There are many requirements for sonography school, such as having a good GPA, previous courses completed and a satisfactory background check. There are some other requirements that any potential student should consider if they are thinking about getting a sonography degree, though. Being able to do the job takes more than just getting the sonography degree and acting appropriately in the job interview. There are many qualities that are required to be successful in this field.
The following are the top 10 qualities and abilities of a great ultrasound and sonography professional:
- Able to comprehend and interpret written material without assistance
- Able to follow written instructions and think critically without assistance
- Able to interact and verbally communicate with others calmly and rationally
- Able to learn and function in a variety of academic and workplace environments
- Able to accurately perform the sequential sonography examination steps unassisted
- Able to communicate effectively with physicians, staff and patients
- Able to display emotional stability, maturity, judgment and empathy for others
- Have knowledge of basic grammar, spelling and writing skills
- Have normal or corrected vision, hearing and tactile sensitivity
- Have physical and mental stamina endurance.
Many of these qualities may sound obvious for a student getting their sonography degree, such as the ability to interact with others and to learn in a variety of settings. Physical and mental endurance might not seem so obvious to anyone thinking about getting a sonography degree, though. But the fact is that you must be able to routinely lift as much as 150 pounds, manage a 200 pound patient without assistance, help patients get on and off examination tables, and perform movements such as pushing, pulling, kneeling and squatting. You may routinely work three or more hours without so much as a five-minute break. And you must have good vision to view images, good hearing to distinguish audible Doppler signals and a good back to be able to work standing up 80 percent of the time.
If you believe you have all of these top ten qualities and abilities, sonography school could just be a perfect choice for you.
Institutions offering quality Sonography Technician Programs include American Institute – College of Health Professionals, Sanford-Brown Institute, Keiser University and Kaplan Colleges.
