i A CLOSER LOOK: DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY Table of Contents Part 1: What is diagnostic medical sonography?………………………………….........................4 What is ultrasonography? ……………………………………………………...................5 What are the roles and responsibilities of a diagnostic medical sonographer? …...............5 Working environment……………………………………………………..........................6 Salary……………………………………………………...................................................7 Part 2: Prospective students…………………………………………………….............................8 Medical sonography as an occupation…………………………………………………….9 Overview: Accredited programs in Canada……………………………………………...10 Certification and registration…………………………………………………………….15 Job outlook in Canada and New Brunswick……………………………………….…….16 Part 3: Literature review: …………………………………………………………………..……18 Sonographer shortage……………………………………………………………………19 Current demographics……………………………………………………………………20 Retention rates……………………………………………………...................................20 Musculoskeletal injuries…………………………………………………………………21 Hospital environments…………………………………………………………………...22 Advancements in technology…………………………………………………………….23 Lack of student graduates………………………………………………..........................24 Lack of public awareness …………………………………………………………….….26 Sonography as a profession……………………………………………………...............27 Canadian regulation……………………………………………………...........................28 Conclusion…………………………………………………….........................................28
ii A CLOSER LOOK: DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY Part 4: Personal reflection: My love for the profession…………………………….....................29 References……………………………………………………......................................................32 Appendices Appendix A: National competency profiles...................................................................................40 Appendix B: Code of ethics for the profession of diagnostic medical ultrasound …………........42 Appendix C: Horizon Health Network job posting ……………………………….......................44 Appendix D: Photos ………………………………………………...............................................46 Appendix E: floor plan of ultrasound department ……………………………………………….49 Appendix F: Contact information ………………………………………………..........................50 Appendix G: Thank you note to ultrasound department ………………………………...............51