Medical Sonography Technologist

Medical sonography technologists operate ultrasound equipment to aid physicians throughout New Brunswick’s healthcare system. By analysing, measuring, and documenting soft tissue organs with specialized transducers, they produce and record images of various parts of the body. This is incredibly vital when monitoring pregnancies and diagnosing cardiac, ophthalmic, vascular, and other medical disorders. Medical sonography technologists may hold credentials as a generalist sonographer, a cardiac sonographer, or as a vascular sonographer. They may also specialize even further in pediatric echocardiography, neurosonography, muscular skeletal, breast, and general pediatrics sonography.

To be a successful medical sonography technologist requires excellent attention to detail and the ability to visualize in three dimensions. But, the role goes beyond technical skills. Working with a team means communication and collaboration are incredibly important facets of this career, as well as patience and empathy when caring for patients throughout examinations.

Personal characteristics and skills

  • A high degree of technical skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Good communication and problem-solving skills
  • Attention to detail and good observation skills
  • Good upper body and shoulder strength
  • Ability to visualize in three dimensions
  • Ability to handle unpleasant situations
  • Ability to work in a team environment

Medical sonography technologists in New Brunswick have a variety of important roles, including but not limited to:

  • Operating ultrasound imaging equipment to evaluate the anatomy of soft tissue structures
  • Analysing, measuring, and documenting normal and abnormal structures
  • Recording, storing, and processing scanned images appropriately
  • Preparing written reports of their analysis
  • Notifying specialists when immediate attention is required
  • Performing quality control checks on ultrasound equipment to ensure proper operation
  • Performing minor repairs and adjustments as required
  • Providing guidance, training, and orientation to other medical sonography technology staff, students, and other health care professionals

Working hours vary in this position, with some medical sonography technologists working shifts, including some evenings, weekends, and being on call. Medical sonography technologists stand for most of the day, using repetitive motions of their upper body and assisting patients on and off examining tables. Dedication to fitness and excellent physical health are especially beneficial in this career.

Medical sonography technologists work in a variety of settings, such as:

  • Hospitals
  • Medical clinics
  • Private clinics
  • Research centres

They may also work as:

  • Sales representatives with medical equipment companies
  • Application specialists
  • Educators in post-secondary institutions

Completion of an approved Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology program with supervised practical training is required. In New Brunswick, many workplaces also require certification and registry with Sonography Canada, which means the sonographer must pass the national registry’s examinations in either Generalist, Cardiac, or Vascular Sonography, as well as the scanning skills assessment.

Education programs offered in Atlantic Canada: