National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011

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National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011
Introduction

3216 - Medical sonographers

Medical sonographers operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of various parts of the body to aid physicians in monitoring pregnancies and in diagnosing cardiac, ophthalmic, vascular and other medical disorders. They are employed in clinics and hospitals. Medical sonographers who are supervisors or instructors are included in this unit group.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • diagnostic medical sonography instructor
    • medical sonographer
    • medical sonographers supervisor
    • registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS)
    • ultrasound technologist

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Medical radiation technologists (3215)

  • Main duties

    Medical sonographers perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Operate ultrasound imaging equipment that transmits high frequency sound pulses through the body to produce images of those parts of the body requiring examination
    • Monitor examination by viewing images on video screen, to evaluate quality and consistency of diagnostic images, and make adjustments to equipment, as required
    • Record, store and process scanned images by using camera unit connected to ultrasound equipment
    • Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure patient safety and comfort
    • Prepare examination reports for physicians to aid in the monitoring of pregnancies and the diagnosis of cardiac, abdominal, ophthalmic, vascular and other disorders
    • Perform quality control checks on ultrasound equipment to ensure proper operation and perform minor repairs and adjustments as required
    • May supervise and train student and other medical sonographers.

    Medical sonographers may specialize in abdominal, cardiac, cerebral, obstetrical and gynaecological, ophthalmic, intraluminal or peripheral vascular sonography. They may also specialize in adult or pediatric echocardiography or neurosonology.

  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of a three- to four-year program in diagnostic medical sonography or ultrasound technology
      or
      Completion of a two- to three-year program in a related allied health field and a one-year post-diploma program in diagnostic medical sonography from an accredited institution are required.
    • Registration with the Canadian Association of Registered Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Professionals and/or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is usually required by employers.
    • Registration with l'Ordre des Technologues en Radiologie du Québec is required in Quebec.

  • Additional information

    • Membership in the Canadian Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is available but voluntary.
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