How to Choose the Right Ultrasound Technician Degree Program near Highlands North Carolina
Now that you have decided to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Highlands NC, it’s time to begin the procedure of selecting a college. To begin with, you have to find the ideal program that will provide the proper instruction to become a qualified professional. And because a number of states do require that ultrasound techs be either certified or licensed, depending on your residence you may also need to be prepared to pass a licensing or certification exam. So it’s extremely important that you investigate each program so that you can evaluate and compare your options. But exactly where does one start? Many students will start by looking for schools that are within driving distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Certainly location and cost need to be taken into account when making a decision, but there are other critical factors as well. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they provide internship programs. These and additional qualifications will be covered more in depth later in this article. But first, let’s go over what a sonogram tech does and the degrees and online training programs that are offered.
Click Here to Get Free Information on Ultrasound Technician Schools!
Ultrasound Technician Occupation Summary
There are more than one 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 techniques on patients. Even though a number of techs practice as generalists there are specialties within the field, for example in cardiology and pediatrics. Most practice in Highlands NC clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Routine daily work functions of a sonogram tech can consist of:
- Preserving records of patient medical histories and specifics of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Prepping the ultrasound machines for testing and then sterilizing and recalibrating them
- Transferring patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
- Using equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
- Assessing results and identifying necessity for supplemental testing
Ultrasound techs must routinely evaluate the safety and performance of their machines. They also must adhere to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. In order to maintain that level of professionalism and stay current with medical knowledge, they are mandated to enroll in continuing education training on an ongoing basis.
Sonogram Tech Degree Programs Available
Ultrasound technician enrollees have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will generally take around 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at up to 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 relevant health field, you can enroll in a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to complete. One thing to consider is that most sonographer schools do have a clinical training element as part of their course of study. It often may be fulfilled by taking part in an internship program which many schools organize through Highlands NC hospitals and clinics. After you have graduated from any of the degree or certificate programs, you will then need to comply with the certification or licensing requirements in North Carolina or whatever state you choose to work in.
Ultrasound Technician Online Classes
As previously mentioned, nearly all ultrasound tech schools have a clinical requirement to their programs. So while you can receive a degree or certificate online, a significant portion of the training will be either held in an on campus lab or at an authorized off-campus medical care provider. Practical training can often be fulfilled through an internship at a local Highlands NC hospital, outpatient clinic or family practice. But the balance of the training and classes may be attended online in your Highlands home. This is especially beneficial for those students that continue working while earning their degrees. In addition online schools are frequently less costly than on-campus options. Costs for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But just as with any ultrasound tech program you are reviewing, verify that the online school you choose is accredited. Among the most highly respected 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 disciplined enough to attend classes outside of the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Sonography Colleges
When you have decided on which certificate or degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the procedure of evaluating and comparing sonogram technician schools. You may first want to decide whether you will attend classes online or travel to a college campus in the Highlands NC area. Obviously location will be critical if you choose the latter, and the price of tuition no doubt will be an initial qualification also. But there are additional things that you should also take into account, such as if the schools are accredited and if they provide internships. So in order to complete your due diligence so that you can make your ultimate selection, below are some questions that you may want to ask each sonographer program before deciding.
Are the Ultrasound Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of sonogram technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone an extensive evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it can also obtain 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. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Highlands NC employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the sonogram technician colleges you are reviewing have partnerships with Highlands NC hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to receive hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Highlands health care community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the sonographer programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with North Carolina healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will have to be within commuting distance of their Highlands NC home. Individuals who have decided 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. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want 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 a chance to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound technician program as well.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the ultrasound tech college you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Highlands NC area, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs Highlands North Carolina
Choosing the ideal sonographer certificate or degree program is a vital first step to launching a gratifying new profession furnishing diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer programs require that you have a high school diploma or a GED. Along with satisfying academic standards, you must be in at least reasonably good physical health, capable of standing for extended durations and able to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it often necessary to adjust patients and maneuver heavy machinery. Additional desirable skills include technical proficiency, the ability to remain levelheaded 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 Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs and wanting more information on Diagnostic Medical Sonography Trade Schools. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing. This is the case whether you select an online degree or commute to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate questions so that you can assess each school, you can narrow down your options until you are left with the best program for your education. And with the right training, discipline and motivation to succeed, you can reach your objective to work as an sonographer in Highlands NC.
More Ultrasound Locations in North Carolina
Highlands, North Carolina
Highlands is an incorporated town in Macon County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Located on a plateau in the southern Appalachian Mountains, within the Nantahala National Forest, it lies mostly in southeastern Macon County and slightly in southwestern Jackson County, in the Highlands and Cashiers Townships, respectively. The permanent population was 924 at the 2010 census.[4]
Highlands was founded in 1875 after its two founders, Samuel Truman Kelsey and Clinton Carter Hutchinson, drew lines from Chicago to Savannah and from New Orleans to New York City. They felt that the place where these lines met would eventually become a great trading center and commercial crossroads.[5] Highlands was named for its lofty elevation.[6]
In the 1930s the town became a golfing mecca when Bobby Jones of Atlanta and some of his well-heeled golfing buddies founded the Highlands Country Club.[7] Today that club is one of seven successful residential country club communities in the area. The Highlands Country Club is south of Highlands on Dillard Road (North Carolina Highway 106).
Business Results 1 - 10 of 2
8 Reviews 
10 Reviews 