How to Choose the Right Ultrasound Tech College near Catlettsburg Kentucky
Once you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Catlettsburg KY, it’s time to start the process of choosing a college. To begin with, you have to find the ideal program that will provide the proper instruction to become a skilled professional. And since a number of states do mandate that ultrasound techs be either certified or licensed, depending on your residence you may also need preparation to pass a licensing or certification examination. So it’s extremely important that you research each school in order to assess and compare your alternatives. But just where does one start? Most prospective students will start by searching for colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Of course cost and location must be taken into account when making a decision, but there are other significant factors also. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they offer internship programs. These and additional qualifiers will be covered more in depth later in this article. But to start with, let’s review what an ultrasound tech does and the credentials and online education options that are offered.
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Sonogram Tech 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 basic job description, which is to perform diagnostic ultrasound techniques on patients. While a number of techs practice as generalists there are specializations within the profession, for instance in cardiology and pediatrics. The majority work in Catlettsburg KY hospitals, clinics, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Common daily work functions of a sonogram tech may involve:
- Maintaining records of patient medical histories and details of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Readying the ultrasound machines for testing and then sterilizing and recalibrating them
- Escorting patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
- Using equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
- Assessing results and determining necessity for further testing
Ultrasound techs must frequently gauge the performance and safety of their machines. They also must adhere to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. So as to sustain that degree of professionalism and remain current with medical knowledge, they are mandated to enroll in continuing education training on an ongoing basis.
Ultrasound Tech Degree Programs Offered
Ultrasound tech enrollees have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally take about 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at as long as four years to finalize. Another alternative for individuals who have previously 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 instead choose a certificate program that will take just 12 to 18 months to finish. One thing to bear in mind is that almost all sonographer colleges do have a clinical training element as part of their course of study. It often may be satisfied by taking part in an internship program which many schools sponsor through Catlettsburg KY clinics and hospitals. Once you have graduated from any of the certificate or degree programs, you will then need to fulfill the certification or licensing requirements in Kentucky or whatever state you elect to practice in.
Online Ultrasound Tech Schools
As aforementioned, virtually all ultrasound technician colleges have a clinical component to their programs. So while you can receive a certificate or degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be either conducted in an on campus laboratory or at an approved off campus medical care provider. Practical training can typically be fulfilled by means of an internship at a local Catlettsburg KY outpatient clinic, hospital or family practice. But the balance of the training and classes may be attended online in your Catlettsburg home. This is especially beneficial for those individuals that keep working while getting their degrees. In addition online schools are frequently less expensive than on campus options. Expenditures for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But similarly as with every ultrasound tech college you are reviewing, verify that the online program you select is accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially significant for certification, licensing and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to attend classes outside of the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online degree could be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Sonogram Tech Schools
When you have determined which degree or certificate that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of reviewing and comparing sonogram technician schools. You will first probably want to choose whether you would rather access classes online or travel to a school campus in the Catlettsburg KY area. Obviously location will be important if you choose the latter, and the price of tuition no doubt will be an initial qualifier also. But there are additional things that you should also take into consideration, for instance if the programs are accredited and if they sponsor internships. So in order to perform your due diligence so that you can arrive at your ultimate selection, below are a few questions that you need ask each sonography program before deciding.
Are the Ultrasound Tech Programs Accredited? Most ultrasound technician schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone a rigorous review of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance 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 quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Catlettsburg KY employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.
Are Internships Provided? Ask if the sonogram tech colleges you are assessing have relationships with Catlettsburg KY hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Catlettsburg medical community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the ultrasound tech schools you are reviewing have job placement 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 Kentucky healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Catlettsburg KY residence. Those who have opted 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 concern. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the schools you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher 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 as well.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the sonographer program you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Catlettsburg KY area, make sure that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Sonography Degree Near Me Catlettsburg Kentucky
Choosing the ideal sonographer degree or certificate program is an important first step to launching a fulfilling new profession providing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech schools require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent. Along with meeting academic standards, you should be in at least reasonably good physical condition, capable of standing for lengthy durations and able to regularly lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to position patients and maneuver heavy machines. Additional beneficial talents include technical proficiency, the ability to stay calm 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 Sonography Degree Near Me and wanting more information on Can You Become An Ultrasound Tech Online. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are looking at. This holds true 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 evaluate each college, you will be able to narrow down your choices until you are left with the best school for your education. And with the right training, dedication and determination to succeed, you can realize your objective to work as an ultrasound technologist in Catlettsburg KY.
More Ultrasound Locations in Kentucky
Catlettsburg, Kentucky
Catlettsburg is a home rule-class city[3] in and the county seat of Boyd County, Kentucky, United States.[4] The city population was 1,856 at the 2010 census. Catlettsburg is a part of the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH, Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). As of 2013, new definitions from the United States Census, the MSA had a population of 361,000.
Catlettsburg's history begins in the decades directly following the American Revolution, as many frontiersmen passed through the area on their western trek along the Ohio River. Alexander Catlett, the first landowner of the area, came to the site in 1798. His son, Horatio Catlett, opened a post office on December 5, 1810, with himself being the postmaster. This was the first known use of the name Catlettsburg being used officially as it had been previously known as Mouth of Sandy. In 1849, James Wilson Fry, a landowner who purchased the site from the Catlett family in 1833, sold off town lots of what was soon to be the town of Catlettsburg. (The Kentucky Encyclopedia says the Catletts settled the area in 1798.[5]) and Catletts resided at the location until 1847. After establishing this settlement, the Catletts operated a business that consisted of a tavern, post office, trading post, and inn, out of a log structure they built from virgin timber about 1811. Due to its location along the route of the American frontier, the Catletts provided hospitality to such notable patrons as General Stonewall Jackson, Henry Clay, Felix Grundy, and future U.S. President James Garfield. Catering to the ever-growing river traffic, the Catlett business flourished and the present-day town grew up around it. Collis P. Huntington operated the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. Its line to Cincinnati was built from Huntington in 1888. This required the construction of the railroad bridge that crosses the Big Sandy River at Catlettsburg, which carries an average of 80 trains daily.
The Catlett House is still standing two hundred years later and has long been used as the "servants' quarters" of Beechmoor Place, a large home located on Walnut Street (U.S. Routes 23 and 60). C.W. Culver bought the property from the Catlett heirs and built a large home of the Georgian style on the right of the Catletts' original dwelling. About 1868, Col. Laban T. Moore bought the estate from C.W. Culver for $10,000 ($171,000 in 2011). Col. Moore was noted as a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives and had previously served as a captain in the Kentucky Volunteer Infantry. He named his home Beechmoor, a portmanteau of his surname and that of a magnificent beech that stood on the fertile grounds at the time. Ownership of Beechmoor has remained in the Moore family since 1868. Beechmoor's eastern wing, being 200 years old and built by the Catletts, is cited as the oldest known building in a 300-mile radius. Built of Kentucky's virgin hemlock maple (now virtually extinct), the exterior walls are between 9 and 12 inches thick. The main portion has a stone foundation, and is held up by the same virgin timber, each 64 feet (20 m) in diameter, and running the entire 42-foot (13 m) width of the house. Beechmoor's last full-time resident, Rebecca Patton, Col. L.T. Moore's granddaughter, was dedicated to Beechmoor's preservation during her lifetime. In 1973, she had her lifelong home listed on the National Register of Historic Places and made provisions to ensure the home would be maintained in the event of her demise. She died in 1986. Since then, it has been maintained by proceeds from a trust fund and rental property income. A paid caretaker lives on the property full-time as of 2011. Several attempts have been made by local civic groups to acquire the property as a museum or civic use property due to its historical significance to the area but have not been successful as of this time, due to the family's desire to retain ownership.
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