Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Core tasks

1. 01Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
2. 02Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
3. 03Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
4. 04Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.
5. 05Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.
6. 06Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.

Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)

• Repeating same tasks4.66
• Degree of automation2.02
• Time sitting3.36
• Originality (ability)3.00
• Conflict situations2.95
• Hands-on objects/tools4.80
• Outdoors / weather1.05
• Disease exposure4.46
• Decision freedom4.18

Top abilities

• Oral Comprehension4.00
• Written Comprehension3.88
• Problem Sensitivity3.88
• Oral Expression3.88
• Near Vision3.88
• Written Expression3.75
• Speech Clarity3.62
• Speech Recognition3.50

Essential skills

• Reading Comprehension3.75
• Active Listening3.88
• Writing3.25
• Speaking3.75
• Mathematics2.12
• Science3.25
• Critical Thinking3.50
• Active Learning3.38
• Learning Strategies3.00
• Monitoring3.50