How to Find the Right Sonogram Technician College near South Portland Maine
Since you have decided to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near South Portland ME, the next step is to start the procedure of selecting a college. To begin with, you must find the right program that will furnish the necessary instruction to become a qualified professional. And since a number of states do require that sonographers be either licensed or certified, 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 so that you can evaluate 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 homes and then by comparing tuition. Naturally cost and location should be taken into account when making a decision, but there are other important factors as well. Such as, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they offer internship programs. These and additional qualifications will be covered more in detail later in this article. But to start with, let’s go over what an ultrasound tech does and the credentials and online training options that are offered.
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Sonographer Work Summary
There are multiple professional titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also referred to as ultrasound technologists, sonogram techs, and diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers). Regardless of name, they all have the same primary job function, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound testing on patients. Even though many practice as generalists there are specializations within the profession, for example in pediatrics and cardiology. Most practice in South Portland ME hospitals, clinics, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Typical daily job duties of a sonogram technician may include:
- Maintaining records of patient medical histories and details of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Preparing the ultrasound machines for usage and then sterilizing and re-calibrating them
- Transferring patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
- Utilizing equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
- Reviewing the results and identifying necessity for additional testing
Ultrasound techs must routinely gauge the safety and performance of their equipment. They also are held to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. In order to maintain that degree of professionalism and remain up to date with medical knowledge, they are required to enroll in continuing education courses on a regular basis.
Ultrasound Tech Degree Programs Offered
Sonogram technician students have the choice to acquire either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally take about 18 months to 2 years to accomplish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish. Another option for individuals who have previously 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 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 the majority of sonographer colleges do have a practical training component as part of their curriculum. It often may be fulfilled by participating in an internship program which many colleges organize with South Portland ME hospitals and clinics. Once you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to comply with the certification or licensing requirements in Maine or whatever state you elect to work in.
Online Ultrasound Tech Classes
As aforementioned, nearly all ultrasound tech colleges have a practical component to their programs. So while you can obtain a certificate or degree online, a substantial part of the training will be either held in an on-campus lab or at an authorized off campus facility. Practical training can usually be satisfied through an internship at a local South Portland ME hospital, outpatient clinic or private practice. However the rest of the classes and training may be accessed online in your South Portland home. This is particularly beneficial for those students that keep working while earning their degrees. In addition online programs are many times less expensive than on-campus options. Costs for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But similarly as with every sonographer program you are looking at, confirm that the online program you ultimately pick is accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially crucial for licensing, certification and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn away from the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then an online school may be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Ultrasound Technician Schools
When you have decided on which certificate or degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of reviewing and comparing ultrasound tech schools. You may first want to decide whether you will access classes online or commute to a school campus in the South Portland ME area. Naturally location will be important if you select the latter, and the price of tuition undoubtedly will be an initial qualifier also. But there are additional factors that you should also take into consideration, such as if the programs are accredited and if they offer internship programs. So in order to perform your due diligence so that you can make your final selection, following are some questions that you may want to ask each sonography school before deciding.
Are the Ultrasound Tech Programs Accredited? Most sonogram tech schools have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected 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 examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it may 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 guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous South Portland ME employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the sonogram tech programs you are assessing have relationships with South Portland ME hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the South Portland health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the sonographer programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Maine healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they select will need to be within travelling distance of their South Portland ME residence. Those who have decided 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 decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often 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 type of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are looking at what the typical teacher to student 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 a chance to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the sonogram tech program also.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the ultrasound tech program you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the South Portland ME area, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.
Medical Sonography Colleges South Portland Maine
Choosing the ideal sonographer certificate or degree program is a crucial first step to embarking on a rewarding new career delivering diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech colleges require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent. Along with meeting academic requirements, you should be in at least fairly good physical condition, capable of standing for extended durations and able to regularly lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to adjust patients and move heavy machinery. Other helpful talents include technical proficiency, the ability to keep calm when confronted by an anxious or angry patient and the ability to communicate in a clear and compassionate manner. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Medical Sonography Colleges and wanting more information on Accredited Local Sonography Programs. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are multiple questions that you should ask each school you are looking at. This is the case whether you select an online program or drive to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the right questions so that you can compare each school, you will be able to narrow down your choices until you are left with the ideal program for your education. And with the proper training, discipline and determination to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as an ultrasound technologist in South Portland ME.
More Ultrasound Locations in Maine
South Portland, Maine
South Portland is a city in Cumberland County, Maine, United States, and is the fourth-largest city in the state, incorporated in 1898. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 25,002. Known for its working waterfront, South Portland is situated on Portland Harbor and overlooks the skyline of Portland and the islands of Casco Bay. Due to South Portland's close proximity to air, marine, rail, and highway transportation options, the city has become a center for retail and industry in the region.
Despite the name, South Portland was never part of the city of Portland, but rather part of Cape Elizabeth. It broke off in 1895. However, both Cape Elizabeth and Portland were once part of Falmouth. Cape Elizabeth, then including what later became South Portland, broke away from Falmouth in 1765. South Portland is a principal city of the Portland – South Portland – Biddeford metropolitan area.
South Portland was first settled in 1630, and it grew to become a small residential community with many farms. The village was raided by natives in Father Rale's War (1724). In 1858, the City of Portland purchased land near the Fore River for the Forest City Cemetery. On March 15, 1895, it was incorporated as a town after it broke away from Cape Elizabeth, based on a disagreement on a future source of public drinking water. Three years later South Portland became a city, destined to receive its drinking water, like Portland, from Sebago Lake, while Cape Elizabeth used wells or other local sources.
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