How to Enroll in the Right Ultrasound Technician College near Torrance California
Now that you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Torrance CA, the next step is to start the process of picking a school. First, you must find the ideal program that will furnish the necessary training to become a qualified professional. And given that some 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 examination. So it’s very important that you research each college in order to assess and compare your options. But exactly where does one begin? Most individuals will start by searching for colleges that are within travelling distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Naturally cost and location need to be taken into account when making a decision, but there are other significant factors also. Such as, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they provide internships. These and additional qualifications will be addressed more in depth later in this article. But first, let’s review what a sonogram tech does and the degrees and online training programs that are available.
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Sonogram Tech Job Description
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). No matter what their title is, they all have the same basic job description, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. Although a number of techs practice as generalists there are specializations within the field, for instance in pediatrics and cardiology. Most work in Torrance CA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Typical daily work tasks of an ultrasound technician can consist of:
- Keeping records of patient medical histories and details of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Preparing the ultrasound machines for usage and then cleaning and re-calibrating them
- Moving patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
- Operating equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
- Reviewing the results and determining necessity for additional testing
Sonographers must routinely evaluate the safety and performance of their equipment. 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 up to date with medical knowledge, they are required to complete continuing education training on an ongoing basis.
Ultrasound Tech Degree Programs Offered
Sonogram technician students have the opportunity to acquire either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will usually require about 18 months to 2 years to accomplish dependent on the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at up to four years to finish. Another alternative for individuals who have previously received a college degree is a post graduate certificate program. If you have earned 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 require just 12 to 18 months to finish. Something to consider is that almost all sonographer schools do have a practical training element as part of their course of study. It often may be satisfied by participating in an internship program which numerous colleges organize with Torrance CA hospitals and clinics. Once you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to fulfill the licensing or certification prerequisites in California or whichever state you choose to practice in.
Ultrasound Tech Online Degrees
As earlier discussed, almost all sonogram technician schools have a clinical requirement to their programs. So although you can obtain a certificate or degree online, a substantial part of the training will be either conducted in an on campus lab or at an authorized off campus facility. Clinical training can typically be satisfied through an internship at a local Torrance CA outpatient clinic, hospital or private practice. But the remainder of the training and classes can be attended online in your Torrance home. This is particularly beneficial for those students that continue working while getting their degrees. In addition online schools are frequently less expensive than traditional alternatives. Expenditures for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But similarly as with every sonographer school you are considering, make sure that the online program you ultimately pick is accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly significant for licensing, certification and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn away from the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then an online school may be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Ultrasound Tech Programs
Now that you have decided on the type of degree or certificate that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the procedure of assessing and comparing ultrasound tech colleges. You may first want to decide whether you will attend classes online or travel to a college campus in the Torrance CA area. Certainly location will be important if you choose the latter, and the price of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualifier also. But there are other things that you must also take into account, such as if the colleges are accredited and if they sponsor internships. So in order to complete your due diligence so that you can make your ultimate selection, below are some questions that you need ask each sonographer school prior to making a decision.
Are the Sonogram Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of sonogram tech schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of sonography is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Schools earning accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone an extensive review of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Torrance CA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.
Are Internships Provided? Find out if the ultrasound tech schools you are evaluating have relationships with Torrance CA hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students form professional connections in the Torrance health care community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the ultrasound tech schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they select will need to be within driving distance of their Torrance CA home. Students who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the sonogram tech program also.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the sonographer program you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Torrance CA area, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.
Ultrasound Degree Torrance California
Selecting the ideal ultrasound technician certificate or degree program is a vital first step to embarking on a gratifying new career delivering diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer schools require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent. Along with meeting academic standards, you should be in at least fairly good physical condition, capable of standing for lengthy periods and able to regularly lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to position patients and move heavy equipment. Other beneficial talents include technical aptitude, the ability to stay levelheaded when faced with 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 Ultrasound Degree and wanting more information on Cardiac Sonographer Training. However, as we have addressed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing. This is true whether you enroll in an online program or drive to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate questions so that you can assess each school, you will be able to narrow down your alternatives until you are left with the best school for your education. And with the proper training, dedication and determination to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as an ultrasound technologist in Torrance CA.
More Ultrasound Locations in California
Torrance, California
Torrance is a U.S. city in the South Bay (southwestern) region of Los Angeles County, California in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Torrance has 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of beaches on the Pacific Ocean. Torrance has a moderate year-round climate with warm temperatures, sea breezes, low humidity, and an average rainfall of 12.55 inches per year.[8]
Since its incorporation in 1921, Torrance has grown to a 2013 estimated population of 147,000.[6] This residential and light high-tech industries city has 90,000 street trees and 30 city parks.[8] Known for its low crime rates, the city consistently ranks among the safest cities in Los Angeles County.[9] Torrance is the birthplace of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO). In addition, Torrance has the second-highest percentage of residents of Japanese ancestry in California (8.9%).[10]
For thousands of years the area where Torrance is located was part of the Tongva Native American homeland. In 1784 the Spanish land grant for Rancho San Pedro, in the upper Las Californias Province of New Spain and encompassing present day Torrance, was issued to Juan Jose Dominguez by King Carlos III – the Spanish Empire.[11][12] It was later divided in 1846 with Governor Pío Pico granting Rancho de los Palos Verdes to José Loreto and Juan Capistrano Sepulveda, in the Alta California territory of independent Mexico.[13][14]
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