will be tested on. Make sure to develop a good study routine because any sonography program will be highly intensive. I wish you the best of luck, and if you have any other questions feel free to reach out.
Types of Schools & Certification: Different schools can only offer a certain kind of accreditation and you have to be careful because some schools will only give you a certificate (NOT a degree). Most places will not hire you without an associate's or bachelor's degree. Some schools will also choose to pay for your registry exams. These are important. Certification is critical for finding a job after graduating. If you live in an less competitive area, you can sometimes get a job without it, but the pay will be much higher if you're certified. The ARDMS or American Registry does the certification for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. This means you can get a job in almost any state. (Some states have extra state exams). There are a few routes for qualifying to take your ARDMS. 1 Get a bachelor's degree in something (healthcare or sonography). If you get a bachelor's in something other than sonography, you will also need an associate's in sonography. 2 Go to a CAAHEP-accredited school and get an associate's degree. 3 Get an associate's and work in the field for a year. This can be a little hard because most places will not hire you without certification, BUT it is possible. If you do an internship through your school, sometimes they will offer you a job after if they like you. 4 Take the ARRT. ARRT stands for AMERICAN REGISTRY OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS. This is an exam that covers abdomen procedures and pathology, OB questions, and ultrasound physics. If you pass you can sit for your ARDMS. YES the ARDSM is an exam. You have to meet the requirements before you can apply to take the exam, which is $275. You also have to take the SPI, which is an ultrasound physics exam done by ARDMS before you can take the ARDMS for a specialty. My school paid for my SPI, and it was included in the tuition cost. If I chose to get my bachelor's degree, they would have paid for my ARDMS too. Check to see if your program is 1: accredited, 2: if they offer internships, and 3: if they will pay for your exams or give you free tools to pass (textbooks or study programs that you normally pay for), or if these will all be additional costs out of pocket.
Specialty: Also, check what type of ultrasound they teach at the school. There are different kinds of specialties. It's not just babies. If that's not your thing, you can also scan the abdominal organs (liver, kidneys, spleen, etc). Or you could scan vascular, which is the arteries and veins; typically, you will check for plaque in the vessels. This requires a very steady hand. Then of course there's OB which is scanning pregnant women. There are other specialties like musculoskeletal, echo (the heart), and pediatrics (children), as well as countless others. The pay and lifestyle will vary greatly based on the specialty you choose. If you want to learn one type, check to make sure your school teaches that type.
Be Aware of the Risks: Sonographers are at high risk for workplace injury. Performing an ultrasound exam puts a lot of strain on your wrist, arms, and shoulder. Many sonographers will end their career or transition into teaching sonography (this still pays really well) after a few years due to these injuries. Some people will experience pain after performing exams back to back all day, but most companies have mandated breaks for sonographers in between exams or will hire two sonographers who switch off. Some patients are harder to scan than others. For example, a larger patient may require you to use more force to get a good image which could hurt more. I know for myself I've been scanning daily for over a year now and there are days where my arm gets sore. Your specialty can also affect this. If you work out your arms well and take breaks you should be fine, but it is something to be aware of.
Once you start, get ready to study physics, anatomy, and pathology. This is what the focus of my program taught and the main things that you will be tested on. Make sure to develop a good study routine because any sonography program will be highly intensive. I wish you the best of luck, and if you have any other questions feel free to reach out.
Thank you so much, Evangeline! I appreciate all of the advice and details you shared. That is great information.
Claire
Thank you so much for such detailed advice, Evangeline! Your insights on accreditation and certification are especially helpful. Can you tell me more about the different specialties in sonography?
Cheeky