How to Choose the Right Sonogram Tech College near East Hartford Connecticut
Now that you have decided to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near East Hartford CT, it’s time to start the procedure of selecting a school. To begin with, you must find the right program that will furnish the proper instruction to become a qualified professional. And since a number of states do require that ultrasound techs be either licensed or certified, depending on where you will practice you may also need to be prepared to pass a certification or licensing examination. So it’s very important that you research each program in order to assess and compare your choices. But exactly where does one start? Many students will start by looking for colleges that are within driving distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Naturally location and cost must be taken into account when arriving at a decision, but there are other important factors also. For instance, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they provide internships. These and other qualifications will be covered more in detail later in this article. But to start with, let’s discuss what a sonogram tech does and the credentials and online education options that are offered.
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Sonographer Job Description
There are more than one professional titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also referred to as sonogram techs, diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers) and ultrasound technologists. No matter what their title is, they all have the same basic job function, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound techniques on patients. Although many work as generalists there are specializations within the field, for instance in cardiology and pediatrics. Most work in East Hartford CT hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Standard daily job tasks of a sonogram tech can include:
- Keeping 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 making them comfortable
- Using equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
- Assessing results and identifying necessity for further testing
Sonographers must routinely assess the safety and performance of their machines. They also must adhere to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. In order to maintain that degree of professionalism and remain current with medical knowledge, they are mandated to complete continuing education programs on a regular basis.
Sonogram Technician Degrees Offered
Sonogram technician students have the choice to acquire either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will generally involve about 18 months to 2 years to accomplish dependent on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as long as four years to finish. Another option for those 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 health field, you can instead choose a certificate program that will require just 12 to 18 months to finish. Something to bear in mind is that most ultrasound technician colleges 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 colleges sponsor through East Hartford CT clinics and hospitals. After you have graduated from any of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to fulfill the licensing or certification prerequisites in Connecticut or whichever state you elect to practice in.
Online Ultrasound Technician Programs
As earlier discussed, virtually all ultrasound tech schools have a practical requirement to their programs. So while you can receive a certificate or degree online, a substantial part of the training will be either carried out in an on campus lab or at a sponsored off-campus facility. Practical training can typically be satisfied by means of an internship at a local East Hartford CT hospital, outpatient clinic or private practice. But the remainder of the classes and training may be attended online in your East Hartford home. This is especially beneficial for those students that keep working while obtaining their degrees. In addition online schools are frequently more affordable than traditional alternatives. Expenses for study materials and commuting may be decreased as well. But similarly as with any ultrasound tech college you are looking at, verify that the online program you select is accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially significant for certification, licensing and job placement (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 online classes may be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Sonography Schools
As soon as you have decided on which degree or certificate that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of assessing and comparing ultrasound tech colleges. You may first want to choose whether you will attend classes online or travel to a college campus in the East Hartford CT area. Clearly location will be critical if you choose the latter, and the cost of tuition no doubt will be an initial qualification also. But there are additional factors that you must also take into account, for instance if the colleges are accredited and if they sponsor internships. Therefore in order to perform your due diligence so that you can arrive at your ultimate selection, below are some questions that you need ask each sonographer college before deciding.
Are the Sonogram Tech Schools Accredited? Most ultrasound tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to verify that the school and program 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 receiving accreditation from the JRC-DMS have gone through a rigorous review of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous East Hartford CT employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.
Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the ultrasound technician programs you are assessing have partnerships with East Hartford CT hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist students and graduates establish professional relationships in the East Hartford healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the ultrasound tech schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will need to be within travelling distance of their East Hartford CT residence. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry 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 college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound technician program as well.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the ultrasound tech program you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the East Hartford CT area, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Sonography Certificate Programs East Hartford Connecticut
Enrolling in the ideal ultrasound tech degree or certificate program is a vital first step to entering a rewarding new career delivering diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound technician colleges require that you have a high school diploma or a GED. Along with satisfying academic standards, you should be in at least reasonably good physical condition, capable of standing for extended periods with the ability to routinely lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it often necessary to position patients and maneuver heavy machinery. Other helpful skills include technical aptitude, the ability to stay levelheaded when confronted by 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 Certificate Programs and wanting more information on Ultrasound Associates Degree. However, as we have covered in this article, there are multiple questions that you should ask each school you are looking at. This is true whether you enroll in an online degree or commute to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate 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 motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as an sonographer in East Hartford CT.
More Ultrasound Locations in Connecticut
East Hartford, Connecticut
The town is located on the east bank of the Connecticut River, directly across from Hartford, Connecticut. The town includes the neighborhoods of Burnside and Hockanum. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 18.7 square miles (48.5 km2), of which 18.0 square miles (46.6 km2) is land and 0.73 square miles (1.9 km2), or 3.93%, is water.[1]
When the Connecticut Valley became known to Europeans around 1631, it was inhabited by what were known as the River Tribes — a number of small clans of Native Americans living along the Great River and its tributaries. Of these tribes the Podunks occupied territory now lying in the towns of East Hartford and South Windsor, and numbered, by differing estimates, from sixty to two hundred bowmen. They were governed by two sachems, Waginacut and Arramamet, and were connected in some way with the Native Americans who lived across the Great River, in what is now Windsor. The region north of the Hockanum River was generally called Podunk; that south of the river, Hockanum; but these were no certain designations, and by some all the meadow along the Great River was called Hockanum.[2]
In 1659, Thomas Burnham (1617–1688) purchased the tract of land now covered by the towns of South Windsor and East Hartford from Tantinomo, chief sachem of the Podunk Indians.[2] Burnham lived on the land and later willed it to his nine children.[3] The town of Hartford once included the land now occupied by the towns of East Hartford, Manchester, Bolton, Vernon, and West Hartford. In 1783, East Hartford became a separate town, which included Manchester in its city limits until 1823.[2]
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