How to Choose the Right Ultrasound Tech School near Merced California
Now that you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Merced CA, the next step is to start the process of picking a school. To begin with, you have to find the ideal program that will furnish the necessary education to become a skilled professional. And since a number of states do require that ultrasound techs be either certified or licensed, depending on your residence you may also need to be prepared to pass a licensing or certification exam. So it’s extremely important that you investigate each college so that you can assess and compare your alternatives. But just where does one begin? A number of potential students will start by looking for colleges that are within travelling distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Naturally cost and location must be taken into account when arriving at a decision, but there are additional critical factors as well. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they sponsor internship programs. These and additional qualifications will be covered more in depth later in this article. But first, let’s review what an ultrasound tech does and the credentials and online training options that are available.
Click Here to Get Free Information on Ultrasound Technician Schools!
Sonogram Tech Work Description
There are more than one professional titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also called ultrasound technologists, sonogram techs, and diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers). No matter what their title is, they all have the same basic job description, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. While many work as generalists there are specialties within the field, for example in cardiology and pediatrics. The majority work in Merced CA clinics, hospitals, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Standard daily job tasks of an ultrasound tech may consist of:
- Keeping records of patient case histories and details of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Preparing the ultrasound machines for testing and then sterilizing and re-calibrating them
- Escorting patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
- Using equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
- Evaluating results and determining need for supplemental testing
Sonographers must regularly evaluate the performance and safety of their machines. They also must adhere to a high professional standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. In order to sustain that level of professionalism and remain current with medical knowledge, they are mandated to complete continuing education courses on a regular basis.
Sonogram Tech Degrees Offered
Sonogram technician students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will generally require around 18 months to 2 years to accomplish dependent on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at as long as 4 years to complete. Another alternative for those who have previously obtained a college degree is a post graduate certificate program. If you have obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in any major or an Associate Degree in a relevant medical field, you can enroll in a certificate program that will take just 12 to 18 months to finish. One thing to bear in mind is that most sonographer schools do have a clinical training element as a portion of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an internship program which numerous schools set up through Merced CA clinics and hospitals. When you have graduated from any of the certificate or degree programs, you will then need to fulfill the licensing or certification prerequisites in California or whichever state you elect to work in.
Ultrasound Tech Online Colleges
As earlier discussed, nearly all ultrasound tech colleges have a clinical requirement to their programs. So although you can receive a certificate or degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be either carried out in an on-campus lab or at a sponsored off-campus facility. Clinical training can typically be satisfied by means of an internship at a local Merced CA hospital, outpatient clinic or private practice. However the balance of the classes and training can be attended online in your Merced home. This is particularly convenient for those students that keep working while getting their degrees. Plus online schools are frequently less costly than traditional alternatives. Expenditures for study materials and commuting may be decreased also. But just as with every sonography college you are considering, check that the online program you choose is accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly crucial for licensing, certification and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn away from the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then an online school could be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Ultrasound Tech Schools
As soon as you have decided on which certificate or degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of evaluating and comparing ultrasound tech schools. You will first probably want to choose whether you will attend classes online or commute to a school campus in the Merced CA area. Certainly location will be critical if you decide on the latter, and the cost of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualification as well. But there are other factors that you must also take into account, such as if the schools are accredited and if they offer internship programs. So in order to perform your due diligence so that you can make your ultimate selection, following are a few questions that you may want to ask each sonographer program prior to making a decision.
Are the Ultrasound Tech Schools Accredited? Most ultrasound technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of sonography is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone an extensive assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Merced CA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.
Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the sonogram tech colleges you are evaluating have relationships with Merced CA hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates form professional relationships in the Merced health care community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the ultrasound tech schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they select will have to be within commuting distance of their Merced CA home. Students who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the colleges you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound technician program also.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the ultrasound tech college you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Merced CA area, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Ultrasound Tech Training Online Merced California
Picking the right sonographer certificate or degree program is a vital first step to entering a fulfilling new profession delivering diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer programs require that you have a high school diploma or a GED. In addition to meeting academic requirements, you should be in at least fairly good physical health, able to stand for lengthy durations with the ability to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to position patients and move heavy equipment. Additional helpful skills include technical aptitude, the ability to keep calm when faced with an angry or anxious patient and the ability to communicate in a clear and compassionate manner. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Ultrasound Tech Training Online and wanting more information on Medical Sonographer School. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are considering. This is true whether you choose an online program or drive to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate questions so that you can compare each school, you will be able to narrow down your alternatives until you are left with the ideal program for your education. And with the right training, dedication and determination to succeed, you can accomplish your objective to practice as an ultrasound technologist in Merced CA.
More Ultrasound Locations in California
Merced, California
Merced /mɜːrˈsɛd/ (Spanish for "Mercy") is a city in, and the county seat of, Merced County, California, United States, in the San Joaquin Valley. As of 2014, the city had a population of 81,743.[8] Incorporated on April 1, 1889, Merced is a charter city that operates under a council-manager government. It is named after the Merced River, which flows nearby.
Merced, known as the "Gateway to Yosemite," is less than two hours by automobile from Yosemite National Park to the east and Monterey Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and multiple beaches to the west. The community is served by the passenger rail service Amtrak, a minor, heavily subsidized airline through Merced Regional Airport, and three bus lines. It is approximately 110 miles (180 km) from Sacramento, 130 miles (210 km) from San Francisco, 45 miles (72 km) from Fresno, and 270 miles (430 km) from Los Angeles.
Since 2005, Merced has been home to University of California, Merced. Current recreational opportunities in the city include Applegate Park and zoo, Bear and Black Rascal Creeks and their bike trails, a skate park located in Applegate, Playhouse Merced, a live-stage theater downtown, two first-run movie theaters, The Mainzer Theater which is known for its historic and architectural value, the County Courthouse Museum circa 1889, the Merced Multicultural Arts Center and the County Library. Though still growing, Merced has several shopping areas including the Merced Mall, anchored by Target, Sears, JCPenney and Kohl's, a strip mall located on the city's northwest side which includes Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Lowe's, Wal-Mart, and several restaurants. Merced's Main Street contains several restaurants, a movie theater, and other assorted shops.
Business Results 1 - 10 of 10
8 Reviews 
9 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
2 Reviews 
22 Reviews 6 Reviews 2 Reviews 
67 Reviews 
3 Reviews 10 Reviews 