Ultrasound Associates Degree Orange CT - How to Become an Ultrasound Tech

How to Pick the Right Ultrasound Tech School near Orange Connecticut

Orange CT sonographer performing ultrasound Once you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Orange CT, the next step is to start the process of selecting a school. To begin with, you must find the right program that will furnish the proper education to become a qualified professional. And because a number of 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 exam. So it’s very important that you research each school in order to evaluate and compare your options. But exactly where does one start? Many individuals will start by looking for schools that are within commuting distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Of course location and cost should be taken into account when making a decision, but there are other significant factors also. For instance, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they offer internships. These and other qualifiers will be covered more in depth later in this article. But first, let’s review what an ultrasound tech does and the degrees and online training programs that are offered.

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Sonogram Tech Work Description

Orange CT ultrasound tech with patient There are various professional titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also called ultrasound technologists, sonogram techs, and diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers). Regardless of name, they all have the same basic job function, which is to carry out diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. While many practice as generalists there are specialties within the profession, for example in cardiology and pediatrics. The majority practice in Orange CT hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Routine daily work duties of a sonogram technician may include:

Preserving records of patient medical histories and specifics of each procedure
Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
Preparing the ultrasound machines for testing and then cleaning and re-calibrating them
Escorting patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
Utilizing equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
Evaluating results and identifying necessity for additional testing

Sonographers must frequently evaluate the performance and safety of their equipment. They also must adhere to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. So as to maintain that level of professionalism and stay current with medical knowledge, they are mandated to enroll in continuing education programs on a regular basis.

Sonogram Tech Degree Programs Offered

Orange CT ultrasound technician performing sonography Ultrasound technician students have the opportunity to acquire either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will usually take about 18 months to 2 years to accomplish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish. Another option for those who have already 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 enroll in a certificate program that will require only 12 to 18 months to complete. One thing to keep in mind is that almost all sonographer programs do have a clinical training element as part of their curriculum. It often may be fulfilled by taking part in an internship program which many schools organize through Orange CT hospitals and clinics. After you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then need to satisfy the certification or licensing prerequisites in Connecticut or whatever state you decide to practice in.

Sonographer Online Classes

student attending online sonography class in Orange CT As aforementioned, nearly all ultrasound technician colleges have a practical component to their programs. So although you can earn a certificate or degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be either held in an on-campus lab or at an authorized off-campus facility. Practical training can typically be satisfied by means of an internship at a local Orange CT hospital, outpatient clinic or family practice. But the balance of the training and classes can be attended online in your Orange home. This is particularly convenient for those individuals that continue working while getting their degrees. Plus online colleges are many times more affordable than traditional alternatives. Expenditures for commuting and study materials may be decreased also. But similarly as with any sonographer school you are looking at, make sure that the online program you ultimately pick is accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially crucial for licensing, certification and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn outside of the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online school may be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask Ultrasound Tech Schools

Questions to ask Orange CT ultrasound technician schools Once you have decided on which degree or certificate that you would like to earn, you can start the process of assessing and comparing sonogram tech schools. You will first probably want to choose whether you will attend classes online or travel to a school campus in the Orange CT area. Certainly location will be critical if you choose the latter, and the price of tuition no doubt will be an initial qualifier as well. But there are additional variables that you should also take into account, such as if the colleges are accredited and if they sponsor internships. So in order to carry out your due diligence so that you can arrive at your final selection, below are several questions that you may want to ask each sonography college before deciding.

Are the Sonogram Tech Colleges Accredited? Most sonogram tech colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of sonography is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Schools earning accreditation from the JRC-DMS have gone through an extensive review of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Orange CT employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the sonogram technician schools you are interested in have partnerships with Orange CT hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Orange health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the ultrasound tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Orange CT home. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required 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 don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound technician program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the ultrasound tech college you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Orange CT area, confirm that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Ultrasound Associates Degree Orange Connecticut

Orange CT mother holding sonogram Selecting the right ultrasound tech degree or certificate program is a crucial first step to launching a rewarding new career providing diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer colleges require that you have a high school diploma or a GED. Apart from satisfying academic requirements, you should be in at least fairly good physical condition, able to stand for extended durations with the ability to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to position patients and maneuver heavy equipment. Additional helpful skills include technical proficiency, the ability to keep levelheaded when faced with an angry or anxious patient and the ability to converse clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Ultrasound Associates Degree and wanting more information on Medical Ultrasound Degree. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are multiple questions that you need to ask each program you are considering. This is true whether you select an online degree or commute to the school 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 school for your education. And with the right training, dedication and determination to succeed, you can accomplish your objective to practice as an ultrasound tech in Orange CT.

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Orange, Connecticut

The Paugusset, an Algonquian people, once lived in the area that is now Orange. In 1639, the Rev. Peter Prudden purchased the land from the Native Americans for six coats, ten blankets, one kettle, twelve hatchets, twelve hoes, two dozen knives and a dozen small mirrors.[2] When originally settled by English colonists, Orange was simply the northern and eastern district of the now neighboring city of Milford; however, by 1822, the population of the area had grown to the point where residents desired to form their own separate community, thus forming the town of Orange.

The town is named after William III of England, who was Prince of Orange from birth.[3] William is remembered for succeeding James II, deposed in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. James II had been considered a despot in Connecticut; he had famously and unsuccessfully commissioned Edmund Andros to seize Connecticut's Charter.[4]

The town continued to grow throughout the 19th century. As early as 1848, a separation of Orange and West Haven was considered. It was not until 1921 that the two were officially separated by act of the Connecticut General Assembly and the new city of West Haven was formed out of the southeastern portion of Orange.[4] This gave the remnant town of Orange a very rural feel, as the bulk of the urbanized population was ceded to West Haven. In the post-war years, however, Orange began suburbanizing at a rapid pace.