Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Job Outlook and Earnings Analysis

U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics Analysis

Job Outlook

The future for diagnostic medical sonographers looks bright. According to projections from 2023 to 2033:

• Overall employment for diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists is expected to grow by 11%.
• Specifically, diagnostic medical sonographers are projected to grow by 15%, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
• Each year, approximately 9,400 new job openings are expected in the field.
• These opportunities arise from both workforce retirements and increased healthcare needs due to an aging baby-boomer population.
• Importantly, older adults are more likely to require imaging tests, which boosts demand.

In this context, diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists play a vital role. They operate specialized imaging equipment and collaborate closely with physicians and surgeons to help assess and diagnose medical conditions.

National Employment Outlook and Earnings Potential

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

• Median Annual Wage: $84,470
• Lowest 10% earned less than $63,680
• Highest 10% earned more than $116,300

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

• Median Annual Wage: $66,170
• Lowest 10% earned less than $36,620
• Highest 10% earned more than $105,140

Median wages also vary by industry:

• Outpatient care centers: $88,200
• Offices of physicians: $76,470
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories: $66,580
• Hospitals (state, local, and private): $63,480

Clearly, diagnostic medical sonographers tend to earn higher wages compared to cardiovascular technologists and technicians. In fact, the median wage for sonographers is about 27.7% higher.

Moreover, for cardiovascular technologists and technicians, wages can vary significantly depending on the healthcare setting or industry.

This data provides valuable insight into potential career paths and earning expectations for those entering or advancing in these professions. Undoubtedly, diagnostic medical sonographers enjoy higher overall earning potential.

Source links:

• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm#tab-5
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm#tab-1
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm#tab-2

Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Clinical Externship Policy

Below is the official externship policy for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program at Healthcare Training Institute.

Externship Eligibility & Placement

1. Externship sites will be offered only to students who meet all requirements, including:

• – Successful completion of assignments, tests, and quizzes
• – Clearance from instructors and full tuition payment

2. Externship programming is monitored by the DMS Program Director and Clinical Coordinator.
3. Student-proposed externship sites must be approved and processed through the Program Director.
4. Approved students will be placed at a local hospital or medical facility, with liability insurance provided by the school.
5. Students must follow the externship handbook and submit required documents (physical forms, clearance sheet, background check, etc.) before placement.
6. Only weekday externships are available (Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM).
7. Students may not contact externship sites directly without written HTI permission.
8. Weekly timesheets signed by clinical supervisors are required.

Conduct, Performance & Attendance

9. Students must adhere to site protocols and maintain confidentiality. Clinical supervisors may request removal of students.
10. Declining two externship assignments results in dismissal.
11. Clinical site locations may be up to 75 miles from HTI. Students are responsible for travel and related expenses.
12. Dismissals may occur due to poor academic performance or conduct violations.
13. Falsifying or cheating on timesheets will result in dismissal.
14. Students must follow dress codes and exhibit professionalism at all times.

Professional Expectations & Physical Requirements

15. Integrity and honesty are essential. Missed hours must be made up with verified documentation.
16. Students must be able to:

• – Move and operate ultrasound equipment
• – Transport patients
• – Lift over 50 pounds, stand for 80% of work time
• – Communicate effectively and organize scan procedures

Externship Completion & Additional Policies

17. Externship is required for graduation. Failure to pass evaluation results in dismissal regardless of GPA.
18. Students must meet with Financial Aid once 300 hours are completed to unlock tuition disbursements.
19. HTI does not guarantee exposure to all exam types at every site. Minimums: 30% abdominal, 30% OB/GYN.
20. Criminal background checks may be required. Costs are the student’s responsibility.
21. Final disbursement requires timesheet submission.
22. HTI will coordinate externship scheduling 30 days prior with affiliate sites.
23. School holidays do not apply to externship schedules.
24. Clinical Coordinators assign sites; employment offers are outside of HTI’s control.