Diagnostic medical sonography plays a key role in better clinical outcomes for patients across a wide array of health conditions.
By Jenna Hughes
Ultrasound (sonogram) is the most utilized form of diagnostic imaging available after X-ray, according to the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS). Doctors order ultrasounds for women, men, and children to gain insight into the inner workings of the body.
As such, sonographers play an indispensable role in modern healthcare by utilizing ultrasound technology to create images of the body’s internal structures, said Mitzi Roberts, president of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and SDMS Foundation Board. “Their expertise in capturing detailed images allows physicians to diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions.”
Using ultrasound, physicians can monitor women’s health conditions, gynecological problems, and heart conditions, while limiting invasive procedures. In men, ultrasound can diagnose everything from heart disease to abnormalities in the prostate gland or testicles. In children, doctors can use ultrasound to detect illnesses and disorders such as appendicitis or spina bifida.
Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safe option for imaging. “The skill and dedication of sonographers ensure that healthcare providers can offer the highest standard of care to their patients,” said Roberts.
Ultrasound is a science built around sound waves. Ultrasounds, or sonograms, should be performed only for diagnostic purposes. During a sonograph test, a sonographer places a small device known as a transducer against the patient’s skin on the area of the body being scanned. The transducer then sends high frequency sound waves into the body, which bounce off its internal structures. From there, a computer analyzes the sound waves and creates visual images of the patient’s body, providing physicians with valuable medical information.
Heart disease, stroke, abnormalities in the abdomen or reproductive system, gallstones, liver damage, and kidney function all exhibit telltale signs that ultrasound helps detect, according to the SDMS.
Industry challenges and advocacy
In recent years, sonographers have faced workforce shortages, continuous learning and adaptation with technological advancements, increased workloads and patient volume, resource constraints, patient safety, emotional and physiological stress, and more.
“As the demand for their expertise grows, sonographers face a variety of issues that impact their ability to deliver optimal care,” said Roberts.
In 2024, the SDMS launched a new initiative to address sonographer workload and well-being. The goal of the SDMS project is to extract the lessons learned from plans that have been implemented to address sonographer workload and well-being, as well as create a toolkit for sonographers to utilize when creating similar plans in their own facilities.
The organization represents the sonography profession’s interests through advocacy initiatives at both the federal and state level. This includes sonographer credentialing, state licensure, coding and reimbursement, and more.
“Advocacy is at the heart of the SDMS’ mission,” said Roberts. “On the legislative front, the SDMS engages with policymakers to ensure legislation reflects sonographers’ vital role in healthcare, to protect their scope of practice, and to ensure that sonographers meet rigorous education and competency standards to safeguard patient safety.”
“The SDMS also engages in professional advocacy by educating the healthcare community on the critical role sonographers play in patient care,” said Roberts. By setting industry standards and advocating for continuous professional development, the SDMS helps sonographers stay at the forefront of technological advancements and best industry practices.
Sonographer education and credentialing
Healthcare employers are increasingly seeking demonstration of professional competence through sonographer certification. In the field of sonography, an individual takes one or more certification exams to become certified for a specific area (abdomen, vascular, etc.), and the certification organization then awards a credential to the individuals that pass the examination.
Sonographer certification is considered the standard of care. Currently, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Oregon are the only states with approved requirement of licensure for sonographers. Policies for sonography can be complex and may vary from state to state.
The SDMS, as a result, has developed the “SDMS Legislative Monitor App,” which tracks state and federal legislative bills related to sonography.
“One of the core initiatives of the SDMS and Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month (MUAM) is the safety and non-invasive nature of ultrasound, because it is a reliable, safe imaging modality that does not involve radiation, making it suitable for a wide range of patients,” said Roberts. “The SDMS actively advocates for licensure for sonographers to enhance the credibility of the profession.”
The SDMS also provides opportunities for individuals to earn continuing medical education (CME) while also providing educational resources for the sonography community. The SDMS allows members to earn CME credits, outlines sonographer CME requirements, and provides members with access to the SDMS CME tracker. SDMS also offers Clinical Reviews and career resources to professional sonographers, which are a collection of online resources designed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and competency of those in the field.
Sonography awareness
Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month (MUAM) is held annually in October to increase awareness of diagnostic medical sonography, and the role sonographers play in healthcare. The key tenets of MUAM include promoting public awareness of sonography, highlighting the role of sonographers in healthcare, and emphasizing the safety and efficacy of sonography.
Many organizations join the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography in promoting MUAM, including the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, the American Society of Echocardiography, Cardiovascular Credentialing International, and the Society for Vascular Ultrasound.
Recently, SDMS worked on revising the sonography clinical document titled “Scope of Practice and Clinical Standards for the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer,” which “sets forth the most current standards and expectations for sonographers, emphasizing patient care, safety, and the evolving role of sonographers in healthcare,” said Roberts.
The SDMS is also currently updating the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, which aims to promote excellence in patient care by fostering responsibility and accountability among diagnostic medical sonographers. According to Roberts, The Code of Ethics serves as a guide and framework for addressing ethical issues in clinical settings, business practices, education, and research.
“MUAM seeks to inform the public about the critical role of ultrasound in diagnosing and treating medical conditions. By increasing awareness, the campaign helps people understand how ultrasound works, its safety, and its applications in various medical fields,” said Roberts. “MUAM is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of sonographers. It emphasizes the expertise and skills of these medical professionals, showcasing their importance in the healthcare system and their impact on patient care.”