How to Find the Best Sonogram Technician Degree Program near South Glastonbury Connecticut
Since you have made a decision to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near South Glastonbury CT, the next step is to begin the process of selecting a college. To begin with, you need to find the right program that will furnish the proper instruction to become a qualified professional. And given that a number of states do require that sonographers be either certified or licensed, depending on your residence you may also need to be prepared to pass a certification or licensing examination. So it’s extremely important that you research each program so that you can evaluate and compare your options. But just where does one begin? Many individuals will start by looking for schools that are within commuting distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Naturally location and cost should be taken into account when making a decision, but there are other important factors also. Such as, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they provide internship programs. These and additional qualifiers will be covered more in detail later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a sonogram tech does and the credentials and online training options that are available.
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Sonographer Job Summary
There are more than one acceptable 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 primary job function, which is to carry out diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. While a number of techs practice as generalists there are specializations within the profession, for instance in cardiology and pediatrics. The majority practice in South Glastonbury CT clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Common daily work tasks of an ultrasound technician can involve:
- Keeping records of patient case 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 recalibrating them
- Transferring patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
- Utilizing equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
- Assessing results and determining necessity for further testing
Ultrasound techs must routinely assess 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 required to enroll in continuing education programs on a regular basis.
Ultrasound Tech Degrees Available
Ultrasound tech enrollees have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will usually take about 18 months to 2 years to accomplish dependent on the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as long as 4 years to complete. Another alternative for those who have already received 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 take just 12 to 18 months to complete. Something to consider is that most ultrasound technician programs do have a clinical training element as part of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship program which many colleges sponsor through South Glastonbury CT hospitals and clinics. When you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then need to satisfy the licensing or certification requirements in Connecticut or whichever state you decide to practice in.
Sonographer Online Schools
As previously mentioned, nearly all sonogram technician colleges have a clinical requirement to their programs. So although you can receive a degree or certificate online, a substantial portion of the training will be either held in an on campus laboratory or at an authorized off-campus facility. Clinical training can typically be satisfied by means of an internship at a local South Glastonbury CT outpatient clinic, hospital or private practice. But the remainder of the training and classes may be attended online in your South Glastonbury home. This is especially convenient for those individuals that continue working while getting their degrees. Plus online programs are often less expensive than on-campus options. Expenditures for study materials and commuting can be lessened as well. But similarly as with every ultrasound tech program you are looking at, check that the online program you enroll in is accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially crucial for certification, licensing and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn away from the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Sonography Programs
Now that you have decided on which certificate or degree that you would like to earn, you can start the procedure of assessing and comparing sonogram tech schools. You will first probably want to decide whether you would rather attend classes online or commute to a school campus in the South Glastonbury CT area. Obviously location will be significant if you select the latter, and the cost of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualification as well. But there are other things that you must also take into consideration, for example if the programs are accredited and if they sponsor internship programs. Therefore in order to perform your due diligence so that you can make your final selection, following are a few questions that you may want to ask each sonographer program before deciding.
Are the Ultrasound Technician Colleges Accredited? Most sonogram tech schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to verify that the school and program 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone an extensive review of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it may also obtain 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 premium education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of South Glastonbury CT health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level jobs.
Are Internships Offered? Ask if the sonogram technician colleges you are assessing have relationships with South Glastonbury CT hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the South Glastonbury medical community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the ultrasound tech schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will need to be within travelling distance of their South Glastonbury CT home. Those who have chosen to attend online classes 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 perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the colleges you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the ultrasound tech program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the sonographer program you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the South Glastonbury CT area, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.
Become An Ultrasound Technician Online South Glastonbury Connecticut
Picking the right ultrasound tech degree or certificate program is an important first step to starting a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer colleges require that you have a high school diploma or a GED. In addition to satisfying academic standards, you need to be in at least fairly good physical health, capable of standing for extended durations with the ability to regularly lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to position patients and maneuver heavy equipment. Other preferred skills include technical proficiency, the ability to remain calm 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 Become An Ultrasound Technician Online and wanting more information on Ultrasound Technician Colleges Near Me. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are multiple questions that you should ask each school you are looking at. This is the case whether you choose an online program or drive to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the right questions so that you can assess each program, you will be able to narrow down your options until you are left with the ideal school for your education. And with the right training, discipline and motivation to succeed, you can achieve your objective to work as an sonographer in South 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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