You’ve graduated from your sonography program, or are getting ready to, and that first payday is within your reach! This day feels so far away when you are a student. Sonography programs are challenging and require much of your time that could potentially be spent working and making money. It is normal to be kid-on-Christmas-morning excited about that first pay check. But first, you must get the job.
In this excerpt from her book “Diagnostic Medical Sonography – The Definitive Guide to Planning Your Career“, author and sonographer Samantha Callis will help you understand the job market and other need-to-know information on joining the ranks as a sonographer in the healthcare industry.
From Ultrasound School to Your First Job
Explore this 3-part article series by Author and sonographer Samantha Callis, as discussed in her new book “Diagnostic Medical Sonography – The Definitive Guide to Planning Your Career“.
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Understanding the Ultrasound Job Market – Trends, settings, and what new grads should expect.
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Submitting the Application and Acing the Interview – Resumes, references, and interview prep that works.
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Make an Informed Decision Before Accepting the Job – Offers, shifts, benefits, and culture fit.
The Ultrasound Job Market
Healthcare has a longstanding reputation for having lots of job opportunities that make a living wage. Sonography is a high-demand field. Current data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows the expectation of a 15% increase in jobs for diagnostic medical sonographers, and a 4% increase for technologists in cardiovascular ultrasound.
Job availability and typical pay rates differ based on geographic location. In some parts of the country, there are several job postings. In others, there may not be as much demand. You must keep an open mind – needing to relocate for work is not out of the question.
Job availability can be affected by the proximity of education programs. If there is a state with several sonography programs accepting large numbers of students each year, that market may be a bit saturated with new graduates and other job seekers.
Research typical pay rates. There is quite a bit of information about median hourly rates, but keep in mind these are not always reflective of the area you intend to work. Work with faculty and clinical staff to understand your local job market or network with individuals who may understand the market of the location you intend to work.
Workplace Locations and Shift Opportunities
Ultrasound is used in nearly every area of healthcare in one way or another, and in a variety of workplaces. You may work as a sonographer for a hospital, physician’s office, outpatient freestanding imaging department, mobile imaging company, or even as a contract travel sonographer. These job opportunities typically are either full time, part-time, per diem/PRN (this means as needed), or contract.
Some job listings may include the schedule/shift hours. Sonographers are needed twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year (how about that for feeling important?!) so there is ample opportunity to work a schedule that fits your life. You may desire a Monday-Friday schedule. You may want to work twelve-hour shifts on the weekends. Maybe you only want to take call. As your life and career changes, your needs will also change.
Keep in mind the type of jobs available vary geographically. In areas where there are many students graduating, there may be fewer full-time job opportunities at the time you start looking. Be patient and have a good idea of which job is best suited for you based on your experience, life situation, and career.
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