How to Choose the Best Ultrasound Tech School near Erie Michigan
Since you have decided to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Erie MI, it’s time to start the process of selecting a school. First, you must find the right program that will provide the appropriate training to become a qualified professional. And given that some states do mandate that sonographers be either licensed or certified, depending on where you will practice you may also need preparation to pass a licensing or certification exam. So it’s extremely important that you research each school so that you can evaluate and compare your alternatives. But just where does one begin? Many individuals will begin by searching for schools that are within driving distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Naturally cost and location must be considered when arriving at a decision, but there are additional important factors as well. For instance, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they provide internship programs. These and additional qualifications will be discussed more in depth later in this article. But to start with, let’s discuss what a sonogram tech does and the credentials and online education options that are available.
Click Here to Get Free Information on Ultrasound Technician Schools!
Sonogram Tech Work Description
There are more than one 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 perform diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. While many work as generalists there are specialties within the field, for example in pediatrics and cardiology. The majority practice in Erie MI clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Standard daily work functions of a sonogram technician can consist of:
- Maintaining records of patient medical histories and specifics of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Readying the ultrasound machines for usage and then sterilizing and recalibrating them
- Escorting patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
- Utilizing equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
- Assessing results and determining need for further testing
Ultrasound techs must frequently assess the safety and performance of their equipment. They also must adhere to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. So as to sustain that level of professionalism and stay up to date with medical knowledge, they are required to complete continuing education courses on a regular basis.
Sonogram Technician Degrees Available
Sonogram technician students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will usually involve around 18 months to 2 years to accomplish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at up to 4 years to finish. Another option for those who have already received a college degree is a post graduate certificate program. If you have obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in any major or an Associate Degree in a relevant medical field, you can enroll in a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to complete. One thing to bear in mind is that most sonographer programs do have a clinical training element as a portion of their course of study. It can often be fulfilled by entering into an internship program which many colleges set up with Erie MI clinics and hospitals. Once you have graduated from any of the certificate or degree programs, you will then have to satisfy the certification or licensing prerequisites in Michigan or whatever state you decide to practice in.
Online Ultrasound Tech Programs
As earlier discussed, nearly all ultrasound tech colleges have a practical requirement to their programs. So although you can receive a degree or certificate online, a substantial portion of the training will be either carried out in an on campus laboratory or at a sponsored off campus facility. Clinical training can typically be satisfied by means of an internship at a local Erie MI hospital, outpatient clinic or private practice. But the remainder of the classes and training may be attended online in your Erie home. This is especially convenient for those individuals that keep working while getting their degrees. In addition online colleges are frequently less costly than on campus alternatives. Costs for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just as with every ultrasound tech school you are considering, check that the online school you select is accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly significant for certification, licensing and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to attend classes outside of the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then an online school could be the right choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Sonography Schools
As soon as you have determined which certificate or degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of assessing and comparing ultrasound technician schools. You will first probably want to decide whether you would rather attend classes online or travel to a school campus in the Erie MI area. Certainly location will be critical if you choose the latter, and the cost of tuition no doubt will be an important qualifier as well. But there are other variables that you must also take into consideration, such as if the colleges are accredited and if they provide internships. So in order to perform your due diligence so that you can make your ultimate selection, following are several questions that you need ask each ultrasound tech school prior to making a decision.
Are the Sonogram Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of sonogram tech colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to verify 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 receiving accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone a rigorous examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged 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 assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Erie MI employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level jobs.
Are Internships Offered? Ask if the ultrasound technician schools you are assessing have partnerships with Erie MI clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Erie medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the sonographer schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Michigan healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Erie MI home. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry 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 school that is out of state or perhaps 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 often charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound tech program as well.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the sonographer school you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Erie MI area, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.
Ultrasound Technologist Training Erie Michigan
Enrolling in the right ultrasound technician degree or certificate program is a crucial first step to launching a gratifying new profession delivering diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound technician programs require that you have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Along with meeting academic standards, you should be in at least reasonably good physical condition, capable of standing for lengthy time frames and able to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it typically necessary to adjust patients and maneuver heavy machines. Other beneficial skills include technical proficiency, the ability to stay calm when confronted by an anxious or angry patient and the ability to converse in a clear and compassionate manner. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Ultrasound Technologist Training and wanting more information on Ultrasound Tech School. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are reviewing. This is true whether you select an online program or travel to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the right questions so that you can evaluate each school, you can narrow down your choices until you are left with the ideal school for your education. And with the right training, dedication and motivation to succeed, you can realize your objective to practice as an ultrasound tech in Erie MI.
More Ultrasound Locations in Michigan
Erie Canal
The Erie Canal is a canal in New York, United States that is part of the east–west, cross-state route of the New York State Canal System (formerly known as the New York State Barge Canal). Originally, it ran 363 miles (584 km) from where Albany meets the Hudson River to where Buffalo meets Lake Erie. It was built to create a navigable water route from New York City and the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. When completed in 1825, it was the second longest canal in the world (after the Grand Canal in China) and greatly affected the development and economy of New York, New York City, and the United States.[2]
The canal was first proposed in the 1780s, then re-proposed in 1807. A survey was authorized, funded, and executed in 1808. Proponents of the project gradually wore down opponents; its construction began in 1817. The canal has 34 numbered locks starting with Black Rock Lock and ending downstream with the Troy Federal Lock. Both are owned by the federal government.[1] It has an elevation difference of about 565 feet (172 m). It opened on October 26, 1825.[3]
The canal was denigrated by its political opponents as "Clinton's Folly"[5] or "Clinton's Big Ditch".[6][7] It was the first transportation system between the Eastern Seaboard and the western interior of the United States that did not require portage.
Business Results 1 - 10 of 10
3 Reviews 
23 Reviews 
3 Reviews 
3 Reviews 
2 Reviews 
2 Reviews 2 Reviews 
12 Reviews 1 Reviews 