How to Select the Right Sonogram Technician School near Woodstock Connecticut
Now that you have made a decision to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Woodstock CT, the next step is to start the process of selecting a college. To begin with, you must find the right program that will furnish the necessary training to become a skilled professional. And given that a number of states do mandate that sonographers be either licensed or certified, 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 program in order to evaluate and compare your options. But just where does one start? Most prospective students will begin by searching for colleges that are within travelling distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Certainly cost and location should be considered when making a decision, but there are additional significant factors as well. Such as, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they provide internship programs. These and other qualifications will be addressed more in detail later in this article. But to start with, let’s review what an ultrasound tech does and the credentials and online training options that are offered.
Click Here to Get Free Information on Ultrasound Technician Schools!
Ultrasound Tech Occupation 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 testing on patients. Although a number of techs work as generalists there are specialties within the profession, for example in cardiology and pediatrics. The majority work in Woodstock CT hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Routine daily work tasks of a sonogram technician may include:
- Preserving records of patient case histories and specifics of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Preparing the ultrasound machines for use and then sterilizing and re-calibrating them
- Transferring patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
- Utilizing equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
- Reviewing the results and determining necessity for supplemental testing
Ultrasound techs must frequently evaluate 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 maintain that level of professionalism and stay up to date with medical knowledge, they are mandated to complete continuing education programs on a regular basis.
Ultrasound Technician Degrees Offered
Sonogram technician students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will generally take around 18 months to 2 years to accomplish dependent on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete. Another option for individuals who have already obtained a college degree is a post graduate certificate program. If you have received a Bachelor’s Degree in any major or an Associate Degree in a related medical sector, you can enroll in a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to finish. Something to keep in mind is that most sonographer schools do have a clinical training element as part of their curriculum. It often may be fulfilled by entering into an internship program which numerous schools set up with Woodstock CT hospitals and clinics. After you have graduated from any of the degree or certificate programs, you will then need to comply with the licensing or certification requirements in Connecticut or whichever state you elect to practice in.
Online Sonographer Programs
As earlier discussed, nearly all sonogram tech schools have a clinical requirement to their programs. So while 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 a sponsored off-campus facility. Clinical training can often be fulfilled by means of an internship at a local Woodstock CT outpatient clinic, hospital or private practice. But the balance of the classes and training can be accessed online in your Woodstock home. This is especially convenient for those students that continue working while obtaining their degrees. In addition online schools are often more affordable than on campus alternatives. Expenditures for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just as with any sonographer college you are considering, confirm that the online school you choose is accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly important 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 degree may be the right choice for you.
Topics to Ask Sonogram Tech Programs
When you have decided on the type of certificate or degree that you would like to earn, you can start the procedure of evaluating and comparing sonogram tech schools. You may first want to choose whether you would rather attend classes online or travel to a school campus in the Woodstock CT area. Of course location will be critical if you select the latter, and the price of tuition undoubtedly will be an initial qualifier also. But there are additional variables that you must also take into account, for example if the programs are accredited and if they offer internships. Therefore in order to perform your due diligence so that you can arrive at your final selection, following are several questions that you may want to ask each sonography college before deciding.
Are the Ultrasound Technician Colleges Accredited? Most ultrasound tech schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of 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 a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on 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 superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Woodstock CT health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level openings.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the sonogram tech schools you are evaluating have associations with Woodstock CT clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Woodstock healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the sonographer programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success 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 confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Woodstock CT residence. Students who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound technician program also.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the sonographer school you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Woodstock CT area, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family obligations.
Train To Become A Sonographer Woodstock Connecticut
Choosing the ideal sonographer degree or certificate program is a crucial first step to entering a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer schools require that you have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition to satisfying academic standards, you need to be in at least reasonably good physical health, capable of standing for extended durations with the ability to regularly lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it typically necessary to position patients and maneuver heavy equipment. Additional preferred talents include technical proficiency, the ability to remain calm when faced with an anxious or angry patient and the ability to converse clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Train To Become A Sonographer and wanting more information on Medical Sonography Programs. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are looking at. This holds true whether you choose an online program or commute to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the right questions so that you can assess each school, you will be able to narrow down your options until you are left with the best program for your education. And with the right training, discipline and determination to succeed, you can realize your objective to work as an ultrasound tech in Woodstock CT.
More Ultrasound Locations in Connecticut
Woodstock, Connecticut
In the mid-17th century, John Eliot, a Puritan missionary to the American Indians, established "praying towns" where Native Americans took up Christianity and were expected to renounce their religious ceremonies, traditional dress, and customs. One Praying town, called Wabaquasset (Senexet, Wabiquisset), six miles west of the Quinebaug River in present-day Woodstock, was the largest of the three northeastern Connecticut praying towns.
In 1675, when King Philip's War broke out, some of the town's Indians, (especially in the southern part of the town) sided with the Mohegans and the English while others sided with the Indians led by Philip, rallying to arms on what is now Curtis Island in present Holland, Massachusetts and Brimfield, Massachusetts. During the war, the Praying town became deserted, and the English with their Indian allies marched through Woodstock to present day Thompson in the summer of 1676 burning any crops or stored corn they could find.[2]
In 1682, Massachusetts bought a tract of land, which included Woodstock, from the Mohegans. A group of 13 men from Roxbury, Massachusetts (home of the Pastorate of Woodstock's earlier visitor, John Eliot), settled the town in 1686 and named it New Roxbury. Judge Samuel Sewall suggested the town change its name to Woodstock in 1690, citing its proximity to Oxford, Massachusetts, and in 1749 the town became part of Connecticut.[2] The present name is after Woodstock, in England.[3]
Business Results 1 - 10 of 6
1 Reviews 1 Reviews 1 Reviews 
2 Reviews 
5 Reviews 
43 Reviews 