How to Deliver a Perfect Sonographer Resume

A diagnostic medical sonographer performs various tasks, including performing diagnostic procedures using sonographic equipment, scheduling patient appointments for ultrasound procedures, operating ultrasound equipment, record patient clinical history, and assist radiologists with interventional procedures. A sonographer resume should showcase your knowledge and expertise in the field.

While writing a resume is not always an easy task, using the perfect template or resume builder can help you write one that will get you the job. Your resume needs to showcase your unique skills and experience in a way that sets you apart from the other job seekers.

Let's look at some resume writing tips that will help you write a resume that allows you to get your dream diagnostic medical sonographer job.

According to the U.S Bureau of Statistics, the industries with the highest levels of employment in Diagnostic Medical Sonographers are general medical and surgical hospitals, outpatient care centers, colleges, universities, medical labs, and physician's offices.

The average hourly salary for a sonographer, including bonuses, tips, and overtime pay, is as follows:

Entry-level $26 per hour

Early-career $28 per hour

Mid-career $32 per hour

Late-career $35 per hour

Experienced $38 per hour

The average hourly pay for a Sonographer is $32????(Payscale)

Example of a Resume for a Sonographer

How to make a Sonographer Resume

Making your resume stand out can be a challenge. If you consider how competitive the job market is right now, that adds to the pressure. You have to follow specific rules when writing your resume, but it's also vital to showcase your personality and allow the hiring manager to know who you are. One way to ensure your resume stands out is by personalizing it to each job. If you use a generic resume to apply for different jobs, you increase your chances of missing the opportunity. Some of the ways you can personalize your resume include:

• Using the correct resume format.
• Using the right keywords and action verbs in your resume to increase your chances of landing an interview.
• Writing a resume summary/objective that summarizes your experience, skills, and professional achievements as a sonographer and gets the hiring manager's attention.

The layout of the Sonographer Resume

The layout and style of the resume are very vital because it's the first thing the hiring manager will see on your resume. If your resume is hard to read, there is a high chance it will end up in the reject pile.

The best layout for your resume is the reverse-chronological format. It focuses on your experience and is perfect if you have years of experience under your belt. Most hiring managers also love this format because it is easy to scan on ATS systems.

The structure of the Sonographer Resume

There are two other formats you can consider using on your sonographer resume. One is the functional resume format, also known as the skills-based resume. This format focuses on your skills and is perfect if you don't have many years of experience or are changing careers.

The other format is the combination/hybrid resume format. This format focuses on your skills and experience and works well for candidates with a bit of experience.

The structure of your sonographer resume should have the following sections.

• The header section
• The resume summary/resume objective
• Work experience
• Education section
• Skills section
• An additional section (volunteer experiences, interests/hobbies, awards/honors, languages, computer skills, and certifications)

Start with the header of the Sonographer Resume

The header section contains your full name, job title, contact information, and a link to your Linkedin profile or personal website (if applicable). The information in this section should be accurate because if there is any mistake, the hiring manager cannot reach you. Therefore, you should always proofread your resume before submitting it to make sure all the information in this section is correct.

The location is optional, but it may be essential to add your location to your sonographer resume if you are applying for a job abroad.

Example of a good Sonographer header

Here is an example

CORRECT

Brenda White

Sonographer

556-784-215

brendawhite@gmail.com

Phoenix, AZ

linkedin.com/in/brendwhite

Example of a bad Sonographer header

Here is an example

INCORRECT

Brenda White

Sonographer

556-784-215

brendawhite@gmail.com

2172 Dogwood Road

House number 88

Phoenix, AZ

Date of birth 26/12/1995

linkedin.com/in/brendwhite

Is a photo required in the Sonographer Resume?

You do not need to add a photo to your sonographer resume. Most hiring managers advise against it because it causes discrimination and unconscious bias towards a candidate. Also, 80% of US companies say they would not consider applicants who had a photo on their resumes. However, if you want to add a photo to your resume, it should be professional.

Choosing your Sonographer Title

It’s essential to personalize the job title for each sonographer job because it varies depending on the company and the job. If you use the same job title for each job, you will miss many job opportunities.

Professional summary for a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

A professional resume summary is critical if you want the hiring manager to read your resume. It is a short paragraph that summarizes your experience, skills, and professional accomplishments or achievements. If your resume summary is boring and doesn’t showcase your personality and expertise in a few sentences, the recruiting manager will probably not read the rest of your resume. It should be well-written and quickly interest your potential employer in reading the rest of your resume.

CORRECT

CORRECT EXAMPLE

Dedicated Sonographer with more than eight years of experience providing expertise at the acute care medical center. Expert in performing ultrasound-guided procedures and producing high-quality, high-resolution images. Proven ability to ease patient anxiety by providing education and instruction on the ultrasound examination.

INCORRECT

WRONG EXAMPLE

Hardworking Sonographer with experience using an ultrasound machine. Excellent at maintaining patient confidentiality and performing ultrasound examinations. Looking for an opportunity in a hospital setting.

Work Experience in the Sonographer Resume

The work experience section allows the hiring manager to know what you can do based on your previous work history. A sonographer resume example can help guide you on how to write this section in your resume. You may be the most qualified candidate with knowledge of imaging procedures and examination of anatomic and pathophysiological data for different patients. However, if you cannot present this information appropriately, the hiring manager will disregard your resume. Therefore, it is essential to take your time and present your professional experience in a way that will allow you to stand out.

Describe your professional experiences on your Sonographer Resume

Your work experience section should only focus on your relevant experience and impressive previous positions. If you have experience that is not relevant, it is better to leave it out. However, if you do not have any experience pertinent to the sonographer job you are applying for, you can add any other experience that allows you to talk about the transferable skills you gained.

When listing your work experience, you’ll start with the job title, the name of the workplace, and the years spent at the workplace. Under each workplace, mention three to five duties, responsibilities, and achievements.

Examples of professional experiences for Sonographer beginner/junior

Here is an example

Sonic Medical Center

Sonographer

July 2017-January 2019

• Updated patients’ medical history on the hospital database and selected the appropriate procedures and equipment required for proper diagnosis.
• Performed a variety of ultrasound studies with other ultrasound technicians in the hospital to ensure performance improvement.
• Took routine and complex studies to understand ultrasound technology and be better positioned to communicate effectively when explaining ultrasound findings to patients.
• Participated in department patient satisfaction initiatives to ensure proper patient care.

Examples of work experience for Senior Sonographer

Acute Care Hospital

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Senior

January 2015-December 2020

• Trained junior sonographers in the diagnostic medical sonography program at the medical center.
• Assisted the ob-gyn at the NICU and took and recorded vital signs of newborn babies.
• Explained any abnormal sonographic anatomy information that the patient did not understand and gave an accurate diagnosis.
• Ensured proper exam protocols were followed during ultrasound examinations.
• Completed portable exams in a timely manner.

Education in the Sonographer Resume

The education section on your sonographer resume is crucial as it allows your resume to stand out. If you are applying for a sonographer job and it does not have educational requirements, you should still add your education under this section. Hiring managers have different academic requirements; therefore, it is essential to check the job description and add the required qualifications to your sonographer resume.

If you have a bachelor’s degree or a high school diploma, they will go to this section. If you have a Master’s degree, you can leave out the high school diploma. The ARDMS accredited educational program is an excellent qualification to have as a sonographer, and you should add it under this section.

Should you start with education or work experience in the Sonographer Resume?

You can start with the education or the experience. It depends on the resume format you use for your sonographer resume. If you choose the reverse-chronological format, which focuses on experience, you will start with the experience. If you choose the functional resume format, you will start with skills and education.

How to properly list your education in a Sonographer Resume

When listing your education under this section, you will start with the name of the school, location, degree earned, and the length of the degree program. You do not need to add the results, but if they are exceptional and will help your CV look impressive, you can include them in the resume.

Example of the Education section of a Sonographer Resume

Here is an example

Skills to put in the resume for a Sonographer

The skills on your sonographer resume are the unique abilities that allow you to perform your duties effectively and efficiently. Most resume have this section because it is an integral part of your resume and can help you beat the other candidates. You can check out our resume examples here that will show you examples of popular key skills required.

Since the job market is very competitive, the hiring manager wants to know what else you can do. If you don’t have the relevant experience, the skills section can help you shine as you can talk about the transferable skills you have that could be valuable at the job. As a result, you are more likely to land an interview.

Adding your skills to your sonographer resume also helps to ensure the ATS systems do not filter it out. Most of the required sonographer skills are usually in the job description, so you should take time to review them and add the skills to your resume using the same wording. For example, if the position specifically requires a certain skill that has two names that mean the same thing, consider changing it so you are not excluded. For example if the job advert requests ‘good people skills’, but you have ‘good communication skills’ listed all over your resume, then consider re-wording it to good people skills so you are not removed by an ATS filter for not having the key skills required.

What are the main skills sought for in a Sonographer Resume?

A sonographer should have a good blend of hard skills and soft skills. It is advisable to list your skills using bullet points as this allows the recruiting manager to see them easily. This also makes it easier to scan them on the applicant tracking systems. Some of the skills you should add to your sonographer resume include:

• Knowledge of ultrasound equipment
• Basic life support bls
• Basic knowledge of venous doppler studies
• HIPAA compliance
• Healthcare billing proficiency
• Medical imaging
• Screening mammography
• X-ray knowledge

• Excellent communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Multitasking skills
• Attention to detail
• Interpersonal skills
• Time management
• Organizational skills
• Problem-solving skills

‘What skills for a junior

• Analytical skills
• Scheduling patient appointments
• Record keeping
• Patient case management
• CT imaging
• Inventory management
• Teamwork
• Ultrasound guidance

What skills for a qualified senior Sonographer?

• Independent judgment
• Patient body habitus
• Patient service recovery resources
• Image analysis
• Proper sterilization techniques
• Ultrasound technology
• Interpretation of ultrasound findings
• Recognizing abnormal sonographic anatomy.

Write the Ideal Resume Hook for a Sonographer Resume

A resume hook is a set of words that summarizes your professional accomplishments and value proposition. Quotes, testimonials, achievements, and personal descriptions can all be used. The right resume hook can make a big difference in your chances of landing a diagnostic medical sonographer

Example of a tagline for a junior Sonographer

Here is an example

Detail-focused sonographer - approachable and conscientious communicator with excellent imaging skills.

Sample tagline for a senior level Sonographer

Here is an example

Two-time recipient of the SDMS Distinguished Educator Award.

Additional Headings for your Sonographer Resume

Job-hunting can be challenging, but having a resume that stands out can help make the process easier. You can easily be tied on qualifications with another candidate, and the hiring manager will need something that sets you apart from the other job seekers.

An additional section on your resume can make all the difference. You may have gone to the best school and have relevant experience, but you always need that one thing on your resume that gets the hiring manager’s attention and makes you the best candidate.

Some of the sections you should add under this section include volunteer experiences, awards/honors, computer skills, certifications, and languages. If you love using resume templates, you should use one that helps you organize this section correctly, check out our resume templates.

Let’s look at some of these sections in more detail.

Computer skills and certifications for a Sonographer

If you have specific computer skills that will help you stand out, you should add them under this section. While some resume examples will have the computer skills under the skills section, it is advisable to add them under a separate section to ensure the hiring manager sees them.

You should list your certifications in a separate section instead of listing them under the education section. The certifications go a long way in helping your resume stand out, so you don’t want the recruiting manager to miss them. Some of the certifications offered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography certification that will stand out in your resume include:

• Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer certification
• The Midwife Sonography Examination certification
• Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer certification

Interests for a Sonographer resume

The interests on your resume should fit the profile, and it is better to leave out any interests that do not help you build on the skills required for the job. Interests such as watching tv and listening to music may not look too good on your resume. Volunteering at a hospital or community shelter or attending a CrossFit class every week are better interests for your resume.

Languages for a Sonographer resume

Your language skills should have a separate section instead of having them in the skills section. If you are bilingual, you want the hiring manager to see it in the few seconds they look at your resume as this makes you an appealing candidate and immediately helps you stand out. When listing your languages, you should use the official language reference as stated below:

• IELTS or TOEFL for English (with a score of 30 points and higher)
• Goethe Zertifikat for German (with a score of 60% and above)
• DELF for French (with a score of 70% and above)

Summary: Key points for writing a perfect Sonographer Resume

This article offers the following key takeaways:

• The correct resume format is crucial because it’s the first thing the hiring manager will see when looking at your resume.
• It is essential to use the right keywords and action verbs to ensure the ATS systems do not filter out your resume. You are also more likely to get an interview this way.
• Your resume summary should be well-written to compel the recruiting manager to read the rest of your resume.
• Constantly tailor your resume to each job you apply to. Using one generic resume will cause you to lose many job opportunities.
• It is important to proofread your resume to ensure it does not have any typos and other errors. Submitting a resume with typos shows a lack of attention to detail and professionalism.

Write a cover letter that goes with your Sonographer Resume.

Most hiring managers do not ask for cover letters, but you should always accompany your resume with one. A cover letter summarizes some of your achievements and career goals as you also express your passion for the job.

A cover letter helps your application stand out and sets you apart from the other candidates. It should be short and precise, and you should not include anything already in your resume since the recruiting manager already has your resume.

Frequently Asked Questions for a Sonographer

How do I write a sonographer resume?

• Your sonographer resume should showcase your knowledge and expertise in the field. The best way to do this is by adding all the important sections to your resume. This includes the header section, resume summary/objective, work experience, education, skills, and an additional section with volunteer experiences, interests, languages, computer skills, certifications, and awards/honors.

What skills do you need to be a sonographer?

• Some of the skills you need as a sonographer include:
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Medical imaging
  • Ultrasound examinations to create images of internal organs and soft tissue using sound waves
  • Basic life support
  • Decision-making skills
  • Ultrasound technology
  • Patient case management
  • Database management
  • Analytical skills

What are the duties of a sonographer?

• Some of the duties of a sonographer or ultrasound technician include:
  • Schedule patients for various procedures.
  • Ensure the physician attends department meetings consistently by scheduling them on the calendar.
  • Monitor and care for patients and ensure their physical and emotional needs are taken care of.
  • Obtaining and recording pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data on the database.
  • Update the appropriate management personnel on any patient complaints and concerns.
  • Maintain and clean ultrasound equipment to ensure it works efficiently.
  • Perform diagnostic procedures and submit the findings to the physician.
  • Ensure the patient is comfortable and apply gel where the waves will go on the skin.
  • Interpret images and take their measurements before taking them to the physician.
  • Give emergency treatments and administer other medical procedures such as taking vital signs and administering oxygen.

What is the highest paid sonographer?

• The highest paid sonographers are as follows:
  • Neuro(brain) sonographer $112,000
  • Pediatric cardiac sonography: $80,000
  • Cardiac sonography: $79,000
  • Vascular sonography: $68,000
  • Ob/gyn sonography: $68,000