How to Pick the Right Sonogram Technician Degree Program near Newtown Connecticut
Since you have made a decision to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Newtown CT, it’s time to begin the process of choosing a college. First, you must find the right program that will provide the necessary instruction to become a qualified professional. And since a number of states do require that sonographers be either certified or licensed, depending on your residence you may also need preparation to pass a certification or licensing examination. So it’s extremely important that you research each program in order to evaluate and compare your choices. But just where does one begin? A number of prospective students will begin by searching for schools that are within commuting distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Of course cost and location must be considered when making a decision, but there are additional critical factors also. Such as, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they provide internship programs. These and additional qualifications will be covered more in depth later in this post. But to start with, let’s review what a sonogram tech does and the degrees and online training options that are available.
Click Here to Get Free Information on Ultrasound Technician Schools!
Ultrasound Tech Work Description
There are various acceptable titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also called sonogram techs, diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers) and ultrasound technologists. No matter what their title is, they all have the same primary job description, which is to carry out diagnostic ultrasound techniques on patients. Even though many practice as generalists there are specialties within the field, for instance in pediatrics and cardiology. The majority practice in Newtown CT hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Common daily work duties of a sonogram tech may include:
- Preserving records of patient medical histories and specifics of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Readying the ultrasound machines for usage and then cleaning 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 determining necessity for supplemental testing
Sonographers must frequently assess the safety and performance of their equipment. They also must adhere to a high professional standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. So as to maintain that degree of professionalism and stay up to date with medical knowledge, they are mandated to enroll in continuing education courses on a regular basis.
Ultrasound Tech Degree Programs Available
Sonogram technician students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will generally require about 18 months to 2 years to complete dependent on the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at as long as four years to finish. Another option for individuals who have already earned 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 related medical sector, 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 almost all ultrasound technician schools do have a practical training element as part of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an internship program which numerous schools sponsor with Newtown CT hospitals and clinics. When you have graduated from one of the certificate or degree programs, you will then have to comply with the certification or licensing requirements in Connecticut or whichever state you choose to practice in.
Ultrasound Tech Online Schools
As earlier discussed, nearly all ultrasound technician colleges have a practical component to their programs. So while you can earn a certificate or degree online, a significant part of the training will be either conducted in an on campus laboratory or at a sponsored off-campus medical care provider. Practical training can usually be fulfilled by means of an internship at a local Newtown CT hospital, outpatient clinic or private practice. However the remainder of the training and classes can be attended online in your Newtown home. This is especially convenient for those students that keep working while getting their degrees. In addition online colleges are often more affordable than traditional options. Expenses for study materials and commuting can be lessened as well. But just as with any ultrasound tech college you are reviewing, check that the online program you select is accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially crucial for licensing, certification and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to attend classes outside of the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online school could be the right choice for you.
Topics to Ask Sonography Programs
When you have determined which degree or certificate that you would like to earn, you can start the procedure of evaluating and comparing sonogram tech schools. You may first want to choose whether you will attend classes online or commute to a college campus in the Newtown CT area. Of course 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 other factors that you should also take into consideration, for instance if the schools are accredited and if they provide internship programs. Therefore in order to perform your due diligence so that you can arrive at your ultimate selection, below are some questions that you may want to ask each sonography program before deciding.
Are the Ultrasound Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of ultrasound technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected 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 gone through a detailed evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on 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 ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Newtown CT health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the sonogram tech schools you are assessing have associations with Newtown CT clinics or hospitals 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 satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Newtown health care community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the ultrasound tech schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly 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 Newtown CT home. Those who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the colleges you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound technician program as well.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the ultrasound tech program you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Newtown CT area, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Accredited Ultrasound Programs Newtown Connecticut
Enrolling in the right sonographer degree or certificate program is a vital first step to embarking on a rewarding new career delivering diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound technician schools require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent. Apart from meeting academic standards, you must be in at least reasonably good physical condition, capable of standing for extended time frames with the ability to routinely lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it typically necessary to adjust patients and move heavy machines. Other desirable skills include technical aptitude, the ability to keep calm when faced with an anxious or angry patient and the ability to communicate in a clear and compassionate manner. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Accredited Ultrasound Programs and wanting more information on Sonography Degree Programs. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are multiple questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at. This is true whether you select an online degree or drive to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the right questions so that you can assess each school, you can narrow down your choices until you are left with the ideal program for your education. And with the right training, discipline and determination to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as an ultrasound tech in Newtown CT.
More Ultrasound Locations in Connecticut
Newtown, Connecticut
Newtown is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. It is part of the greater Danbury metropolitan area as well as the New York metropolitan area. Newtown was founded in 1705 and later incorporated in 1711. As of the 2010 census, its population was 27,560.[2] The western half of Newtown (ZIP Code 06470) is one of the most affluent areas in Connecticut.[4]
In 1705, English colonists purchased the Townsite from the Pohtatuck Indians, a branch of the Pasgussett. It was originally known as Quanneapague. Settled by migrants from Stratford and incorporated in 1711, Newtown residents had many business and trading ties with the English. It was a stronghold of Tory sentiment during the early Revolutionary War. Late in the war, French General Rochambeau and his troops encamped there in 1781 during their celebrated march on their way to the siege of Yorktown, Virginia, which ended the Revolution.[5]
An important crossroads throughout its early history, the village of Hawleyville briefly emerged as a railroad center. The town's population grew to over 4,000 circa 1881. In the following decades, the population dwindled to a low of 2,635 in 1930 before again growing.[6]
Business Results 1 - 10 of 49
2 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
4 Reviews 3 Reviews 
2 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
11 Reviews 1 Reviews 
3 Reviews 11 Reviews 