Natashia Hamilton, RDMS

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Natashia graduated from CAHE's Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program in July of 2018. Immediately upon graduation, she accepted a position as a Sonographer at Lennox Hill Radiology where she is presently working.

Below Natashia shares her insight on why she chose the field of Sonography, and offers advice to prospective students on importance of research and self-discipline.

CAHE: What did you enjoy most in the program?

Natashia: I enjoyed being able to learn all parts of ultrasound scanning - Abdomen, GYN, OB, Breast, Thyroid, Vascular & Echo. I truly loved being educated in all fields which prepared me for my job today.

CAHE: Where are you now professionally and what is your professional goal?

Natashia: I have been employed since the day after graduation working for a Radiology imaging company. I currently scan: Abdomen, GYN, Breast, Thyroid & first Trimester OB daily. I am going to move on to a hospital setting and primarily be scanning 2nd& 3rd Trimester OB. As I advance in my career, my professional goal is to become a chief technologist of an Ultrasound Department leading a great team and to continue learning about advancing ultrasound.

CAHE: Is there anything that you would like to add about your experience in the field/profession, or advice to those pursing the field?

Natashia: I greatly enjoy this field. It allows me to connect with patients in a way that most people cannot and would never. There are a substantial amount of Ultrasound Technologists who are registered in different areas with different years of experience. One things for sure, every tech has their own unique way of scanning & obtaining images. The most important things to practice in this field is patient care and self-care. Always treat every patient with compassion and patience. I find that patients do not always understand the test we are performing and most often think what "we" may see as a simple gallbladder, they would ask if it's a tumor. Everyone comes in for different reasons and will have different experiences. Lastly but most important, always be aware of your posture and how you scan. Find a comfortable way to position your arm or sitting in a chair. Practice good posture technique will help keep longevity in this career. I currently work with tech who have adapted bad habits early on in their careers and now suffer from wrist, neck, back and shoulder injuries. This is highly important.

CAHE: What is one piece of advice that you would give to perspective students looking to enter the field of Diagnostic Medical Sonography?

Natashia: One piece of advice I would give, is to make sure you are 100% positive that this is the path you want to go down before spending your time and money on this career. Radiology has a lot of different modalities. Do your research! Understand and know the difference between each one. Understand what radiation is, and which modality uses it. Ultrasound is a growing field and has opportunity for everyone. There are other modalities that you can advance from, you need to know and also understand which one those are. Once you have decided, then GO for it! Do not let anyone or anything stop you. You will be grateful at the end, just how I am.