How to Select the Right Ultrasound Tech College near South San Francisco California
Once you have decided to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near South San Francisco CA, the next step is to start the process of choosing a school. To begin with, you have to find the right program that will provide the proper education to become a skilled professional. And because a number of states do mandate that sonographers be either licensed or certified, depending on your residence you may also need to be prepared to pass a licensing or certification exam. So it’s very important that you research each program so that you can assess and compare your options. But exactly where does one start? Most students will begin by searching for colleges that are within travelling distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Naturally cost and location must be considered when arriving at a decision, but there are other important factors as well. Such as, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they provide internships. These and other qualifiers will be discussed more in depth later in this article. But to start with, let’s review what an ultrasound tech does and the credentials and online training options that are offered.
Click Here to Get Free Information on Ultrasound Technician Schools!
Ultrasound Technician Occupation Summary
There are several 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 basic job function, which is to perform diagnostic ultrasound techniques on patients. Although many work as generalists there are specialties within the field, for example in cardiology and pediatrics. The majority practice in South San Francisco CA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Standard daily job tasks of an ultrasound technician may consist of:
- Preserving records of patient case histories and specifics of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Preparing the ultrasound machines for use and then sterilizing and re-calibrating them
- Moving patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
- Utilizing equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
- Reviewing the results and identifying necessity for additional testing
Sonographers must routinely assess the safety and performance of their equipment. They also are held to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. So as to maintain that level 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 choice to acquire either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will usually involve about 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as long as 4 years to complete. Another option for individuals who have already 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 relevant medical field, you can instead choose a certificate program that will take just 12 to 18 months to complete. One thing to keep in mind is that the majority of ultrasound technician colleges do have a practical training element as part of their course of study. It can often be fulfilled by taking part in an internship program which numerous schools sponsor with South San Francisco CA hospitals and clinics. Once you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then need to fulfill the licensing or certification requirements in California or whatever state you choose to practice in.
Online Ultrasound Technician Programs
As earlier discussed, virtually all sonogram tech colleges have a clinical requirement to their programs. So although you can obtain a certificate or degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be either conducted in an on-campus lab or at a sponsored off-campus medical care provider. Practical training can usually be satisfied through an internship at a local South San Francisco CA hospital, outpatient clinic or family practice. However the balance of the training and classes may be attended online in your South San Francisco home. This is particularly beneficial for those individuals that keep working while earning their degrees. Plus online colleges are many times less expensive than on-campus alternatives. Expenses for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just as with any ultrasound tech program you are looking at, check that the online school you select is accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly important for licensing, certification and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn outside of the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Ultrasound Tech Programs
As soon as you have decided on the type of degree or certificate that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of evaluating and comparing sonogram technician colleges. You may first want to choose whether you would rather access classes online or travel to a college campus in the South San Francisco CA area. Certainly location will be important if you select the latter, and the price of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualifier also. But there are additional factors that you must also take into account, such as if the colleges are accredited and if they provide internships. Therefore in order to perform your due diligence so that you can make your ultimate selection, below are several questions that you may want to ask each sonographer college prior to making a decision.
Are the Sonogram Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of ultrasound tech colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRC-DMS have gone through a detailed assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous South San Francisco CA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.
Are Internships Provided? Ask if the ultrasound tech programs you are reviewing have partnerships with South San Francisco CA clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to receive practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional connections in the South San Francisco medical community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the ultrasound tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they select will need to be within travelling distance of their South San Francisco CA home. Those who have opted 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 keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school 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 normally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound tech program as well.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the sonographer school you finally select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the South San Francisco CA 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 courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.
Colleges That Offer Ultrasound Technician Programs South San Francisco California
Choosing the ideal ultrasound technician degree or certificate program is a vital first step to embarking on a rewarding new profession providing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech schools require that you have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition to satisfying academic requirements, you need to be in at least reasonably good physical health, able to stand for prolonged periods with the ability to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it typically necessary to adjust patients and move heavy machinery. Other preferred skills include technical proficiency, the ability to stay collected 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 Colleges That Offer Ultrasound Technician Programs and wanting more information on Sonogram Tech Programs. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing. This is the case whether you choose an online degree or commute to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate questions so that you can assess each college, you will be able to narrow down your options until you are left with the ideal program for your education. And with the proper training, dedication and motivation to succeed, you can achieve your objective to work as an sonographer in South San Francisco CA.
More Ultrasound Locations in California
South San Francisco, California
Prior to European exploration, the northern San Francisco peninsula was inhabited by the Ramaytush, a linguistic sub-group of the Ohlone people. Their village of Urebure on San Bruno Creek was visited by the Gaspar de Portolà expedition in 1769; remains of long-term (5,000+ years) inhabitancy and seasonal encampments have been examined at the Siplichiquin[8] and Buckeye[9] shell-mounds on San Bruno Mountain. Charcoal-sampling indicates these sites may have been actively occupied early in the Spanish colonial period (late 1700s). The delta of Colma Creek was formerly an important habitat for the waterfowl known to be hunted by the Ramaytush in historic times, and archaelogic sites have been recorded near the creek.[9] The City plan also recognizes the existing remains of a village (CA-SMA-299) along El Camino Real.[10]
The area which is now South San Francisco was originally part of Rancho Buri Buri, a large Mexican land grant to the Sanchez family dating to 1827. In 1853 Charles Lux and a business partner, Alfred Edmondson, purchased 1,700 acres (7 km2) of Rancho Buri Buri. Lux bought out Edmonson's interest in 1856 and founded the town of Baden, now a neighborhood of South San Francisco. In 1855 Lux bought another 1,464 acres (6 km2) of Rancho Buri Buri land and became a partner of fellow San Francisco butcher and entrepreneur Henry Miller, forming the firm of Miller & Lux.[11]
The city of South San Francisco was originally conceived as an industrial suburb and was promoted by representatives of the Beef Trust, a group including some of the country's largest meat packing firms. A city plan was put forward in 1888 by Gustavus Franklin Swift, founder of the Swift & Company meat packing firm. The plan called for multiple individual meat-packing companies with a shared stockyard, as well as a residential area for employees. Swift proposed the name South San Francisco based on South Chicago and South Omaha, where the Swift company already had plants.
Business Results 1 - 10 of 872
67 Reviews 
385 Reviews 
83 Reviews 
112 Reviews 
46 Reviews 
51 Reviews 
19 Reviews 
18 Reviews 
24 Reviews 
6 Reviews 