How to Choose the Right Ultrasound Tech College near Phenix City Alabama
Now that you have made a decision to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Phenix City AL, it’s time to start the procedure of selecting a school. First, you must find the right program that will furnish the proper instruction to become a skilled professional. And given that some states do require that sonographers be either certified or licensed, depending on your residence you may also need to be prepared to pass a certification or licensing examination. So it’s extremely important that you research each program so that you can assess and compare your choices. But just where does one begin? Many students will begin by searching for schools that are within driving distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Of course cost and location must be considered when arriving at a decision, but there are other significant factors also. Such as, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they sponsor internship programs. These and other qualifications will be addressed more in detail later in this post. But first, let’s go over 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!
Ultrasound Tech Job Summary
There are several acceptable titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also referred to as ultrasound technologists, sonogram techs, and diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers). No matter what their title is, they all have the same basic job function, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound techniques on patients. Even though many practice as generalists there are specializations within the field, for instance in pediatrics and cardiology. The majority work in Phenix City AL hospitals, clinics, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Typical daily work duties of a sonogram tech may involve:
- Preserving records of patient case 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
- Escorting patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
- Operating equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
- Reviewing the results and determining necessity for supplemental testing
Ultrasound techs must frequently evaluate the safety and performance of their equipment. They also are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. In order to maintain that degree of professionalism and stay current with medical knowledge, they are required to enroll in continuing education training on an ongoing basis.
Ultrasound Technician Degree Programs Available
Ultrasound technician students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally require about 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete. Another alternative for individuals who have previously obtained a college degree is a post graduate certificate program. If you have received a Bachelor’s Degree in any major or an Associate Degree in a related health field, you can enroll in a certificate program that will require only 12 to 18 months to finish. Something to consider is that almost all ultrasound technician colleges do have a practical training element as a portion of their curriculum. It often may be satisfied by participating in an internship program which numerous colleges set up with Phenix City AL hospitals and clinics. Once you have graduated from any of the degree or certificate programs, you will then need to satisfy the licensing or certification requirements in Alabama or whichever state you choose to practice in.
Online Sonographer Colleges
As aforementioned, virtually all ultrasound technician colleges have a practical requirement to their programs. So while you can earn a degree or certificate online, a significant part of the training will be either held in an on campus lab or at a sponsored off-campus medical care provider. Clinical training can often be fulfilled through an internship at a local Phenix City AL hospital, outpatient clinic or family practice. But the remainder of the classes and training may be attended online in your Phenix City home. This is especially convenient for those students that keep working while obtaining their degrees. In addition online colleges are many times less costly than on campus alternatives. Expenditures for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just as with any sonography program you are considering, confirm that the online program you select is accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially crucial for licensing, certification and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to attend classes away from the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Ultrasound Tech Colleges
After you have decided on the type of certificate or degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of evaluating and comparing ultrasound tech schools. You will first probably want to decide whether you will access classes online or commute to a school campus in the Phenix City AL area. Of course location will be significant if you choose the latter, and the price of tuition undoubtedly will be an initial qualification as well. But there are additional variables that you must also take into consideration, for example if the programs are accredited and if they offer internship programs. So in order to carry out your due diligence so that you can arrive at your final selection, following are several questions that you may want to ask each sonographer program before deciding.
Are the Ultrasound Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of ultrasound tech schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of sonography is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Programs earning accreditation from the JRC-DMS have gone through a detailed review of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it might also earn 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 quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Phenix City AL health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level openings.
Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the sonogram technician colleges you are interested in have associations with Phenix City AL clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Phenix City medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the sonographer schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Alabama healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Phenix City AL residence. Those who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you decide 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 generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the back of class 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 schools you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the sonogram tech program also.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the ultrasound tech program you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Phenix City AL area, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Sonography Colleges Phenix City Alabama
Choosing the right ultrasound tech degree or certificate program is a vital first step to starting a gratifying new career delivering diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound technician programs require that you have a high school diploma or a GED. Along with satisfying academic requirements, you must be in at least reasonably good physical health, capable of standing for prolonged time frames with the ability to routinely lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it typically necessary to position patients and maneuver heavy machinery. Additional helpful talents include technical proficiency, the ability to remain 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 Sonography Colleges and wanting more information on Best Diagnostic Medical Sonography Schools. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are looking at. This is true whether you choose an online degree or drive to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the right questions so that you can assess each school, you can narrow down your alternatives until you are left with the ideal school for your education. And with the right training, discipline and motivation to succeed, you can realize your objective to work as an ultrasound technologist in Phenix City AL.
More Ultrasound Locations in Alabama
Phenix City, Alabama
Phenix City lies immediately west across the Chattahoochee River from much larger Columbus, Georgia. Sometimes called Hub City,[citation needed] Most of Phenix City is included in the Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area, but a section is located in Lee County, and is therefore in the Auburn, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. The entire city is part of the Columbus-Auburn-Opelika Combined Statistical Area.
Phenix City is located at 32°28′22″N 85°1′12″W / 32.47278°N 85.02000°W / 32.47278; -85.02000 (32.472822, -85.020121).[6] It is the easternmost settlement in the state of Alabama as well as the Central Time Zone, but it and some other nearby areas unofficially observe Eastern Time, as these areas are part of the metropolitan area of the considerably larger city of Columbus, Georgia, which is in the Eastern Time Zone.[7]
The climate in this area is characterized by relatively high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Phenix City has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[8]
Business Results 1 - 10 of 6
4 Reviews 
2 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
3 Reviews 4 Reviews 
23 Reviews 