How to Select the Best Sonogram Tech Degree Program near East Canaan Connecticut
Once you have decided to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near East Canaan CT, it’s time to start the process of choosing a school. First, you have to find the right program that will furnish the necessary education 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 examination. So it’s very important that you investigate each program so that you can assess and compare your choices. But exactly where does one start? Most students will begin by searching for colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Certainly location and cost need to be considered when arriving at a decision, but there are additional significant factors also. For instance, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they sponsor internship programs. These and other qualifiers will be discussed more in detail later in this article. But first, let’s go over what a sonogram tech does and the degrees and online education options that are offered.
Click Here to Get Free Information on Ultrasound Technician Schools!
Sonographer Work Description
There are multiple professional titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also called 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 perform diagnostic ultrasound techniques on patients. Even though many practice as generalists there are specializations within the field, for example in cardiology and pediatrics. Most practice in East Canaan CT hospitals, clinics, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Common daily job tasks of a sonogram technician can involve:
- Maintaining records of patient case histories and specifics of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Preparing the ultrasound machines for usage and then sterilizing and re-calibrating them
- Escorting 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
Ultrasound techs must frequently gauge the performance and safety of their equipment. They also are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. So as to sustain that degree of professionalism and remain current with medical knowledge, they are required to enroll in continuing education courses on a regular basis.
Ultrasound Tech Degrees Offered
Sonogram technician students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally involve around 18 months to 2 years to accomplish dependent on the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at as long as 4 years to complete. Another alternative for individuals who have already 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 instead choose a certificate program that will require only 12 to 18 months to finish. One thing to keep in mind is that most sonographer schools do have a practical training element as part of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship program which many schools set up with East Canaan CT clinics and hospitals. When you have graduated from any of the certificate or degree programs, you will then have to satisfy the licensing or certification requirements in Connecticut or whichever state you decide to work in.
Online Ultrasound Tech Schools
As aforementioned, virtually all ultrasound tech colleges have a practical component to their programs. So while you can earn a degree or certificate online, a significant portion of the training will be either carried out in an on-campus lab or at an authorized off-campus facility. Practical training can often be satisfied by means of an internship at a local East Canaan CT outpatient clinic, hospital or family practice. But the rest of the classes and training may be accessed online in your East Canaan home. This is especially convenient for those students that continue working while getting their degrees. In addition online colleges are many times more affordable than on campus options. Expenditures for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just as with every sonographer program you are considering, verify that the online school you choose is accredited. One of 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 finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are dedicated 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.
Subjects to Ask Ultrasound Technician Colleges
When you have determined which degree or certificate that you would like to earn, you can start the procedure of assessing and comparing sonogram tech schools. You will first probably want to decide whether you would rather attend classes online or commute to a school campus in the East Canaan CT area. Of course location will be important if you choose the latter, and the cost of tuition no doubt will be an important qualification also. But there are additional factors that you should also take into consideration, for instance if the programs are accredited and if they sponsor internships. So in order to perform your due diligence so that you can make your final selection, below are some questions that you need ask each sonographer school before deciding.
Are the Sonogram Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of sonogram technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to verify that the school and program are accredited. Among 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 rigorous review of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many East Canaan CT employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level jobs.
Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the sonogram technician programs you are interested in have associations with East Canaan CT clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help students and graduates form professional relationships in the East Canaan health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the ultrasound tech schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will need to be within commuting distance of their East Canaan CT home. Students who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to bear 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 be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the schools you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the sonogram tech program as well.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the ultrasound tech college you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the East Canaan CT area, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Ultrasound Technician Degree East Canaan Connecticut
Picking the ideal ultrasound tech certificate or degree program is an important first step to embarking on a rewarding new profession delivering diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech schools require that you have earned a high school diploma or a GED. Along with meeting academic standards, you need to be in at least fairly good physical condition, capable of standing for prolonged periods with the ability to routinely lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it typically necessary to position patients and move heavy machines. Additional helpful talents include technical proficiency, the ability to keep levelheaded when faced with an angry or anxious patient and the ability to communicate in a clear and compassionate manner. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Ultrasound Technician Degree and wanting more information on Associates Degree In Sonography Schools. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are multiple questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at. This is true whether you enroll in an online degree or travel to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can compare each school, you will be able to narrow down your options until you are left with the ideal program for your education. And with the right training, discipline and motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your objective to practice as an ultrasound technologist in East Canaan CT.
More Ultrasound Locations in Connecticut
North Canaan, Connecticut
North Canaan is a town in Litchfield County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 3,350 at the 2000 census. The town center is still called "Canaan" by local residents, being the main town center of the old Town of Canaan prior to North Canaan splitting off as its own town. The Union Depot building, a former railroad station, is being restored.
As of the census[5] of 2000, there were 3,350 people, 1,343 households, and 864 families residing in the town. The population density was 172.2 people per square mile (66.5/km²). There were 1,444 housing units at an average density of 74.2 per square mile (28.7/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 96.93% White, 1.19% African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.39% from other races, and 1.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.36% of the population.
There were 1,343 households out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.4% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.6% were non-families. 30.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.98.
Business Results 1 - 10 of 2
5 Reviews 
10 Reviews 