How to Choose the Best Sonogram Tech Degree Program near Groton Connecticut
Now that you have decided to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Groton CT, it’s time to begin the procedure of selecting a college. First, you must find the right program that will furnish the necessary training to become a qualified professional. And given that a number of states do require that sonographers 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 school in order to assess and compare your choices. But just where does one begin? Most prospective students will start by searching for schools that are within travelling distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Certainly location and cost need to be considered when making a decision, but there are additional critical factors also. For instance, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they sponsor internships. These and other qualifications will be covered more in depth later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what an ultrasound tech does and the credentials and online training programs that are available.
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Ultrasound Technician Occupation Description
There are several acceptable 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 perform diagnostic ultrasound testing on patients. Although many practice as generalists there are specialties within the field, for instance in cardiology and pediatrics. The majority practice in Groton CT clinics, hospitals, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Routine daily work duties of a sonogram tech may consist of:
- Keeping records of patient case histories and details of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Readying the ultrasound machines for use and then cleaning and re-calibrating them
- Transferring patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
- Utilizing equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
- Assessing results and identifying need for additional testing
Sonographers must regularly evaluate the safety and performance of their equipment. They also must adhere to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. In order to maintain that level of professionalism and stay up to date with medical knowledge, they are mandated to enroll in continuing education training on a regular basis.
Sonogram Technician Degrees Available
Ultrasound tech students have the choice to acquire either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will generally take about 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at as long as four years to finalize. 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 relevant health sector, you can instead choose a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to complete. One thing to keep in mind is that almost all ultrasound technician colleges do have a clinical training component as a portion of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by entering into an internship program which many colleges organize through Groton CT hospitals and clinics. Once you have graduated from one of the certificate or degree programs, you will then have to comply with the licensing or certification prerequisites in Connecticut or whatever state you choose to practice in.
Ultrasound Technician Online Classes
As earlier discussed, nearly all sonogram tech colleges have a practical component 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 laboratory or at an approved off campus medical care provider. Practical training can typically be fulfilled by means of an internship at a local Groton CT outpatient clinic, hospital or family practice. But the rest of the classes and training may be accessed online in your Groton home. This is particularly beneficial for those students that continue working while getting their degrees. Plus online colleges are many times less expensive than on-campus options. Costs for commuting and study materials may be decreased as well. But just as with any ultrasound tech program you are reviewing, check that the online program you choose is accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially important for licensing, certification and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to attend classes outside of the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then online classes could be the ideal option for you.
Subjects to Ask Sonogram Tech Colleges
When you have decided on the type of degree or certificate that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of evaluating and comparing sonogram technician schools. You may first want to decide whether you would rather attend classes online or travel to a college campus in the Groton CT area. Naturally location will be critical if you decide on the latter, and the price of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualifier also. But there are additional things that you must also take into consideration, for example if the schools are accredited and if they provide internship programs. Therefore in order to complete your due diligence so that you can arrive at your ultimate selection, below are some questions that you need ask each sonography school before deciding.
Are the Sonogram Tech Programs Accredited? Most ultrasound tech schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations 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 undergone an extensive review of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Groton CT health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.
Are Internships Offered? Ask if the sonogram tech programs you are evaluating have partnerships with Groton CT hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to receive hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates form professional connections in the Groton health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the sonographer schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Groton CT residence. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the colleges you are considering 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 ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound tech program as well.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the ultrasound tech school you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Groton CT area, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.
Ultrasound Technician Classes Groton Connecticut
Enrolling in the right ultrasound technician degree or certificate program is a vital first step to commencing a fulfilling new profession delivering diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound technician schools require that you have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Apart from satisfying academic standards, you must be in at least reasonably good physical condition, capable of standing for extended periods and able to routinely lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it often necessary to adjust patients and move heavy equipment. Other helpful skills include technical proficiency, the ability to stay calm when confronted by an angry or anxious patient and the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Ultrasound Technician Classes and wanting more information on Associate Degree In Ultrasound Technology. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are multiple questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing. This is the case whether you select an online degree or travel to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can evaluate each school, you can narrow down your alternatives until you are left with the ideal school for your education. And with the right training, dedication and motivation to succeed, you can realize your objective to work as an ultrasound technologist in Groton CT.
More Ultrasound Locations in Connecticut
Groton, Connecticut
Groton /ˈɡrɒtən/ is a town in New London County, Connecticut located on the Thames River. It is the home of General Dynamics Electric Boat, which is the major contractor for submarine work for the United States Navy. The Naval Submarine Base New London is located in Groton, and the pharmaceutical company Pfizer is also a major employer. Avery Point in Groton is home to a regional campus of the University of Connecticut. The population was 40,115 at the 2010 census.[2]
Groton was established in 1705 when it separated from New London, Connecticut. The town was named after Groton, Suffolk in England.[4] A hundred years before it was established, the Niantic people settled in the area between the Thames River and Pawcatuck River, but they eventually settled in Westerly, Rhode Island. The newcomers to the land were the Pequots, a branch of the Mohawk people who moved eastward into the Connecticut River Valley.
The summer of 1614 was the first time that the Pequots encountered white settlers. They started trading furs for the settlers' goods, such as steel knives, needles, and boots. In 1633, the Dutch bought land from them and opened a fur trading post. Meanwhile, the English bought land for settlement from the local tribes. The Dutch had unintentionally killed the Pequots' chief, and this prompted revenge by the Pequot tribe, and this escalated into the Pequot War (1636–38). On the night of May 26, 1637, the Colonial forces arrived outside the Pequot village near the Mystic River. The palisade surrounding the village had only two exits, and their leader Colonel John Mason gave the order to set the village on fire and block off the exits. Those who tried climbing over the palisade were shot; anyone who succeeded in getting over was killed by the Narragansett forces.[5]
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