Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The sonographer applies gel to a pregnant woman's stomach and attaches a transducer. While prepping the nervous mother, the sonographer shares a joke, and the woman relaxes. The mother watches live video of her baby while the sonographer concentrates on making good images so the doctor can spot any problems. Doctors value a sonographer’s opinion, too.

But ultrasound isn’t just for pregnancy. The technology shows many soft tissues -- including the kidney, heart, and eyes -- better than x-rays or MRIs can. Ultrasound provides information about tiny parts of the body that can’t be gotten any other way.