How to Select the Right Sonogram Technician College near Southport Connecticut
Now that you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Southport CT, it’s time to begin the procedure of selecting a school. To begin with, you must find the right program that will provide the necessary instruction to become a skilled professional. And given that a number of states do mandate that sonographers be either certified or licensed, 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 investigate each program in order to evaluate and compare your choices. But just where does one begin? A number of prospective students will begin by looking for colleges that are within driving distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Naturally cost and location should be taken into account when arriving at a decision, but there are other critical factors as well. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they provide internship programs. These and other qualifications will be addressed more in depth later in this article. But to start with, let’s discuss what a sonogram tech does and the degrees and online education programs that are offered.
Click Here to Get Free Information on Ultrasound Technician Schools!
Sonogram Tech Job Description
There are more than one professional titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also referred to as ultrasound technologists, sonogram techs, and diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers). Regardless of name, they all have the same primary job description, which is to perform diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. Even though many practice as generalists there are specialties within the profession, for example in cardiology and pediatrics. The majority work in Southport CT clinics, hospitals, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Routine daily job duties of an ultrasound tech may include:
- Keeping records of patient case histories and details of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Prepping the ultrasound machines for usage and then sterilizing and recalibrating them
- Moving patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
- Operating equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
- Reviewing the results and identifying necessity for further testing
Sonographers must regularly assess the performance and safety of their machines. They also are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. So as 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 Degree Programs Offered
Ultrasound technician enrollees have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will typically take about 18 months to 2 years to finish dependent on the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at as long as four years to complete. Another alternative for individuals who have previously obtained 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 relevant health sector, you can instead choose a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to finish. Something to keep in mind is that the majority of sonographer colleges do have a clinical training element as a portion of their curriculum. It often may be satisfied by taking part in an internship program which numerous schools organize with Southport CT hospitals and clinics. Once you have graduated from one of the certificate or degree programs, you will then need to comply with the licensing or certification prerequisites in Connecticut or whichever state you choose to work in.
Sonographer Online Programs
As previously mentioned, nearly all sonogram technician colleges have a clinical component to their programs. So while you can obtain a degree or certificate online, a significant portion of the training will be either held in an on campus lab or at a sponsored off campus medical care provider. Clinical training can often be satisfied by means of an internship at a local Southport CT hospital, outpatient clinic or family practice. But the balance of the classes and training can be attended online in your Southport home. This is particularly beneficial for those students that keep working while obtaining their degrees. In addition online schools are many times more affordable than on-campus options. Expenses for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just as with every sonographer program you are looking at, verify that the online program you select is accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations 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 motivated enough to attend classes away from the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online school could be the ideal option for you.
Subjects to Ask Sonogram Tech Colleges
When you have decided on the type of certificate or degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of assessing and comparing sonogram technician schools. You will first probably want to choose whether you would rather attend classes online or travel to a school campus in the Southport CT area. Obviously location will be significant if you select the latter, and the cost of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualification also. But there are other things that you should also take into account, for example if the programs are accredited and if they sponsor 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 school prior to making a decision.
Are the Sonogram Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of ultrasound tech schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among 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 receiving accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone an extensive assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online 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 superior education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Southport CT employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the ultrasound tech schools you are interested in have partnerships with Southport CT clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Southport medical community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the ultrasound tech schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they pick will have to be within commuting distance of their Southport 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. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the sonogram tech program as well.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the sonographer school you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Southport CT area, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Sonographer Ultrasound Technician School Southport Connecticut
Selecting the ideal ultrasound tech certificate or degree program is a vital first step to launching a fulfilling new profession providing diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer schools require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent. Apart from satisfying academic requirements, you should be in at least reasonably good physical health, able to stand for lengthy time frames with the ability to regularly lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it often necessary to adjust patients and maneuver heavy equipment. Other helpful talents include technical proficiency, the ability to stay calm when faced with an anxious or angry patient and the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Sonographer Ultrasound Technician School and wanting more information on Sonographer Schools Near Me. However, as we have addressed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at. This holds true whether you enroll in an online degree or drive to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate questions so that you can assess each school, you will be able to narrow down your choices until you are left with the best program for your education. And with the proper training, discipline and determination to succeed, you can realize your objective to work as an ultrasound technologist in Southport CT.
More Ultrasound Locations in Connecticut
Southport, Connecticut
Southport is a former borough in the town of Fairfield, Connecticut, and also a census-designated place. It is located along Long Island Sound between Mill River and Sasco Brook, where it borders Westport. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 1,585.[1] Settled in 1639, Southport center has been designated a local historic district since 1967, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 as the Southport Historic District.
The earliest recorded event in Southport's history was "The Great Swamp Fight" or "Fairfield Swamp Fight" of July 1637 (not to be confused with the later Great Swamp Fight of King Philip's War), an episode of the Pequot War in which English colonial forces led by John Mason and Roger Ludlow vanquished a band of about 80 to 100 Pequot Indians who had earlier fled from their home territory in the Mystic area and had taken refuge with about 200 Sasqua Indians who inhabited the area that is now Fairfield. The exact location of the battle is not known, but it is known to have been in the vicinity of Southport.[2]
In the eighteenth century, Mill River village, a part of Fairfield, was a small hamlet of a few houses and a wharf at the mouth of Fairfield's Mill River. Farm products from the surrounding area were shipped from Mill River's small harbor to ports in New York and beyond.[3]
Business Results 1 - 10 of 99
1 Reviews 
2 Reviews 1 Reviews 
3 Reviews 
3 Reviews 
2 Reviews 
23 Reviews 
3 Reviews 
5 Reviews 
25 Reviews 