Sonographer

As a sonographer you'll:

• use ultrasound equipment to carry out examinations
•  deal sensitively with patients
•  produce and interpret images
•  train healthcare staff to use specialist equipment
•  make referrals to other healthcare professionals

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work on your own
• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

There are opportunities to move into specialist sonography areas like:

• obstetrics and gynaecology
•  vascular
•  cancer services

You could work with specific patient groups such as children or pregnant women.

With experience, there are opportunities to go into teaching sonography or to do clinical research.