A diagnostic medical sonographer could be answering the question "Is it a boy or a girl?" as well as a host of other life-changing medical questions with the help of ultrasound technology. Beyond babies, sonograms are used to help diagnose medical conditions by creating images of body organs and tissues.

These professionals include musculoskeletal sonographers, who specialize in creating images of muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints; abdominal sonographers, who capture images of the abdominal cavity as well as nearby organs like the kidney, liver and pancreas; and breast sonographers, who capture images of breast tissue that could confirm the presence of cysts and tumors.

Skilled diagnostic medical sonographers play a vital role in ensuring a proper diagnosis. The job uses both social and technical elements, since sonographers must position a patient just right so that a properly calibrated machine can produce the best possible image. The job also requires social savvy, since the sonographer can be the first person nervous patients turn to for information about their condition.

With advances in imaging technology, many medical facilities use it in place of costly, invasive procedures. More procedures will be conducted outside of hospitals, as a result. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14.3% employment growth for diagnostic medical sonographers between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 12,000 jobs should open up.

There are bachelor’s and associate degree programs in sonography, and many students already have undergraduate degrees in math or science. The curriculum includes anatomy, physiology, instrumentation and other medical courses.

While there isn’t a formal licensure process in most states, most employers prefer candidates who have passed a professional certification exam. Candidates may need to meet education and clinical experience requirements to sit for a certification exam.