What is the injury rate for sonographers?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that 27,600 additional sonographers will be needed by 2024, an increase that exceeds average growth of all occupations. With injury rates as high as 90%, it will be difficult to maintain a skilled workforce.

Why do sonographers get injured?

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) are a common cause of pain among sonographers, with research suggesting that between 80–90.5% of sonographers are scanning in pain. WRMSD can lead to pain, sickness absence, surgical procedures and in some cases long-term disability or career ending injury.

What repetitive stress injuries are common to sonographers?

Sonographers are at risk as a result of repetitive positioning at the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. Forward leaning also increases the risk of injury to the neck and upper back. Wrist, hand and elbow injuries occur predominantly as a result of poor positioning of the wrist and hand.

What is a sonographer hourly pay?

Sonographer Salaries

Job TitleSalary
Northern NSW Local Health District Sonographer salaries – 2 salaries reported$47/hr
South West Sydney Local Health District Sonographer salaries – 2 salaries reported$101,194/yr
Sydney Local Health District Sonographer salaries – 2 salaries reported$49/hr

Is sonography physically demanding?

Sonography is physically demanding and involves repetitive and sometimes awkward motions that result in a higher rate of pain and occupational injury than is seen in many other professions. Cases of pain and musculoskeletal injury occur most often in the shoulder, neck, wrist, hands and fingers, and upper back.

Do sonographers have back pain?

It’s common for sonographers and ultrasound technicians to experience work-related pain or to develop musculoskeletal injuries. Affected areas can include the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands and the upper and lower back.

How do you prevent sonographer burnout?

Prevention techniques such as addressing workplace issues, stress reduction programs, and debriefing sessions have been suggested or shown to counteract the effects of stress. It is important for organizations and individuals together to recognize and attempt to prevent burnout.

Should sonographers sit or stand?

Sonographers should sit or stand so that they can move down the length of the exam table when necessary to prevent reaching back while scanning. They should also position themselves in front of the most frequently used keys on the ultrasound control panel to avoid reaching across their bodies.

What area of sonography pays the most?

Here are the highest-paying specialties for an ultrasound technician:

  • Vascular sonography.
  • OB/GYN sonography.
  • Cardiac sonography.
  • Pediatric cardiac sonography.
  • Neuro sonography.

What are the disadvantages of sonography?

Disadvantages to sonography include operator and patient dependence, cannot image the cystic duct, and decreased sensitivity for distal CBD stones.