How to Pick the Right Sonogram Tech Training Program near Mountain View California
Now that you have decided to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Mountain View CA, the next step is to begin the procedure of choosing a college. First, you need to find the right program that will provide the necessary instruction to become a skilled professional. And since some states do require that sonographers be either licensed or certified, depending on where you will practice you may also need preparation to pass a licensing or certification examination. So it’s very important that you research each school so that you can assess and compare your choices. But just where does one begin? Many prospective students will begin by looking for schools that are within commuting distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Of course cost and location should be taken into account when making a decision, but there are additional important factors also. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they offer internship programs. These and additional qualifiers will be covered more in detail later in this article. But to start with, let’s discuss what a sonogram tech does and the credentials and online training programs that are available.
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Ultrasound Tech Occupation Description
There are multiple professional titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also referred to as sonogram techs, diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers) and ultrasound technologists. Regardless of name, they all have the same basic job function, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. Although many work as generalists there are specialties within the field, for instance in cardiology and pediatrics. The majority work in Mountain View CA clinics, hospitals, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Standard daily job functions of a sonogram tech can involve:
- Maintaining records of patient medical histories and specifics of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Readying the ultrasound machines for testing and then cleaning and recalibrating them
- Transferring patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
- Using equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
- Evaluating results and determining necessity for additional testing
Sonographers must regularly assess the safety and performance of their machines. They also are held to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. In order to sustain that degree of professionalism and stay current with medical knowledge, they are mandated to enroll in continuing education programs on a regular basis.
Ultrasound Tech Degree Programs Offered
Ultrasound tech students have the choice to acquire either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally involve around 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at as long as 4 years to complete. Another alternative for those who have previously earned a college degree is a post graduate certificate program. If you have received a Bachelor’s Degree in any major or an Associate Degree in a related health field, you can instead choose a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to finish. One thing to bear in mind is that the majority of ultrasound technician colleges do have a practical training component as a portion of their curriculum. It often may be satisfied by taking part in an internship program which numerous schools organize with Mountain View CA clinics and hospitals. Once you have graduated from one of the certificate or degree programs, you will then need to satisfy the certification or licensing prerequisites in California or whatever state you choose to work in.
Online Ultrasound Tech Programs
As aforementioned, virtually all ultrasound technician schools have a practical requirement to their programs. So although you can obtain a degree or certificate online, a substantial part of the training will be either carried out in an on campus laboratory or at an authorized off-campus medical care provider. Clinical training can typically be fulfilled through an internship at a local Mountain View CA outpatient clinic, hospital or private practice. However the balance of the training and classes may be accessed online in your Mountain View home. This is especially beneficial for those individuals that continue working while getting their degrees. Plus online colleges are often less expensive than on-campus options. Costs for commuting and study materials may be decreased also. But just as with every sonography college you are reviewing, check that the online school you enroll in is accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly significant for licensing, certification and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn away from the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online school may be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Ultrasound Technician Programs
Now that you have determined which degree or certificate that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of evaluating and comparing ultrasound technician schools. You will first probably want to choose whether you would rather attend classes online or travel to a college campus in the Mountain View CA area. Naturally location will be significant if you decide on the latter, and the cost of tuition no doubt will be an initial qualification as well. But there are additional variables that you should also take into consideration, such as if the schools are accredited and if they provide internships. Therefore in order to carry out your due diligence so that you can arrive at your ultimate selection, following are a few questions that you may want to ask each sonography program before deciding.
Are the Sonogram Technician Programs Accredited? Most ultrasound tech colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of sonography is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone an extensive evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Mountain View CA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level openings.
Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the ultrasound technician colleges you are interested in have partnerships with Mountain View CA hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Mountain View health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the ultrasound tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they select will need to be within driving distance of their Mountain View CA home. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the colleges you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound tech program as well.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the ultrasound tech college you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Mountain View CA area, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Education Mountain View California
Selecting the right ultrasound technician degree or certificate program is a vital first step to launching a gratifying new profession furnishing diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer programs require that you have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Apart from meeting academic requirements, you should be in at least fairly good physical health, able to stand for extended durations and able to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to position patients and move heavy machinery. Other desirable skills include technical aptitude, the ability to keep collected when confronted by an anxious or angry patient and the ability to communicate in a clear and compassionate manner. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Education and wanting more information on Diagnostic Medical Sonography Online Schools. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are considering. This holds true whether you choose an online degree or commute to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can evaluate each college, you can narrow down your alternatives until you are left with the best school for your education. And with the right training, dedication and determination to succeed, you can achieve your objective to work as an ultrasound technologist in Mountain View CA.
More Ultrasound Locations in California
Mountain View, California
Mountain View is a city located in Santa Clara County, California,[12] United States, named for its views of the Santa Cruz Mountains.[13] From its origins as a stagecoach stop, it grew to a large suburb with a pedestrian-friendly downtown and a population of 74,066.[14] The city borders Palo Alto and the San Francisco Bay to the north, Los Altos to the south, and Moffett Federal Airfield and Sunnyvale to the east.
Situated in the southern end of the Peninsula in the San Francisco Bay Area, in the northwest corner of Santa Clara county, Mountain View is home to many high technology companies. In 1956, Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory, the first company to develop silicon semiconductor devices in what came to be known as Silicon Valley, was established in the city by William Shockley. Today, many of the largest technology companies in the world are headquartered in the city, including Google, Mozilla Foundation, Symantec, and Intuit. The original Byte Shop computer store was opened at 1063 El Camino Real, Mountain View, by Paul Terrell, and the first 50 Apple I computers were sold from that location. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority integrates the city with the neighboring cities of Palo Alto, Los Altos, and Sunnyvale.
The Mexican land grant of Rancho Pastoria de las Borregas was given in 1842 by Alta California Governor Juan Alvarado to Francisco Estrada. This grant was later passed on to Mariano Castro, who sold half of the land to Martin Murphy, Jr. Eventually, the former land grant became the cities of Mountain View and Sunnyvale.
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