How to Pick the Right Sonogram Technician Training Program near Glastonbury Connecticut
Since you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Glastonbury CT, the next step is to start the procedure of choosing a school. To begin with, you have to find the right program that will furnish the appropriate training to become a skilled professional. And because a number of states do require that sonographers be either certified or licensed, depending on where you will practice you may also need to be prepared to pass a licensing or certification exam. So it’s extremely important that you research each college so that you can evaluate and compare your options. But just where does one start? A number of potential students will start by searching for colleges that are within driving distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Naturally location and cost must be considered when making a decision, but there are additional critical factors also. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they sponsor internship programs. These and other qualifications will be covered more in depth later in this article. But first, let’s go over what a sonogram tech does and the degrees and online training options that are offered.
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Ultrasound Tech Work Summary
There are multiple acceptable titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also called sonogram techs, diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers) and ultrasound technologists. Regardless of name, they all have the same primary job function, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. While many practice as generalists there are specialties within the field, for instance in pediatrics and cardiology. The majority work in Glastonbury CT clinics, hospitals, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Common daily job functions of an ultrasound technician may include:
- 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 use and then sterilizing and recalibrating them
- Escorting patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
- Operating equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
- Evaluating results and identifying necessity for supplemental testing
Sonographers must frequently assess the safety and performance of their equipment. They also are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. In order to sustain that level of professionalism and stay current with medical knowledge, they are mandated to enroll in continuing education courses on an ongoing basis.
Ultrasound Tech Degree Programs Available
Ultrasound tech students have the option to acquire either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally involve about 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish. Another option for individuals who have previously obtained a college degree is a post graduate certificate program. If you have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in any major or an Associate Degree in a relevant health field, you can instead choose a certificate program that will require just 12 to 18 months to finish. One thing to consider is that almost all sonographer schools do have a clinical training component as part of their course of study. It often may be satisfied by participating in an internship program which numerous colleges sponsor with Glastonbury CT clinics and hospitals. After you have graduated from any of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to satisfy the certification or licensing prerequisites in Connecticut or whatever state you decide to practice in.
Online Sonogram Tech Classes
As earlier discussed, nearly all ultrasound tech colleges have a practical component to their programs. So while you can receive a certificate or degree online, a significant part of the training will be either conducted in an on campus laboratory or at an authorized off-campus facility. Clinical training can often be fulfilled by means of an internship at a local Glastonbury CT hospital, outpatient clinic or private practice. However the balance of the training and classes may be accessed online in your Glastonbury home. This is especially beneficial for those students that continue working while earning their degrees. Plus online schools are frequently less expensive than on-campus options. Expenditures for study materials and commuting may be decreased also. But similarly as with every sonographer program you are considering, check that the online school you ultimately pick is accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly important for certification, licensing and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to attend classes outside of the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then an online school may be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Sonogram Tech Programs
When you have determined which certificate or degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of reviewing and comparing ultrasound technician colleges. You will first probably want to choose whether you will attend classes online or travel to a school campus in the Glastonbury CT area. Of course location will be important if you select the latter, and the price of tuition undoubtedly will be an initial qualification as well. But there are additional variables that you must also take into account, for example if the programs are accredited and if they provide internship programs. So in order to carry out your due diligence so that you can arrive at your ultimate selection, following are a few questions that you need ask each ultrasound tech program before deciding.
Are the Sonogram Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of ultrasound technician schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies 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 gone through a detailed evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Glastonbury CT employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the ultrasound technician schools you are reviewing have partnerships with Glastonbury CT hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students form professional connections in the Glastonbury medical community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the sonographer programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Glastonbury CT residence. Students who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the schools you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. 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 converse with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the sonogram technician program also.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the sonographer school you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Glastonbury CT area, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Obstetric Sonography Schools Glastonbury Connecticut
Picking the right ultrasound technician degree or certificate program is a crucial first step to commencing a gratifying new career providing diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer schools require that you have earned a high school diploma or a GED. Along with meeting academic requirements, you should be in at least reasonably good physical condition, capable of standing for lengthy periods with the ability to regularly lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to adjust patients and move heavy machines. Other beneficial skills include technical proficiency, the ability to stay collected when confronted by an anxious or angry patient and the ability to converse clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Obstetric Sonography Schools and wanting more information on Ultrasound Degree Online. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at. This is the case whether you enroll in an online degree or commute to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can assess each college, you can narrow down your choices until you are left with the best school for your education. And with the right training, discipline and motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as an ultrasound tech in Glastonbury CT.
More Ultrasound Locations in Connecticut
Glastonbury, Connecticut
Glastonbury is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States, formally founded in 1693 with settlers first arriving in 1636. The town was named after Glastonbury in Somerset, England.[1] Glastonbury is located on the banks of the Connecticut River, 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Hartford. The town center is defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as a census-designated place (CDP). The population was 34,427 at the 2010 census.[2]
In 1636, thirty families were settled in Pyaug, a tract of land belonging to Wethersfield on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River, bought from the Native American chief Sowheag for 12 yards (11 m) of trading cloth. In 1672, Wethersfield and Hartford were granted permission by the General Court to extend the boundary line of Pyaug 5 miles (8 km) to the east. By 1690, residents of Pyaug had gained permission from Wethersfield to become a separate town and, in 1693, the town of Glassenbury was created.[3]
The ties have not been completely broken: the oldest continuously operating ferry in the United States still runs between South Glastonbury and Rocky Hill, also then part of Wethersfield, as it did as far back as 1655. One result of being split off from Wethersfield was that the town was built along a main road, rather than around the large green that anchors most New England towns. After part of New London Turnpike was realigned to eliminate the rotary in the middle of town during the mid-20th century, a small green was established there.
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