The test itself doesn’t have risks. Unlike X-rays, an ultrasound doesn’t use radiation. A transabdominal ultrasound shouldn’t hurt. You might feel some discomfort during a transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound when the transducer is inserted.

In medicine, ultrasound is used to detect changes in the appearance of organs, tissues, and vessels and to detect abnormal masses, such as tumors. In an ultrasound exam, a transducer both sends the sound waves and records the echoing waves.

Internal or transvaginal ultrasound scan Credit: An internal examination allows a doctor to look more closely inside the body at organs such as the prostate gland, ovaries or womb. A “transvaginal” ultrasound means “through the vagina”.

The transvaginal (internal) ultrasound scan does not require a full bladder as the scan probe is placed inside the vagina and is closer to the pelvic organs being examined. This type of scan is used to help provide clearer pictures of the womb, ovaries and surrounding structures.

Women can have transvaginal scans at any time in their life – whether you’re pregnant, going through the menopause or menstruating. The only time you are unlikely to have this internal ultrasound scan is if you are a virgin or have not had an internal examination before.

If you are a virgin or unable to tolerate an internal scan you will be offered a transabdominal scan instead. For this you will need a full bladder and you will need to drink one litre of water one hour before your appointment to fill your bladder.

An abdominal ultrasound can help your doctor evaluate the cause of stomach pain or bloating. It can help check for kidney stones, liver disease, tumors and many other conditions. Your doctor may recommend that you have an abdominal ultrasound if you’re at risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Ultrasound technicians, or sonographers, have special training in how to perform the test. Then a radiologist or your doctor will interpret the ultrasound images. This technology can help diagnose and treat certain conditions.

The national average salary for an ultrasound technician is $1,517 per week or $78,884 per year. On the low end, technicians can make about $400 per week or $20,000 per year. Conversely, some of the highest-paid technicians make $3,200 per week or $166,400 per year.

The requirements for sonography school include passing difficult courses in anatomy and physiology, mathematics and physical sciences. They must also complete months of full-time clinical training, often under stressful conditions.

Ultrasound vs. To be clear, an “ultrasound technician” and a “medical sonographer” are two names for the same job title. Other titles interchangeably used include “sonographer,” “ultrasonographer” and “registered diagnostic medical sonographer,” (RDMS).

2 years

Certificates. Aspiring ultrasound technicians can also opt to earn a certificate instead of a degree in the field. Unlike other certificates, however, a diagnostic medical sonography certificate program is intended for people who already have a college education.

Most sonographers will need to hold a postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma in either medical or clinical ultrasound (though this is not a legal requirement).

Some of the best medical sonography certificates and degrees offer this course entirely online. Medical sonographers work with patients directly. Typical graduation requirements for medical sonography certificate programs and associate in medical sonography programs include multiple clinical education rotations.

Diagnostic medical sonographers have many names, but their goals to help diagnose and treat patients remains the same.

• Abdomen.
• Breast.
• Echocardiography.
• Neurosonology.
• Obstetrics and gynecology.
• Vascular technology.
• Musculoskeletal.

Its associate degrees (AS or AAS) can be completed in a maximum of two years with 20 courses. Online associate degrees include Associates of Applied Science in Criminal Justice, Practical Legal Training, and Health Information Technology that can be earned in 12 months.

Go for a One-Year Associate’s Degree Program One of the ways for you to earn your associate’s degree in just one year is by consulting with an admissions representative or career mentor. A consultation is usually free for colleges who offer one and it can help you map out your college life.