How to Choose the Best Sonogram Tech School near Erie Pennsylvania
Once you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Erie PA, the next step is to begin the process of selecting a college. First, you have to find the ideal program that will provide the proper education to become a qualified professional. And given that some states do require that ultrasound techs be either certified or licensed, depending on where you will practice you may also need preparation to pass a certification or licensing examination. So it’s extremely important that you research each college in order to evaluate and compare your options. But just where does one start? Most prospective students will start by looking for colleges that are within travelling distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Naturally cost and location should be considered when arriving at a decision, but there are additional significant factors as well. Such as, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they provide internships. These and additional qualifications will be discussed more in detail later in this post. But to start with, let’s review what an ultrasound tech does and the degrees and online education programs that are offered.
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Sonographer Job Summary
There are various professional titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also referred to as sonogram techs, diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers) and ultrasound technologists. Regardless of name, they all have the same primary job description, which is to carry out diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. Even though a number of techs work as generalists there are specialties within the field, for example in pediatrics and cardiology. Most practice in Erie PA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Common daily job tasks of a sonogram tech may involve:
- Keeping records of patient medical histories and specifics of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Readying the ultrasound machines for use and then sterilizing and re-calibrating them
- Transferring patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
- Using equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
- Assessing results and identifying need for further testing
Sonographers must routinely evaluate the performance and safety of their equipment. They also must adhere to a high professional standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. So as to sustain that level of professionalism and stay current with medical knowledge, they are required to complete continuing education courses on an ongoing basis.
Ultrasound Technician Degrees Available
Ultrasound tech students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will generally involve about 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at as long as four years to complete. Another option for individuals who have previously obtained 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 sector, you can enroll in a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to finish. One thing to consider is that the majority of ultrasound technician schools do have a practical training element as part of their course of study. It often may be satisfied by entering into an internship program which numerous schools sponsor with Erie PA clinics and hospitals. Once you have graduated from one of the certificate or degree programs, you will then need to satisfy the certification or licensing requirements in Pennsylvania or whichever state you choose to practice in.
Online Sonographer Degrees
As earlier discussed, nearly all ultrasound tech colleges have a practical component to their programs. So although you can earn a degree or certificate online, a significant portion of the training will be either conducted in an on-campus lab or at an authorized off campus facility. Practical training can often be fulfilled through an internship at a local Erie PA hospital, outpatient clinic or family practice. However the remainder of the classes and training may be attended online in your Erie home. This is particularly convenient for those individuals that continue working while earning their degrees. Plus online schools are frequently more affordable than on-campus options. Expenditures for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But similarly as with every ultrasound tech school you are looking at, make sure that the online school you ultimately pick is accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially crucial for certification, licensing and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn away from the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online school may be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Sonogram Tech Schools
Once you have determined the type of certificate or degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the procedure of reviewing and comparing ultrasound tech schools. You may first want to decide whether you will access classes online or commute to a college campus in the Erie PA area. Naturally location will be significant if you select the latter, and the price of tuition no doubt will be an important qualifier also. But there are other factors that you must also take into consideration, such as if the colleges are accredited and if they offer internship programs. So in order to perform your due diligence so that you can arrive at your ultimate selection, below are some questions that you may want to ask each ultrasound tech college before deciding.
Are the Ultrasound Tech Programs Accredited? The majority of ultrasound technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of 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 gone through a rigorous assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Erie PA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level jobs.
Are Internships Provided? Find out if the ultrasound tech schools you are evaluating have associations with Erie PA hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Erie health care community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the sonographer programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Pennsylvania healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they decide on will have to be within travelling distance of their Erie PA home. Students who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even 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 usually charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are researching what the average teacher to student 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 several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the sonogram tech program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the sonographer college you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Erie PA area, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Sonography Vocational Schools Erie Pennsylvania
Enrolling in the right ultrasound tech certificate or degree program is a crucial first step to commencing a fulfilling new profession delivering diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound technician programs require that you have a high school diploma or a GED. Apart from meeting academic requirements, you must be in at least fairly good physical health, able to stand for prolonged time frames with the ability to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it typically necessary to adjust patients and move heavy equipment. Other preferred talents include technical aptitude, the ability to stay levelheaded when faced with 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 Sonography Vocational Schools and wanting more information on Colleges That Offer Ultrasound Technician Programs. However, as we have covered in this article, there are multiple questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at. This holds true whether you select an online program or commute to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the right questions so that you can compare each school, you can narrow down your choices until you are left with the best program for your education. And with the proper training, dedication and determination to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as an sonographer in Erie PA.
More Ultrasound Locations in Pennsylvania
Erie, Pennsylvania
Erie (/ˈɪəri/; EER-ee) is a city on the south shore of Lake Erie and the county seat of Erie County, Pennsylvania, United States. Named for the lake and the Native American Erie people who lived in the area until the mid-17th century, Erie is the fourth-largest city in Pennsylvania, as well as the largest city in Northwestern Pennsylvania,[4] with a population of 101,786 at the 2010 census.[5] The estimated population in 2017 had decreased to 97,369.[6] The Erie metropolitan area, equivalent to all of Erie County, consists of 276,207 residents. The Erie-Meadville, PA Combined Statistical Area has a population of 369,331, as of the 2010 Census.
Erie is halfway between the cities of Buffalo, New York, and Cleveland, Ohio, and due north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Erie's manufacturing sector remains prominent in the local economy, though health care, higher education, technology, service industries and tourism are emerging as significant economic drivers. Over four million people visit Erie during summer months for recreation at Presque Isle State Park, as well as attractions such as Waldameer Park.
Erie is known as the "Flagship City" because of its status as the home port of Oliver Hazard Perry's flagship Niagara.[7] The city has also been called the "Gem City" because of the sparkling lake.[7] Erie won the All-America City Award in 1972, and in 2012 hosted the Perry 200,[8] a commemoration, celebrating 200 years of peace between England, America and Canada following the War of 1812 and Battle of Lake Erie.
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