How to Pick the Right Sonogram Technician School near Staten Island New York
Since you have decided to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Staten Island NY, the next step is to start the procedure of selecting a school. To begin with, you need to find the ideal program that will furnish the necessary instruction to become a skilled professional. And since some states do mandate that sonographers be either certified or licensed, depending on where you will practice you may also need preparation to pass a licensing or certification exam. So it’s very important that you investigate each school in order to assess and compare your choices. But exactly where does one begin? Most individuals will begin by searching for schools that are within driving distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Naturally location and cost need to be considered when making a decision, but there are additional significant factors also. Such as, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they offer internships. These and additional qualifications will be covered more in depth later in this article. But to start with, let’s go over what an ultrasound tech does and the credentials and online education programs that are offered.
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Ultrasound Technician Job Summary
There are several 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 basic job function, which is to perform diagnostic ultrasound techniques on patients. While a number of techs practice as generalists there are specializations within the field, for instance in pediatrics and cardiology. The majority practice in Staten Island NY hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Typical daily job tasks of an ultrasound tech can include:
- Keeping records of patient medical histories and specifics of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Preparing the ultrasound machines for testing and then sterilizing and re-calibrating them
- Moving patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
- Utilizing equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
- Reviewing the results and identifying need for further testing
Ultrasound techs must regularly gauge 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 maintain that degree of professionalism and stay up to date with medical knowledge, they are required to complete continuing education courses on an ongoing basis.
Sonogram Technician Degree Programs Available
Ultrasound tech students have the option to acquire either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally require about 18 months to 2 years to finish dependent on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at as long as four years to finalize. Another option for those who have previously 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 related medical field, you can enroll in a certificate program that will take just 12 to 18 months to complete. Something to consider is that almost all sonographer schools do have a clinical training component as a portion of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by participating in an internship program which numerous schools sponsor through Staten Island NY hospitals and clinics. When you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to satisfy the licensing or certification requirements in New York or whichever state you decide to practice in.
Ultrasound Tech Online Programs
As previously mentioned, almost all sonogram tech colleges have a practical component to their programs. So while you can earn a degree or certificate online, a substantial portion of the training will be either conducted in an on campus laboratory or at a sponsored off-campus medical care provider. Clinical training can usually be satisfied through an internship at a local Staten Island NY outpatient clinic, hospital or family practice. But the rest of the classes and training can be accessed online in your Staten Island home. This is particularly beneficial for those students that continue working while obtaining their degrees. Plus online colleges are often less expensive than on-campus alternatives. Expenses for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But similarly as with any ultrasound tech program you are reviewing, 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 important for certification, licensing and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to attend classes outside of the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then an online school may be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Ultrasound Technician Programs
After you have determined the type of degree or certificate that you would like to obtain, you can start the procedure of reviewing and comparing sonogram technician schools. You may first want to choose whether you will access classes online or travel to a college campus in the Staten Island NY area. Of course location will be critical if you choose the latter, and the price of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualification also. But there are other factors that you should also take into consideration, such as if the schools are accredited and if they offer internships. So in order to perform your due diligence so that you can make your ultimate selection, below are a few questions that you need ask each sonography school before deciding.
Are the Sonogram Technician Programs Accredited? Most sonogram technician colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of sonography is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone a detailed review of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Staten Island NY health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the sonogram technician programs you are evaluating have associations with Staten Island NY hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Staten Island medical community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the ultrasound tech programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with New York healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Staten Island NY home. Those 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 concern. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the colleges you are reviewing what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the ultrasound technician program as well.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the ultrasound tech college you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Staten Island NY area, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.
Online Colleges For Ultrasound Tech Staten Island New York
Picking the ideal ultrasound technician certificate or degree program is a vital first step to embarking on a gratifying 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 need to be in at least fairly good physical condition, able to stand for lengthy time frames with the ability to routinely lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it typically necessary to adjust patients and move heavy machines. Additional preferred skills include technical aptitude, the ability to keep levelheaded when faced with an angry or anxious patient and the ability to converse clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Online Colleges For Ultrasound Tech and wanting more information on How Long Is Ultrasound Tech School. However, as we have covered in this post, there are multiple questions that you should ask each school you are looking at. This is the case whether you choose an online program or travel to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can evaluate each college, you can narrow down your alternatives until you are left with the best school for your education. And with the right training, discipline and motivation to succeed, you can reach your objective to practice as an ultrasound tech in Staten Island NY.
More Ultrasound Locations in New York
Staten Island
Staten Island /ˌstætən ˈaɪlənd/ is one of the five boroughs of New York City, in the U.S. state of New York. Located in the southwest portion of the city, the borough is separated from New Jersey by the Arthur Kill and the Kill Van Kull, and from the rest of New York by New York Bay. With an estimated population of 479,458 in 2017,[1] Staten Island is the least populated of the boroughs but is the third-largest in land area at 58.5 sq mi (152 km2). The borough also contains the southern-most point in the state, South Point.
The borough is coextensive with Richmond County and until 1975 was referred to as the Borough of Richmond.[3] Staten Island has sometimes been called "the forgotten borough" by inhabitants who feel neglected by the city government.[4][5]
The North Shore—especially the neighborhoods of St. George, Tompkinsville, Clifton, and Stapleton—is the most urban part of the island; it contains the designated St. George Historic District and the St. Paul's Avenue-Stapleton Heights Historic District, which feature large Victorian houses. The East Shore is home to the 2.5-mile (4 km) F.D.R. Boardwalk, the fourth-longest boardwalk in the world.[6] The South Shore, site of the 17th-century Dutch and French Huguenot settlement, developed rapidly beginning in the 1960s and 1970s and is now mostly suburban in character. The West Shore is the least populated and most industrial part of the island.
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