How to Choose the Right Ultrasound Tech School near New Canaan Connecticut
Since you have decided to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near New Canaan CT, the next step is to start the procedure of picking a school. First, you need to find the right program that will furnish the necessary education to become a qualified professional. And given that a number of states do require that ultrasound techs be either certified or licensed, depending on where you will practice you may also need to be prepared to pass a licensing or certification examination. So it’s extremely important that you research each college so that you can assess and compare your options. But just where does one start? Many potential students will begin by looking for schools that are within driving distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Of course location and cost must be considered when arriving at a decision, but there are additional critical factors also. Such as, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they offer internship programs. These and other qualifications will be addressed more in depth later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a sonogram tech does and the degrees and online training programs that are offered.
Click Here to Get Free Information on Ultrasound Technician Schools!
Sonographer Occupation Description
There are various 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 basic job function, which is to perform diagnostic ultrasound testing on patients. While a number of techs work as generalists there are specializations within the field, for instance in cardiology and pediatrics. The majority work in New Canaan CT clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Common daily job duties of an ultrasound tech may consist of:
- Keeping records of patient medical histories and specifics of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Readying the ultrasound machines for usage and then cleaning and re-calibrating them
- Transferring patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
- Using equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
- Reviewing the results and identifying necessity for additional testing
Ultrasound techs must routinely gauge 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 maintain that level of professionalism and remain up to date with medical knowledge, they are mandated to complete continuing education programs on an ongoing basis.
Ultrasound Technician Degrees Available
Ultrasound technician enrollees have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally require about 18 months to 2 years to finish dependent on the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at up to 4 years to finalize. Another alternative for those who have previously received 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 related health sector, you can instead choose a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to complete. One thing to consider is that the majority of ultrasound technician colleges do have a clinical training element as part of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by participating in an internship program which many colleges set up through New Canaan CT hospitals and clinics. After you have graduated from any of the certificate or degree programs, you will then need to satisfy the certification or licensing requirements in Connecticut or whatever state you decide to work in.
Sonogram Tech Online Schools
As earlier discussed, almost all ultrasound tech schools have a practical component to their programs. So although you can receive a certificate or degree online, a significant portion of the training will be either carried out in an on campus lab or at a sponsored off-campus medical care provider. Practical training can typically be satisfied through an internship at a local New Canaan CT outpatient clinic, hospital or private practice. But the rest of the classes and training may be accessed online in your New Canaan home. This is particularly beneficial for those students that continue working while obtaining their degrees. In addition online programs are frequently less expensive than traditional alternatives. Expenditures for study materials and commuting can be lessened as well. But similarly as with any sonography college you are looking at, make sure that the online school you select is accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly crucial for certification, licensing and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn outside of the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then online classes may be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Ultrasound Tech Programs
Now that you have determined which certificate or degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of evaluating and comparing sonogram technician schools. You may first want to decide whether you will attend classes online or travel to a college campus in the New Canaan CT area. Clearly location will be important if you decide on the latter, and the price of tuition no doubt will be an initial qualifier also. But there are additional variables that you should also take into consideration, for instance if the colleges are accredited and if they sponsor internships. So in order to complete your due diligence so that you can arrive at your final selection, following are several questions that you may want to ask each sonography program prior to making a decision.
Are the Ultrasound Technician Colleges Accredited? Most sonogram tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of sonography is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRC-DMS have gone through a detailed evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous New Canaan CT employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the ultrasound technician schools you are evaluating have relationships with New Canaan CT clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional connections in the New Canaan medical community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the ultrasound tech programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their New Canaan CT residence. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable 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 prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the sonogram tech program as well.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the ultrasound tech program you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the New Canaan CT area, confirm 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, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Ultrasound Tech Trade School New Canaan Connecticut
Enrolling in the ideal sonographer degree or certificate program is a vital first step to embarking on a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer schools require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent. Along with meeting academic requirements, you must be in at least fairly good physical health, able to stand for lengthy durations and able to regularly lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it typically necessary to position patients and maneuver heavy machinery. Other helpful skills include technical aptitude, the ability to stay collected when confronted by an angry or anxious patient and the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Ultrasound Tech Trade School and wanting more information on Cardiac Ultrasound Programs. However, as we have covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are considering. This is true whether you enroll in an online program or commute to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate questions so that you can assess each school, you can narrow down your choices until you are left with the ideal school for your education. And with the right training, discipline and determination to succeed, you can accomplish your objective to work as an ultrasound tech in New Canaan CT.
More Ultrasound Locations in Connecticut
New Canaan, Connecticut
New Canaan (/ˈkeɪnən/) is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 19,738 according to the 2010 census.[1] New Canaan is one of the wealthiest communities in the U.S; in 2008 it had the highest median family income in the country and was listed at #1 on CNN's list of "top-earning towns" in the United States.[2]
Considered part of Connecticut's Gold Coast, New Canaan is known for its public school system; which in 2018 was ranked as the top public school system in Connecticut, and in 2008 the 3rd best in the country.[3][4]
About an hour's train ride from Manhattan, the town is known for its wide range of architecture from the Harvard Five modern homes to historic New England colonials and farmhouses, as well as vast public parks such as Waveny Park, and a signature town center with classic boutiques. Residents carol on Church Hill every Christmas Eve, a town tradition since 1916.[5]
Business Results 1 - 10 of 114
2 Reviews 
23 Reviews 
2 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
31 Reviews 
6 Reviews 
5 Reviews 
4 Reviews 
2 Reviews 