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Kaelyn
Student
York, Pennsylvania
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What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of being a sonographer? #Spring25
Hi, I'm Kaelyn, an upcoming sophomore pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Ultrasound with a vascular specialization at Mount Aloysius College. My favorite classes so far are physics and medical terminology. My clinicals are coming up next summer, and this question comes to mind while I prepare. I'd love to hear about any current sonographers/ultrasound techs' experience in the field. Let me know your pros and cons and whatever will help me with my future career!
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Dr H
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Hey Kaelyn!
That’s awesome that you’re already diving into your studies in ultrasound! It’s such a rewarding field, and having that clinical experience coming up next summer is going to be super valuable indeed.
My dad’s a specialist sonographer, so I had the chance to learn a lot from him and his colleagues.
The most rewarding part? Honestly, it's the impact you have on people’s lives. Sonographers get to play a direct role in diagnosing and monitoring conditions that are sometimes life-changing. You’re basically the first set of eyes that can spot something important before a doctor even gets a chance to review the images. It’s fulfilling knowing that you’re making a difference, especially when you see patients walking out relieved after having clear results. Now, I remember when doctors couldn't tell much just from a physical examination they would request for a sonography that made patients hesitate and worry, so my dad would ease them, and there would be so much questions during the procedure asked and you have to be ready to respond smartly. Doctors are usually the ones who tell the issue and the sonographers are basically going to check and report but still that part where you have to ignore the patients questions can make them worry, do my dad and the colleagues of his whom I shadowed handled it without ignorance, like talking about the patients past medical conditions or life and this made them not question things.
As for the cons, like any healthcare job, the hours can be long, and some days are mentally and physically draining. It can also be emotionally tough when you're dealing with patients who are anxious or have concerning health issues. It’s hard not to get attached, and sometimes it’s a tough balance to manage your own emotions while being there for the patients. And, let me say that the toughest is the physical part cause you will be involved with sitting long hours, and you will start developing health conditions if you don't take good care of yourself so you have to be ready to give time for a little relief workout to shape your body not to fall ill.
But overall, the positives outweigh the negatives. Sonographers are in demand, and once you get certified and gain some experience, you’ll have a lot of job security and opportunities to specialize, like you’re already planning with vascular ultrasound that's really great. Plus, the pay is great, especially once you get into the specialty areas!
The key to staying motivated, according to my dad, is having a passion for what you do and always striving to learn more. Ultrasound techs are often dealing with a variety of cases, so no two days are the same, and you get to constantly improve your skills. I rememberuntil now I never see my dad never without a book, he is always researching, learning and really dedicated.
Remember if this is your dedicated passion Kaelyn, you’re definitely on fire, just Keep pushing forward, enjoy your clinicals, and stay curious! You’re gonna do great! All the best, hope this helped.
That’s awesome that you’re already diving into your studies in ultrasound! It’s such a rewarding field, and having that clinical experience coming up next summer is going to be super valuable indeed.
My dad’s a specialist sonographer, so I had the chance to learn a lot from him and his colleagues.
The most rewarding part? Honestly, it's the impact you have on people’s lives. Sonographers get to play a direct role in diagnosing and monitoring conditions that are sometimes life-changing. You’re basically the first set of eyes that can spot something important before a doctor even gets a chance to review the images. It’s fulfilling knowing that you’re making a difference, especially when you see patients walking out relieved after having clear results. Now, I remember when doctors couldn't tell much just from a physical examination they would request for a sonography that made patients hesitate and worry, so my dad would ease them, and there would be so much questions during the procedure asked and you have to be ready to respond smartly. Doctors are usually the ones who tell the issue and the sonographers are basically going to check and report but still that part where you have to ignore the patients questions can make them worry, do my dad and the colleagues of his whom I shadowed handled it without ignorance, like talking about the patients past medical conditions or life and this made them not question things.
As for the cons, like any healthcare job, the hours can be long, and some days are mentally and physically draining. It can also be emotionally tough when you're dealing with patients who are anxious or have concerning health issues. It’s hard not to get attached, and sometimes it’s a tough balance to manage your own emotions while being there for the patients. And, let me say that the toughest is the physical part cause you will be involved with sitting long hours, and you will start developing health conditions if you don't take good care of yourself so you have to be ready to give time for a little relief workout to shape your body not to fall ill.
But overall, the positives outweigh the negatives. Sonographers are in demand, and once you get certified and gain some experience, you’ll have a lot of job security and opportunities to specialize, like you’re already planning with vascular ultrasound that's really great. Plus, the pay is great, especially once you get into the specialty areas!
The key to staying motivated, according to my dad, is having a passion for what you do and always striving to learn more. Ultrasound techs are often dealing with a variety of cases, so no two days are the same, and you get to constantly improve your skills. I rememberuntil now I never see my dad never without a book, he is always researching, learning and really dedicated.
Remember if this is your dedicated passion Kaelyn, you’re definitely on fire, just Keep pushing forward, enjoy your clinicals, and stay curious! You’re gonna do great! All the best, hope this helped.