Diagnostic cardiac sonography is a versatile field and a rewarding career choice. This allied health career is continuously evolving, and due to the introduction of new technologies, professionals need to stay updated with the profession.
Considering a career in diagnostic cardiac sonography brings several questions and what it is like working on-the-job.
From schooling to job outlook, here are 10 must-know things about cardiac sonography profession.
Saving Lives Everyday
Did you know that Cardiac arrest is the 2nd leading cause of death in Canada? According to Government of Canada report, about 1 in 12 Canadian adults age 20 and over live with diagnosed heart disease.
Diagnostic sonographers are the first line of defense against diagnosing abnormalities in the human body. Cardiac sonography professionals use advanced ultrasound technology to create images of the human heart which further are used to detect defects, diseases and medical conditions.
Cardiac sonographers are vital when it comes to the diagnosis process. The treatment process is dependent on the images and information passed on to the physician and has to be accurate.
Are you a People Person?
No matter which branch of sonography you work in, cardiac sonography professionals need to be personable to work closely with patients. You need to possess good communication skills and should be able to answer any queries patient has.
One of the most critical parts of the job is to calm patients and reassure them of safety and incapable hands.
Ready to Work as Part of Team
As a cardiac sonographer, you will be working as a part of a bigger team. You will be working closely (or reporting to) nurses, physicians, cardiologists, and maybe the surgical team. You must follow the instructions to provide the best quality of images, coordinate and report as required.
Open to Learning
Your training doesn’t end upon the completion of a degree or certificate. You need to keep yourself updated as the cardiac sonography technologies advance. Even if you have years of experience, you need to attend conferences, workshops and align with the industry demands and changes.
Unsung Heroes
Cardiac sonography professionals work behind the allied healthcare team’s scenes and usually are not recognized for their part in patient care. This is a self-motivating job, and you should be prepared to be no thanked over the job well done.
Attention to Detail is a Must
Cardiac sonographers have to stay on top of their duties and ensure not even the minutest of details are missed. From generating high-quality images for further diagnosis of ensuring patient safety, the job requires a focused approach.
Healthcare is regulated in Canada; thus, you need to be aware and abide by the profession’s laws, rules, and regulations.
Varied Work Settings
Upon successfully completing course and certification, cardiac sonography professionals can choose to work in hospitals, cardiologist offices, imaging centres and mobile imaging companies.
Depending on which work setting you are in, you might be asked to do more than just ultrasound. In smaller clinics, you might schedule an appointment for further exams, fill out safety reports or obtain consent forms from the patient.
Flexible Working Hours
One of the upsides about allied health careers is that you can work in shifts and days you prefer to work.
If traditional 9-5 workday, is something that doesn’t suit your other commitments, you can choose to work in outpatient facilities. If you are comfortable with second or third shifts, hospitals need cardiac sonographers on staff at all times.
Monetarily Rewarding Career
Cardiac Sonography is a rigorous program and required investment in terms of both time and money. However, cardiac sonographers earn $71,497 per year or 36.67 per hour.
Recent graduates in entry-level positions start at an average of $58,000 per year while most experienced professionals make up to $98,748 per year.
Great Job Outlook
According to the Job Bank Canada, the job outlook for diagnostic cardiac sonographers in Ontario is Good. The graduating students are well absorbed by the market, and employment growth will lead to several new positions.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, USA indicates a growth of 7% between 2018 and 2028. Cardiac Sonography professionals need to be certified by Sonography Canada in Canada and ARDMS in the USA.
Get Ready to Become a Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer
If you are in the Greater Toronto Area and are interested in starting your allied health career. BizTech College offers 95 weeks extensive diploma program that focuses on theoretical and practical know-how to build a rewarding career in cardiac sonography.