How to Enroll in the Right Ultrasound Technician Degree Program near Lewiston Maine
Since you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Lewiston ME, it’s time to start the process of choosing a college. To begin with, you have to find the right program that will provide the appropriate education to become a skilled professional. And because a number of states do require that ultrasound techs be either licensed or certified, 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 college so that you can assess and compare your choices. But just where does one begin? Many potential students will begin by looking for schools that are within travelling distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Of course location and cost should be taken into account when arriving at a decision, but there are other important factors also. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they offer internship programs. These and additional qualifications will be covered more in depth later in this article. But to start with, let’s discuss what a sonogram tech does and the degrees and online training programs that are available.
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Sonographer Occupation Summary
There are more than one acceptable titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also called ultrasound technologists, sonogram techs, and diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers). Regardless of name, they all have the same basic job description, which is to carry out diagnostic ultrasound techniques on patients. Even though a number of techs practice as generalists there are specializations within the field, for example in pediatrics and cardiology. Most work in Lewiston ME hospitals, clinics, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Routine daily work duties of a sonogram tech may involve:
- Keeping records of patient medical histories and details of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Prepping the ultrasound machines for usage and then cleaning and recalibrating them
- Escorting patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
- Operating equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
- Reviewing the results and identifying necessity for further testing
Sonographers must regularly evaluate the performance and safety of their machines. They also must adhere to a high professional standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. In order to maintain that level of professionalism and remain current with medical knowledge, they are required to complete continuing education training on an ongoing basis.
Sonogram Tech Degree Programs Offered
Ultrasound tech enrollees have the choice to acquire either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will generally involve 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 4 years to finish. Another option for those 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 relevant health field, you can instead choose a certificate program that will require only 12 to 18 months to finish. One thing to bear in mind is that most sonographer schools do have a practical training element as a portion of their course of study. It often may be fulfilled by participating in an internship program which numerous schools organize with Lewiston ME hospitals and clinics. When you have graduated from any of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to fulfill the certification or licensing prerequisites in Maine or whichever state you elect to work in.
Ultrasound Technician Online Classes
As earlier discussed, nearly all ultrasound tech schools have a practical requirement to their programs. So while you can earn a degree or certificate online, a significant portion of the training will be either conducted in an on campus lab or at a sponsored off campus facility. Clinical training can typically be fulfilled by means of an internship at a local Lewiston ME hospital, outpatient clinic or family practice. However the remainder of the training and classes can be accessed online in your Lewiston home. This is particularly convenient for those students that continue working while obtaining their degrees. In addition online colleges are many times more affordable than on-campus options. Costs for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But similarly as with every sonography school you are reviewing, check that the online school you choose is accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially significant for licensing, certification and job placement (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 online classes may be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Sonogram Tech Schools
When you have decided on the type of certificate or degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of assessing and comparing sonogram tech colleges. You may first want to decide whether you would rather attend classes online or travel to a college campus in the Lewiston ME area. Of course location will be significant if you decide on the latter, and the cost of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualifier as well. But there are other factors that you should also take into account, such as if the programs are accredited and if they sponsor internships. So in order to perform your due diligence so that you can make your ultimate selection, following are a few questions that you may want to ask each sonographer school prior to making a decision.
Are the Sonogram Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of sonogram tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations 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 gone through a detailed review of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Lewiston ME employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level positions.
Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the ultrasound technician schools you are reviewing have partnerships with Lewiston ME clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the Lewiston health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the ultrasound tech programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Maine healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Lewiston ME residence. Students who have opted 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 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 might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the colleges you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the sonogram tech program also.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the ultrasound tech school you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Lewiston ME area, confirm that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Accredited Sonogram Tech Schools Lewiston Maine
Enrolling in the right ultrasound technician certificate or degree program is a vital first step to starting a gratifying new profession providing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech schools require that you have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Along with meeting academic standards, you need to be in at least fairly good physical health, able to stand for prolonged time frames and able to routinely lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to position patients and maneuver heavy equipment. Other preferred talents include technical proficiency, the ability to keep collected when faced with an angry or anxious patient and the ability to converse in a clear and compassionate manner. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Accredited Sonogram Tech Schools and wanting more information on Sonography Classes Online. However, as we have covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are considering. This is true whether you select an online degree or drive to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can assess each college, you can narrow down your options until you are left with the ideal school for your education. And with the right training, dedication and motivation to succeed, you can achieve your objective to work as an sonographer in Lewiston ME.
More Ultrasound Locations in Maine
Lewiston, Maine
Lewiston (/ˈluːɪstən/;[5] officially the City of Lewiston, Maine)[6] is the second largest city in Maine and the most central city in Androscoggin County.[7] The city borders the coastal sideways of the Gulf of Maine and is south of Augusta, the state's capital, and north of Portland, the cultural hub of Maine. It is one-half of the Lewiston-Auburn Metropolitan Statistical Area, commonly referred to as "L.A." or "L-A."[8] Lewiston exerts a significant impact upon the diversity, religious variety, commerce, education, and economic power of Maine. It is known for a relatively low cost of living, substantial access to medical care, and an extremely low violent-crime rate.[9][10] While the dominant language spoken in the city is English, it is home to the largest French-speaking population in the United States (by population) while it is second to St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, in percentage of speakers.[11][12][13]
The Lewiston area traces its roots to 1669 with the early presence of the Androscoggin tribe (the namesake of the county in which the city resides). In the late 18th century, the area slowly became populated by Quebec families and was incorporated as "Lewistown" in 1795.[14] The presence of the Androscoggin River and Lewistown Falls made the town an attractive area for manufacturing and hydro-power businesses. The rise of Boston rail and textile tycoon Benjamin Bates saw rapid economic growth rivaling that of Cambridge, Worcester, and Concord. The increase in economic stimulus prompted thousands of Quebecers to migrate, causing a population boom; the populace rose from 1,801 in 1840 to 21,701 in 1890. In 1855, local preacher Oren Burbank Cheney founded the Maine State Seminary, the first coeducational university in New England and one of the first universities to admit black students before the Emancipation Proclamation. Lewistown quickly became associated with the liberal arts and was incorporated as "Lewiston" in 1864, a year before the college was chartered as Bates College.
The city is home to the only basilica in Maine, Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul; 15 colleges and universities; 44 listings on the National Register of Historic Places; the Androscoggin Bank Colisée; the Stephens Observatory; the Olin Arts Center; the Bates College Museum of Art (BCMoA); and two significant general hospitals: Central Maine Medical Center and Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center.
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