How to Find the Right Sonogram Technician College near Portland Maine
Now that you have decided to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Portland ME, the next step is to begin the process of choosing a college. First, you need to find the right program that will provide the proper education to become a qualified 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 preparation to pass a certification or licensing exam. So it’s extremely important that you research each school in order to assess and compare your options. But just where does one begin? Most potential students will start by searching for colleges that are within driving distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Naturally cost and location should be considered when making a decision, but there are other significant factors as well. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they provide internships. These and other qualifiers will be covered more in detail later in this post. But to start with, let’s review what a sonogram tech does and the credentials and online training options that are available.
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Ultrasound Technician Work Summary
There are several professional titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also called sonogram techs, diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers) and ultrasound technologists. No matter what their title is, they all have the same basic job function, which is to carry out diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. Even though many practice as generalists there are specialties within the profession, for instance in cardiology and pediatrics. Most practice in Portland ME hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Common daily work tasks of a sonogram tech can consist of:
- 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 testing and then cleaning and recalibrating them
- Transferring patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
- Utilizing equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
- Reviewing the results and identifying need for supplemental testing
Sonographers must frequently assess the safety and performance of their equipment. They also must adhere to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. So as to sustain that level of professionalism and remain current with medical knowledge, they are required to complete continuing education programs on a regular basis.
Sonogram Technician Degree Programs Available
Sonogram tech students have the opportunity to acquire either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will generally require about 18 months to 2 years to accomplish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finalize. Another option for those who have already earned 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 medical field, you can instead choose a certificate program that will take just 12 to 18 months to finish. Something to keep in mind is that the majority of ultrasound technician colleges do have a practical training element as a portion of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by participating in an internship program which many colleges sponsor with Portland ME hospitals and clinics. When you have graduated from any of the certificate or degree programs, you will then need to fulfill the certification or licensing requirements in Maine or whatever state you choose to practice in.
Online Sonogram Tech Colleges
As previously mentioned, virtually all ultrasound tech colleges have a clinical requirement to their programs. So although you can receive a certificate or degree online, a significant portion of the training will be either conducted in an on campus lab or at an authorized off campus facility. Practical training can often be fulfilled by means of an internship at a local Portland ME hospital, outpatient clinic or family practice. However the remainder of the training and classes can be attended online in your Portland home. This is especially convenient for those students that keep working while earning their degrees. In addition online schools are many times less expensive than on-campus options. Costs for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But just as with every sonographer college you are considering, check that the online program you enroll in is accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially crucial for licensing, certification and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to attend classes outside of the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online school could be the right option for you.
What to Ask Ultrasound Technician Colleges
Now that you have decided on which degree or certificate that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of evaluating and comparing sonogram tech colleges. You may first want to decide whether you will attend classes online or commute to a college campus in the Portland ME area. Of course location will be significant if you choose the latter, and the cost of tuition no doubt will be an initial qualifier also. But there are other variables that you must also take into account, such as if the programs are accredited and if they offer internships. So in order to complete your due diligence so that you can make your final selection, below are a few questions that you need ask each sonography school prior to making a decision.
Are the Ultrasound Technician Colleges Accredited? Most sonogram technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school 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). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRC-DMS have gone through a detailed evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Portland ME health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the ultrasound tech colleges you are assessing have associations with Portland ME hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Portland health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the sonographer schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid 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 highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will need to be within commuting distance of their Portland ME home. Students who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the colleges you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the sonogram tech program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the sonographer school you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Portland ME area, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.
Best Ultrasound Technician Schools Portland Maine
Choosing the right sonographer degree or certificate program is a crucial first step to entering a rewarding new career providing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech programs require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition to satisfying academic standards, you should be in at least reasonably good physical health, capable of standing for prolonged durations with the ability to regularly lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it often necessary to position patients and move heavy equipment. Other desirable skills include technical proficiency, the ability to remain levelheaded 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 Best Ultrasound Technician Schools and wanting more information on What Colleges Offer Ultrasound Technician. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are considering. This is true whether you select an online degree or drive to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate questions so that you can compare each school, you can narrow down your options until you are left with the ideal program for your education. And with the proper training, dedication and determination to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as an sonographer in Portland ME.
More Ultrasound Locations in Maine
Portland, Maine
Portland is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maine, with a population of 67,067 as of 2017.[5] The Greater Portland metropolitan area is home to over half a million people, more than one-third of Maine's total population, making it the most populous metro in northern New England (an area comprising the states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont). Portland is Maine's economic center, with an economy that relies on the service sector and tourism. The Old Port district is a popular destination known for its 19th century architecture and nightlife. Marine industry still plays an important role in the city's economy, with an active waterfront that supports fishing and commercial shipping. The Port of Portland is the largest tonnage seaport in New England.[6]
The city has also seen growth in the technology sector, with companies such as WEX building headquarters in the city. The city seal depicts a phoenix rising from ashes, which is a reference to the recoveries from four devastating fires.[7] Portland was named after the English Isle of Portland, Dorset. In turn, the city of Portland, Oregon was named after Portland, Maine.[8]
Native Americans originally called the Portland peninsula Machigonne ("Great Neck").[9] Portland was named for the English Isle of Portland, and the city of Portland, Oregon, was in turn named for Portland, Maine.[10] The first European settler was Capt. Christopher Levett, an English naval captain granted 6,000 acres (2,400 ha) in 1623 to found a settlement in Casco Bay. A member of the Council for New England and agent for Ferdinando Gorges, Levett built a stone house where he left a company of ten men, then returned to England to write a book about his voyage to bolster support for the settlement.[11]Ultimately, the settlement was a failure and the fate of Levett's colonists is unknown. The explorer sailed from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony to meet John Winthrop in 1630, but never returned to Maine. Fort Levett in the harbor is named for him.
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