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Military Sonography Technicians

Military Career

General Information

Description

Sonography technicians must be knowledgeable about ultrasound physics. They operate medical radiology equipment while performing ultrasound examinations, which are commonly used to study a developing fetus, abdominal and pelvic organs, muscles and tendons, and the heart and blood vessels. Sonography technicians produce ultrasound diagnostic images while providing patient care for appropriate study and diagnosis. Sonography technicians balance patient interaction and technological performance while working cohesively with a healthcare team. 

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Work Environment

Sonography technicians work in hospitals and clinics. In combat situations, they may work in mobile field hospitals. They follow strict safety procedures to minimize exposure to radiation.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Health Science

Related Military Careers

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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Enlisted
    • Hands-on/specialized
    • High school diploma required

Military Workforce

Sonography Technicians in the Military

983

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Salary

Average Salary

$59,264

What makes up a military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Associate's degree 47%
  • Post-secondary certificate 19%
  • Bachelor's degree 16%
  • First professional degree 16%
  • High school 0%
  • Some college 0%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%

Military training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Sonography technicians in the Military will gain skills through classroom study, including practice with medical imaging equipment, and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include: Operation of diagnostic imaging equipmentImage processingAnatomy and physiologyPatient care in radiologyMedical ethics and lawPrinciples of radiation protectionField radiography

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Military training

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All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Sonography technicians in the Military will gain skills through classroom study, including practice with medical imaging equipment, and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Operation of diagnostic imaging equipment
  • Image processing
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Patient care in radiology
  • Medical ethics and law
  • Principles of radiation protection
  • Field radiography

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Psychology
  • Administrative
  • Physics

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership
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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.