Download Definition of the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Definition of the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
A sonographer is a highly skilled medical imaging
professional who utilises ultrasound imaging systems
to undertake diagnostic medical sonographic
examinations across a range of contexts.
The sonographer interprets the sonographic
findings and tailors the examination, selectively
recording anatomical images, physical data and
real time physiological information. The outcome
of a sonographic examination is reliant on the
medical knowledge as well as the technical skills of
the sonographer, who exercises decisional latitude
during examinations to determine the breadth of
the investigation each patient requires.
Sonographers in Australia practise across a
range of disciplines, with three-quarters obtaining
a general diagnostic medical sonography
qualification enabling them to work across the
disciplines of abdomen, breast, musculoskeletal,
obstetric, paediatric, superficial parts and vascular
sonography. Also within the profession, a number
of discipline-specific sonographers practise in one
or more disciplines. The majority of these practise
in the cardiac discipline and the remaining work
solely in the sub-sets of vascular, cerebrovascular,
obstetrics and gynaecology or breast sonography.
It is essential that the sonographer possesses core
knowledge and skill in the following areas:
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Applied anatomy, physiology and
pathophysiology
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Imaging and pattern recognition
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Operation of ultrasound imaging systems
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Ability to distinguish normal from abnormal
findings and identify the sonographic
appearances of specific diseases and conditions
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Ability to communicate effectively
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Clinical skills/acumen
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Patient assessment and care
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Critical thinking, research and problem solving
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Highly developed motor skills that are specific
to the profession
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Ultrasound physics
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Occupational health and safety issues
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Quality assurance procedures
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Infection control procedures.
Education and Accreditation
The ASA Competency Standards for the Entry
Level Sonographer identify the standards for
education and clinical training required to practise
as an accredited medical sonographer.
As a pre-requisite for entry to an accredited
post graduate sonography course, candidates
have usually completed a Bachelor’s degree in a
health science. On completion of an accredited
postgraduate sonography course, which includes
completion of minimum clinical training requirements,
entry level sonographers are eligible for entry onto
the Registry of Accredited Medical Sonographers.
Sonographer accreditation is mandatory for
all sonographers and student sonographers
working in practices that provide Medicareeligible sonographic services. The sonographer
accreditation process is maintained by the Australian
Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR).
A qualified general sonographer is known as an
Accredited Medical Sonographer (AMS).
Sonographers who have successfully completed
discipline specific studies receive an appropriate
designation, such as
Accredited Cardiac
Sonographer (ACS). All
accredited sonographers
are required to undertake
ongoing continuing
professional development.