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Career Profile: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer - Ashley Powell
Ashley Powell, 23, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer at Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX
In Demand: Careers in Health Care, Career Voyages, U.S. Dept. of Labor
January 09, 2008
Why did you select sonography?
A personal experience got me interested. A close friend had several Pap tests done, and they were all negative. As a precaution, she had an ultrasound done, and it showed a mass on her cervix. A biopsy confirmed it was cancer. The ability of sonography to show the true picture, which enabled the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis, impressed me.
What training and skills are needed for your job?
Some states have four-year programs, but I chose a two-year program at El Centro College. Before I could apply, I had to complete certain prerequisites. That took about 12 months. But once I was accepted into the program, it took me about 18 months to finish. Besides formal training, a sonographer needs good communication skills to be able to explain procedures to patients or confer with physicians.
Describe a typical day in your job.
I start by reviewing the patient’s medical history, lab test results and any previous imaging exams. Once I’m with the patient, I verify the reason for the exam and explain the procedure. Depending on the area being imaged, the exam can take from 15 minutes to an hour. When I’m done, I take the results to the radiologist. We review the ultrasound together in an effort to diagnose the patient’s ailment. Conferring with the doctor is really rewarding because I learn something new every time.