Sonography Degree Silver Spring MD - How to Become an Ultrasound Tech

How to Select the Right Ultrasound Tech School near Silver Spring Maryland

Silver Spring MD sonographer performing ultrasound Once you have decided to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Silver Spring MD, the next step is to begin the procedure of choosing a college. To begin with, you must find the right program that will provide the necessary training to become a skilled professional. And since some states do mandate that sonographers be either licensed or certified, depending on where you will practice you may also need to be prepared to pass a certification or licensing examination. So it’s very important that you research each program in order to evaluate and compare your alternatives. But exactly where does one begin? Most prospective students will begin by searching for colleges that are within travelling distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Of course cost and location need to be taken into account when making a decision, but there are additional significant factors as well. For instance, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they offer internships. These and other qualifications will be addressed more in detail later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a sonogram tech does and the degrees and online training programs that are offered.

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Sonographer Occupation Description

Silver Spring MD ultrasound tech with patient There are multiple professional 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 primary job description, which is to perform diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. Even though many work as generalists there are specializations within the profession, for instance in pediatrics and cardiology. The majority work in Silver Spring MD hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Routine daily job functions of an ultrasound technician may consist of:

Keeping records of patient medical histories and specifics of each procedure
Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
Prepping the ultrasound machines for use and then cleaning and re-calibrating them
Escorting patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
Using equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
Assessing results and identifying need for additional testing

Ultrasound techs must regularly assess 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 up to date with medical knowledge, they are mandated to enroll in continuing education training on an ongoing basis.

Ultrasound Tech Degree Programs Available

Silver Spring MD ultrasound technician performing sonography Ultrasound technician enrollees have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will generally take about 18 months to 2 years to complete dependent 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 those who have already 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 medical sector, you can instead choose a certificate program that will require only 12 to 18 months to complete. Something to keep in mind is that almost all sonographer schools do have a practical training element as a portion of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by entering into an internship program which numerous colleges organize with Silver Spring MD hospitals and clinics. After you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to satisfy the licensing or certification prerequisites in Maryland or whatever state you elect to practice in.

Sonogram Tech Online Classes

student attending online sonography class in Silver Spring MD As previously mentioned, almost all sonogram technician schools have a practical component to their programs. So while you can obtain a degree or certificate online, a substantial part of the training will be either held in an on campus lab or at a sponsored off campus facility. Clinical training can often be satisfied by means of an internship at a local Silver Spring MD outpatient clinic, hospital or family practice. But the rest of the classes and training may be attended online in your Silver Spring home. This is especially beneficial for those individuals that keep working while getting their degrees. In addition online programs are often less costly than traditional options. Expenses for commuting and study materials may be decreased as well. But just as with every sonographer program you are reviewing, verify that the online program you select is accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly significant for licensing, certification and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to attend classes away from the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online degree could be the ideal option for you.

Topics to Ask Ultrasound Tech Programs

Questions to ask Silver Spring MD ultrasound technician schools After you have decided on which degree or certificate that you would like to earn, you can begin the procedure of evaluating and comparing ultrasound tech schools. You may first want to choose whether you will attend classes online or commute to a school campus in the Silver Spring MD area. Obviously location will be significant if you select the latter, and the cost of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualification also. But there are other variables that you must also take into account, for example if the programs are accredited and if they sponsor internships. So in order to carry out your due diligence so that you can arrive at your ultimate selection, below are several questions that you may want to ask each sonography college prior to making a decision.

Are the Sonogram Tech Schools Accredited? Most ultrasound tech colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of 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 an extensive assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Silver Spring MD health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the ultrasound tech colleges you are reviewing have relationships with Silver Spring MD hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Silver Spring healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the ultrasound tech schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Maryland healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Silver Spring MD residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the schools you are researching what the typical teacher to student 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 students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the ultrasound tech program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the ultrasound tech program you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Silver Spring MD area, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Sonography Degree Silver Spring Maryland

Silver Spring MD mother holding sonogram Choosing the ideal sonographer certificate or degree program is a crucial first step to commencing a rewarding new career providing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech colleges require that you have a high school diploma or a GED. Apart from satisfying academic standards, you must be in at least fairly good physical condition, capable of standing for prolonged time frames and able to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to adjust patients and maneuver heavy equipment. Other desirable talents include technical aptitude, the ability to remain 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 Sonography Degree and wanting more information on Ultrasound Tech Associates Degree. However, as we have addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are considering. This is true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to the school 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 program for your education. And with the right training, dedication and motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as an ultrasound technologist in Silver Spring MD.

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Silver Spring, Maryland

Silver Spring is an unincorporated community, large village, suburb of Washington, D.C., and census-designated place located inside the Capital Beltway in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. It had a population of 79,483, according to the 2017 official estimate by the United States Census Bureau,[3] making it the fourth most populous place in Maryland, after Baltimore, Columbia, and Germantown, and the second largest in Montgomery County after Germantown.[4] Inner Silver Spring consists of the following neighborhoods: Downtown Silver Spring, East Silver Spring, Woodside, North Woodside, Woodside Park, North Hills Sligo Park, Long Branch, Montgomery Knolls, Franklin Knolls, Indian Spring Terrace, Indian Spring Village, Clifton Park Village, New Hampshire Estates, Oakview, and Woodmoor. Outer Silver Spring consist of the following neighborhoods: Four Corners, Wheaton, Glenmont, Forest Glen, Aspen Hill, Hillandale, White Oak, Colesville, Colesville Park, Cloverly, Calverton, Briggs Chaney, Greencastle, Northwood Park, Sunset Terrace, Fairland, Lyttonsville, and Kemp Mill.

The urbanized, oldest, and southernmost part of Silver Spring is a major business hub that lies at the north apex of Washington, D.C. As of 2004, the Central Business District (CBD) held 7,254,729 square feet (673,986 m2) of office space, 5216 dwelling units and 17.6 acres (7.1 ha) of parkland. The population density of this CBD area of Silver Spring was 15,600 per square mile all within 360 acres (1.5 km2) and approximately 2.5 square miles (6 km2) in the CBD/downtown area.[5] The community has recently undergone a significant renaissance, with the addition of major retail, residential, and office developments.

Silver Spring takes its name from a mica-flecked spring discovered there in 1840, by Francis Preston Blair, who subsequently bought much of the surrounding land. Acorn Park, tucked away in an area of south Silver Spring away from the main downtown area, is believed to be the site of the original spring.[6][7][8][9][10]