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Sonographer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A sonographer is a highly trained healthcare professional who specialises in using ultrasound equipment to create images of the inside of the body. These images help doctors diagnose and monitor a variety of medical conditions, including pregnancy, heart problems, and abdominal issues. Sonographers work closely with patients, explaining procedures, ensuring their comfort, and sometimes giving initial feedback on what they see. Most sonographers work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. The career requires a good understanding of anatomy, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. To become a sonographer in the UK, you usually need a degree in a relevant science subject, followed by a postgraduate qualification in medical ultrasound.

Sonographer

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📊 Statistics

Average salary

Sonographers in the UK typically earn between £28,000 and £42,000 per year, with experienced practitioners or team leads earning up to £48,000.

Job availability

There are around 6,000 practising sonographers in the UK, but there is a significant shortage, with the NHS reporting vacancy rates of up to 18 percent in some areas.

Working hours

Most sonographers work 37.5 hours a week, usually on a shift pattern that may include evenings or weekends, particularly in hospitals.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Obstetric Sonographer

Specialises in performing ultrasound scans for pregnant women to monitor the health and development of the baby.

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Cardiac Sonographer

Focuses on using ultrasound technology to assess the heart and its function, helping to diagnose heart conditions.

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Vascular Sonographer

Expert in using ultrasound to examine blood vessels, identifying issues such as blockages or clots.

Explore the Career

Research the Role

Learn about what a sonographer does, the working environment, and the skills required.

Visit the NHS Health Careers website and look for resources about medical imaging and sonography. Speak to your school or college careers adviser, and try to arrange a visit to a local hospital imaging department to observe a sonographer in action if possible. Look for online forums or videos that show a day in the life of a sonographer.

Assess Your Interests and Skills

Consider whether you enjoy science, working with people, and have good attention to detail.

Sonographers need a good understanding of biology and physics, as well as excellent communication skills and empathy for patients. Think about your GCSE and A-level subject choices, and whether you are comfortable working with technology and in a clinical setting.

Gain the Necessary Qualifications

Achieve Relevant GCSEs and A-levels

Complete GCSEs in English, maths, and science, then take A-levels or equivalent qualifications such as BTECs in science subjects.

Most university degree courses in healthcare science or medical imaging require at least five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9 (A* to C), including English, maths, and a science. For A-levels, biology, physics, or chemistry are preferred. Some colleges may accept BTEC Level 3 Diplomas in Health and Social Care or Applied Science instead.

Obtain a Degree or Equivalent Qualification

Apply for a university degree in diagnostic radiography, healthcare science (ultrasound), or a postgraduate qualification in medical ultrasound.

You can become a sonographer by completing a relevant undergraduate degree approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), such as diagnostic radiography. Alternatively, if you already have a healthcare degree, you can take a postgraduate certificate or diploma in medical ultrasound. Some NHS Trusts also offer training via the apprenticeship route.

Clinical Experience and Professional Registration

Undertake Clinical Placements

Gain hands-on clinical experience through placements as part of your university course.

Most degree courses in radiography or healthcare science include placements in NHS hospitals, where you will work under supervision and gain practical skills in using ultrasound equipment and interacting with patients.

Register with Professional Bodies

Register with the Society of Radiographers or the British Medical Ultrasound Society, and seek HCPC registration if needed.

Professional registration is important for finding work and demonstrating your competence. The Society of Radiographers and British Medical Ultrasound Society offer resources, networking opportunities, and continued professional development. HCPC registration is required for many NHS roles.

🎯 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

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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.

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