Diagnostic medical sonography is a mobile branch of medical imaging often referred to as sonograms or ultrasounds. “I know everybody thinks we just scan babies, but there is so much more we do,” says, Kim Boldt, assistant professor of sonography.

In addition to monitoring mother and fetal health throughout gestation, the images captured by sonographers are vital for physicians and other medical professionals to interpret, diagnose and treat patients for illness, injury and or health concerns.

What do diagnostic medical sonographers do?

While sonographers are trained to obtain and analyze diagnostic sonographic images which aid in patient treatment, they also engage in conversations with patients to identify symptoms and other patient concerns. They use independent judgment to recognize the need to adjust the sonogram to account for new insights gained through patient interactions. They also provide oral or written summaries of their findings to treating physicians and radiographers.

“If you’re interested in ultrasound, go observe at a hospital,” advises Breanne Paisley, instructor of sonography. “Observing is important so you, as a student, understand the whole of what we do.”

How much do sonographers make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, diagnostic medical sonography is a rapidly growing field with a projected growth rate of 11% and many job opportunities with available positions in specialty hospitals, general medical hospitals, physician offices and more.

Diagnostic medical sonography is also rated in the top ten associate degree careers in terms of pay. Sonographers are well-compensated with an average annual salary of $82,803 in Michigan. The national certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is valid in all 50 states.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Delta College

The Sonography program at Delta College is a competitive, top-rated program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The program is five semesters, or 20 months long, with a strict class capacity of 14 ensuring all students get the attention they deserve. This full-time program including classroom instruction, state-of-the-art simulation labs, portable ultrasound machines for at-home practice and hands-on clinical experiences at several hospitals and clinics throughout Michigan.

“A lot of hospitals look for Delta students,” says Kayla Trice, sonography student. “They’re interested in us because they know we put so much into our program, into our education, and we want to be the best we can be.” 

Classes at Delta are led by instructors who have worked or currently work in the field, sharing invaluable experience-driven knowledge with their students. The program proudly boasts a 100% employment rate of recent graduates.

Hear more of what current instructors and students have to say about Delta’s Sonography program in this short video, or visit Delta’s Sonography webpage for more information.