NOC 32122: Medical sonographers

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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.

Main duties

This group performs 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 students 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.

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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 Sonography Canada and/or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is usually required by employers.
• Registration with l'Ordre des technologues en imagerie médicale, en radio-oncologie et en électrophysiologie médicale du Québec is required in Quebec.
• Registration with the College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario (CMRTO) is required in Ontario.

Good to know

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

Codes in the same group

Official sources

• noc.esdc.gc.caNOC 2021 Version 1.0: 32122 Medical sonographers
• statcan.gc.caStatistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0
• canada.caIRCC: Find your National Occupational Classification (NOC)
• canada.caIRCC: Express Entry, who can apply
• canada.caIRCC: Express Entry category-based selection