Occupational Profiles

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
 

• Operate ultrasound imaging equipment that transmits high frequency sound pulses through the body to produce images of those parts of the body requiring examination
• Monitor examination by viewing images on video screen, to evaluate quality and consistency of diagnostic images, and make adjustments to equipment, as required
• Record, store and process scanned images by using camera unit connected to ultrasound equipment
• Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure patient safety and comfort
• Prepare examination reports for physicians to aid in the monitoring of pregnancies and the diagnosis of cardiac, abdominal, ophthalmic, vascular and other disorders
• Perform quality control checks on ultrasound equipment to ensure proper operation and perform minor repairs and adjustments as required
• May supervise and train students and other medical sonographers.
• Medical sonographers may specialize in abdominal, cardiac, cerebral, obstetrical and gynaecological, ophthalmic, intraluminal or peripheral vascular sonography. They may also specialize in adult or pediatric echocardiography or neurosonology.

• Completion of a three- to four-year program in diagnostic medical sonography or ultrasound technology or completion of a two- to three-year program in a related allied health field and a one-year post-diploma program in diagnostic medical sonography from an accredited institution are required.
• Registration with Sonography Canada and/or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is usually required by employers.
• Registration with l'Ordre des technologues en imagerie médicale, en radio-oncologie et en électrophysiologie médicale du Québec is required in Quebec.
• Registration with the College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario (CMRTO) is required in Ontario.