What Does a Cardiac Sonographer Do?
Traditionally, a sonogram is a test that determines the health and well-being of a fetus in a mother's womb.
Just as a traditional sonogram examines and determines the health of a fetus, cardiac sonography enables a trained medical professional to check out all aspects of the human heart. A cardiac sonographer now can use cutting edge technology to check the function of the heart muscle and valve, the overall state of the person's blood flow within the heart, and even the arrangement and placement of parts within a heart as well as the size of its chambers. By conducting this vital test, the cardiac sonographer can most literally produce a map of the human heart; examining in intricate detail the status, condition, and overall function of a patient's heart at any given time.
While a cardiac sonographer plays an irreplaceable role in the treatment of any heart patient, he/she does not typically diagnose heart disease. Instead, the sonographer collects all results generated from the sonogram test and delivers them to the patient's cardiologist; thus allowing the cardiologist to make an informed diagnosis regarding the patient's care, and to administer any treatments, medications, or instructions for lifestyle changes needed to ensure sustained or improved heart health.
It's evident that a cardiac sonographer makes a vital difference in the lives of heart patients everywhere, perhaps even saving lives in the process. Why else would someone choose to become a cardiac sonographer? For one thing, you don't have to spend endless years—and invest countless dollars—in medical school to attain this position. Some cardiac sonographers study only a year to attain their professional certifications; others pursue an associate's or bachelor's degree in Echo-based studies. All are required to pass a national exam; and, as with all careers (particularly those in the medical field), the more experience and education the professional has, the more money—and patients—they stand to accrue.
And speaking of money, it has been estimated that a cardiac sonographer can earn $50,000-80,000 per year; another definite drawing point to this ever-growing profession. Those who specialize in the maintenance of heart health are greatly needed in the medical field, and this is greatly reflected in the salaries they earn.
Flexibility is another benefit commonly associated with the career of cardiac sonographer. These cardiac professionals are found in hospitals, doctors' offices, medical centers, advanced nursing homes, and other medical facilities; and, naturally, in specialized cardiology treatment centers. No matter where you want to work in the medical field, chances are that that facility has or needs a cardiac sonographer on staff.
When it comes to the pursuit of advanced heart health, cardiac sonography is clearly the wave of the future. In choosing a career that benefits millions of heart patients every year, you'll clearly be 'all heart.'
