How to Choose the Best Sonogram Tech Degree Program near Stratford Connecticut
Since you have decided to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Stratford CT, the next step is to begin the process of choosing a college. To begin with, you need to find the ideal program that will provide the necessary education to become a qualified professional. And given that a number of states do require that ultrasound techs be either licensed or certified, depending on where you will practice you may also need to be prepared to pass a certification or licensing exam. So it’s extremely important that you research each program so that you can assess and compare your alternatives. But just where does one begin? Most potential students will start by searching for schools that are within driving distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Certainly cost and location must be taken into account when making a decision, but there are additional critical factors also. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they sponsor internship programs. These and additional qualifiers will be addressed more in depth later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what an ultrasound tech does and the degrees and online education options that are available.
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Sonogram Tech Job Description
There are various professional titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also referred to as sonogram techs, diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers) and ultrasound technologists. No matter what their title is, they all have the same primary job description, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound techniques on patients. Even though many work as generalists there are specializations within the profession, for example in cardiology and pediatrics. The majority practice in Stratford CT clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Routine daily work duties of an ultrasound technician may consist of:
- 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 use and then cleaning and re-calibrating them
- Escorting patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
- Utilizing equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
- Assessing results and determining necessity for additional testing
Ultrasound techs must regularly gauge the performance and safety of their machines. They also are held to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. So as to maintain that degree of professionalism and stay up to date with medical knowledge, they are mandated to enroll in continuing education programs on an ongoing basis.
Ultrasound Tech Degree Programs Available
Ultrasound technician enrollees have the opportunity to acquire either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally require around 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 option for individuals 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 related health field, you can enroll in a certificate program that will require just 12 to 18 months to finish. Something to bear in mind is that most ultrasound technician colleges do have a practical training component as a portion of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship program which many colleges set up with Stratford CT hospitals and clinics. Once you have graduated from any of the certificate or degree programs, you will then need to comply with the certification or licensing prerequisites in Connecticut or whatever state you choose to work in.
Online Ultrasound Technician Schools
As previously mentioned, virtually all sonogram tech schools have a practical requirement to their programs. So although you can obtain a degree or certificate online, a substantial part of the training will be either held in an on-campus laboratory or at a sponsored off campus medical care provider. Clinical training can usually be satisfied by means of an internship at a local Stratford CT outpatient clinic, hospital or private practice. But the rest of the training and classes can be accessed online in your Stratford home. This is particularly convenient for those students that continue working while obtaining their degrees. In addition online programs are many times less expensive than traditional options. Costs for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just as with every sonography college you are reviewing, confirm that the online school you enroll in is accredited. Among the most highly respected 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 motivated enough to attend classes away from the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Sonography Schools
Now that you have decided on the type of degree or certificate that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of reviewing and comparing sonogram tech schools. You will first probably want to choose whether you would rather access classes online or commute to a school campus in the Stratford CT area. Clearly location will be critical if you select the latter, and the price of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualifier as well. But there are additional things that you must also take into consideration, for example if the programs are accredited and if they offer internships. So in order to complete your due diligence so that you can arrive at your final selection, following are some questions that you may want to ask each sonography program prior to making a decision.
Are the Ultrasound Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of ultrasound tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to confirm 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 earning accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone an extensive examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Stratford CT employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level positions.
Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the sonogram technician colleges you are assessing have partnerships with Stratford CT clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Stratford healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the ultrasound tech programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Stratford CT home. Students who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally 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 prefers to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are reviewing what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the sonogram technician program as well.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the ultrasound tech program you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Stratford CT area, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Sonogram Tech Online Schools Stratford Connecticut
Selecting the ideal sonographer certificate or degree program is a vital first step to embarking on a rewarding new profession providing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound technician programs require that you have a high school diploma or a GED. Apart from satisfying academic standards, you need to be in at least fairly good physical condition, capable of standing for prolonged time frames with the ability to regularly lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to position patients and move heavy equipment. Other beneficial skills include technical proficiency, the ability to keep collected when faced with an angry or anxious patient and the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Sonogram Tech Online Schools and wanting more information on Ultrasound Technician School Requirements. However, as we have covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are considering. This is the case whether you choose an online program or travel to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can assess each school, you can narrow down your alternatives until you are left with the ideal school for your education. And with the proper training, dedication and motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as an ultrasound technologist in Stratford CT.
More Ultrasound Locations in Connecticut
Stratford, Connecticut
Stratford is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. It is situated on Long Island Sound along Connecticut's "Gold Coast" at the mouth of the Housatonic River. Stratford is in the Bridgeport–Stamford–Norwalk Metropolitan Statistical Area. It was founded by Puritans in 1639.
The population was 51,384 as of the 2010 census.[1] It is bordered on the west by Bridgeport, to the north by Trumbull and Shelton, and on the east by Milford (across the Housatonic River). Stratford has a historical legacy in aviation, the military, and theater.
Stratford was founded in 1639 by Puritan leader Reverend Adam Blakeman, William Beardsley, and either 16 families (according to legend) or approximately 35 families (suggested by later research) who had recently arrived in Connecticut from England seeking religious freedom. In 1639 the General Court in Hartford made reference to the town as the "new plantation at Pequannock".[2] In 1640 the community was known as Cupheag, a Native American Paugussett word meaning "at the enclosed place" or "place of shelter".[3] By April 13, 1643, the growing town was known as Stratford, changed to honor William Shakespeare's birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon in England.[4]
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