Creating Career Path...

Finding Further Careers...

Healthcare

Sonographer

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

A sonographer, sometimes called an ultrasonographer, is a healthcare professional who uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. These images help doctors diagnose and monitor a variety of medical conditions, such as pregnancy, abdominal problems, heart issues, and blood vessel disorders. Sonographers mainly work in hospitals and clinics, often as part of a wider medical imaging or radiology department. The role involves working closely with patients, operating specialised ultrasound equipment, and providing clear images for doctors to interpret. Good communication and technical skills are important, as is the ability to work carefully and accurately. Most sonographers in the UK train as radiographers first before specialising in ultrasound.

Sonographer

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Sonographers in the UK typically earn between £32,306 and £45,839 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Availability

There were over 4,500 registered sonographers in the UK in 2023, with the NHS reporting ongoing demand for qualified professionals.

Working Hours

Most sonographers work around 37.5 hours per week, often on a rota including evenings and weekends.

🚀 Careers in this path

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Obstetric Sonographer

Specialises in using ultrasound to monitor pregnancies and assess the health of unborn babies and mothers.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Cardiac Sonographer

Focuses on performing ultrasound scans of the heart to help diagnose and monitor heart conditions.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Vascular Sonographer

Specialises in using ultrasound to examine blood vessels and help detect issues such as blood clots or blockages.

Achieve Essential Qualifications

Complete GCSEs and A-levels

Gain at least five GCSEs at grades 4-9 including English, maths, and science, followed by A-levels, preferably in science subjects.

Good GCSE and A-level results, especially in biology, physics, and chemistry, are important for university entry. Some universities may accept equivalent qualifications such as BTECs in relevant areas, but always check with your chosen university for their specific requirements.

Obtain a Relevant Degree

Enrol in a university degree in diagnostic radiography or a related healthcare science subject approved by the Health and Care Professions Council HCPC.

Full-time undergraduate courses in diagnostic radiography usually take three years. Alternatively, if you already have a degree in a science or health-related subject, you can apply for a postgraduate diploma or master's in medical ultrasound, which is usually one to two years.

Gain Practical Experience

Complete Clinical Placements

Take part in supervised work placements in hospitals or clinics as part of your university course.

Placements are a vital part of your training and will give you hands-on experience with ultrasound equipment and patient care. You will learn how to operate machines, interact with patients, and work alongside experienced sonographers.

Develop Patient Care Skills

Build communication and empathy skills while working with patients from diverse backgrounds.

Sonographers often work closely with patients who may be anxious or unwell. Developing strong interpersonal skills will help you to reassure patients and create a positive environment during scans.

Become a Qualified Sonographer

Register with the HCPC

Apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council after completing your degree or postgraduate qualification.

Registration with the HCPC is required to practise as a sonographer in the UK. This demonstrates that you meet the necessary standards for training, professional skills, and ethics.

Apply for Sonographer Positions

Look for entry-level jobs in NHS hospitals, private clinics, or specialist medical centres.

Job opportunities can be found on NHS Jobs, specialist recruitment agencies, or through university careers services. Once employed, you may choose to specialise further in areas such as obstetric or cardiac sonography through additional training.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Sonographer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You will need a degree in a relevant subject like:

  • radiography
  • midwifery
  • nursing
  • science
  • health science

You must also complete a postgraduate certificate or a postgraduate diploma in medical or clinical ultrasound, recognised by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE).

The course is a mix of study and practice, so you will need to have an agreed placement in an approved setting.

Some universities offer a master's course in medical ultrasound as part of a medicine degree.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do a sonographer degree apprenticeship.

There may be apprenticeship opportunities with the NHS, or with independent and private providers of healthcare services.

The apprenticeship takes a minimum of 36 months to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

If you're a health professional like a nurse, midwife, radiographer, doctor or a healthcare scientist, you may be able to take in-service training for medical ultrasound. This will add sonography to your skills.

Courses vary in length and are run by experienced healthcare professionals.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the voluntary register of sonographers run by the Register of Clinical Technologists.

If you're already qualified in another healthcare profession you may find it useful to continue your registration with your previous professional body, as employers often require this for entry to jobs.

Further information

You'll find more details about a career in sonography from the British Medical Ultrasound Society.

Interested in More Career Paths?

Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.

Browse All Careers Generate New Career Path

Stay connected

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases

Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK

Phone
01603 273515

Email
[email protected]

Developing Experts

LessonsAboutResearchReportingPlans & Pricing

Legal

GDPRPrivacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsCookie Policy

Contact Us

Get in touchRequest SubscriptionChildren's CodeAbout UsCareers

Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.