Name: Nicky Sutton
Job: Sonographer
Working as a sonographer involves imaging patients using ultrasonic equipment. Examinations include scanning the fetus during pregnancy, imaging abdominal and pelvic organs, and scanning superficial anatomy, e.g. vessels, muscles and tendons.

Why did you choose to work in health?

You get a real sense of job satisfaction as what you do on a daily basis does make a difference. It also enables you to work with a diverse group of people including your patients, doctors and nurses. This makes working in health interesting, social and educational. I couldn’t imagine working in a job where everything stays the same all the time.
Also just about any job in health is in demand around the world…. radiology was my meal ticket to live, work and travel to a number of different cities around the world.

What advice would you give someone interested in becoming a sonographer?

My advice would be to take subjects such as biology, English and physical education. If you enjoy these subjects a job in the health industry might be right for you!

What's been your most memorable experience on the job?

That is a tough one as interesting things happen all the time! I think being involved in promoting radiology as a profession has been quite memorable as it has made me realise how much I do love my job— the good the bad and the ugly!

What are some of the challenges of working in your role?

Working with such a diverse group of people, including staff and patients can be a challenge at times. It requires good people skills, particularly communication skills. It can be difficult to keep everyone happy but my thinking is that if we were all the same then this world would be a very boring place!

What subjects would  you recommend taking at high school?

My advice would be to take subjects such as biology, English and physical education There are no specific requirements that I can remember, just above average grades.