Sonografen

Sonografen, in English often called sonographers or diagnostic medical sonographers, are healthcare professionals who perform ultrasound examinations to image internal structures and monitor physiological processes. Using high-frequency sound waves, they visualize organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, pelvis, and fetus, as well as blood vessels and musculoskeletal tissues. They work with radiologists, obstetricians, cardiologists, and other clinicians to support diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient care.

Education and certification requirements vary by country. Typical pathways include an accredited associate or bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography or radiologic technology, followed by professional certification or licensure through relevant bodies. Specialties may include obstetric and gynecologic imaging, abdominal imaging, vascular technology, or echocardiography. Practitioners must maintain knowledge of anatomy, physics of ultrasound, patient safety, and infection control, and follow safety principles to minimize exposure.

Duties and work settings: sonographers position patients, select appropriate transducers, operate ultrasound equipment, and adjust imaging settings to obtain high-quality images. They document findings, perform measurements, and may provide preliminary interpretations or assist in image-guided procedures. Most work in hospitals, imaging centers, or private clinics; some roles involve on-call duties or shift work and may require collaboration with physicians across disciplines.

Subspecialties commonly include obstetric/gynecologic, abdominal, vascular, cardiac (echocardiography), and musculoskeletal imaging. Roles and responsibilities can vary by setting and country, but across the field the focus is on producing accurate, timely ultrasound images and contributing to patient-centered care.