Ultrasound Training College Park GA - How to Become an Ultrasound Tech

How to Pick the Right Ultrasound Technician School near College Park Georgia

College Park GA sonographer performing ultrasound Since you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near College Park GA, the next step is to start the process of selecting a school. To begin with, you must find the right program that will provide the appropriate instruction to become a skilled professional. And given that some states do mandate that sonographers be either certified or licensed, depending on your residence you may also need to be prepared to pass a certification or licensing exam. So it’s extremely important that you investigate each college in order to assess and compare your alternatives. But just where does one start? Most potential students will start by searching for colleges that are within travelling distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Certainly location and cost need to be taken into account when arriving at a decision, but there are other significant factors as well. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they provide internships. These and other qualifications will be discussed more in depth later in this post. But to start with, let’s go over what an ultrasound tech does and the credentials and online training programs that are offered.

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Ultrasound Technician Occupation Description

College Park GA ultrasound tech with patient There are several acceptable titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also called ultrasound technologists, sonogram techs, and diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers). No matter what their title is, they all have the same basic job function, which is to carry out diagnostic ultrasound techniques on patients. Even though a number of techs work as generalists there are specialties within the profession, for instance in cardiology and pediatrics. Most practice in College Park GA clinics, hospitals, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Common daily work duties of a sonogram technician can include:

Keeping records of patient case histories and specifics of each procedure
Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
Prepping the ultrasound machines for use and then cleaning and recalibrating them
Transferring patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
Operating equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
Evaluating results and determining need for additional testing

Ultrasound techs must routinely gauge the performance and safety of their equipment. They also are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. So as to sustain that level of professionalism and stay up to date with medical knowledge, they are mandated to enroll in continuing education training on an ongoing basis.

Sonogram Technician Degrees Offered

College Park GA ultrasound technician performing sonography Ultrasound technician enrollees have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will typically require around 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete. Another option for those who have previously received 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 field, you can enroll in a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to complete. One thing to consider is that the majority of sonographer programs do have a clinical training component as part of their curriculum. It often may be satisfied by participating in an internship program which many schools sponsor through College Park GA clinics and hospitals. When you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to comply with the certification or licensing requirements in Georgia or whichever state you elect to work in.

Ultrasound Tech Online Classes

student attending online sonography class in College Park GA As previously mentioned, almost all sonogram technician schools have a practical component to their programs. So while you can receive a degree or certificate online, a substantial portion of the training will be either held in an on-campus laboratory or at a sponsored off-campus facility. Clinical training can typically be fulfilled by means of an internship at a local College Park GA hospital, outpatient clinic or family practice. However the balance of the classes and training can be attended online in your College Park home. This is especially convenient for those students that continue working while obtaining their degrees. Plus online schools are frequently more affordable than on campus options. Expenditures for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But similarly as with any ultrasound tech college you are looking at, check that the online program you ultimately pick is accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly significant for licensing, certification and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn away from the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then an online school may be the right option for you.

What to Ask Ultrasound Technician Programs

Questions to ask College Park GA ultrasound technician schools As soon as you have decided on the type of degree or certificate that you would like to earn, you can begin the procedure of evaluating and comparing sonogram technician colleges. You will first probably want to decide whether you will attend classes online or travel to a college campus in the College Park GA area. Clearly location will be important if you select the latter, and the cost of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualifier also. But there are other variables that you must also take into consideration, for example if the schools are accredited and if they sponsor internships. So in order to perform your due diligence so that you can make your ultimate selection, following are some questions that you need ask each sonographer program prior to making a decision.

Are the Ultrasound Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of ultrasound tech schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school 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 undergone a detailed review of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of College Park GA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the sonogram technician schools you are assessing have partnerships with College Park GA clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to receive practical training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates develop professional connections in the College Park healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the sonographer programs 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 substantial networks and great relationships with Georgia healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they choose will need to be within driving distance of their College Park GA residence. Students who have chosen 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 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 need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the schools you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the sonogram technician program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the sonographer college you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the College Park GA area, confirm 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, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Ultrasound Training College Park Georgia

College Park GA mother holding sonogram Choosing the ideal ultrasound technician degree or certificate program is a vital first step to entering a rewarding new career providing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech schools require that you have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Apart from meeting academic standards, you should be in at least fairly good physical condition, capable of standing for lengthy durations and able to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to position patients and move heavy machinery. Other beneficial talents include technical proficiency, the ability to keep collected when confronted by an anxious or angry patient and the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Ultrasound Training and wanting more information on Ultrasound Technician Degree Online. However, as we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are considering. This holds true whether you select an online degree or drive to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the right questions so that you can assess each school, you can narrow down your options until you are left with the ideal program for your education. And with the proper training, discipline and determination to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as an sonographer in College Park GA.

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College Park, Georgia

College Park is a city in Fulton and Clayton Counties, Georgia, United States, adjacent to the southern boundary of the city of Atlanta. As of the 2010 census, the population was 13,942.[4]Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is partially located in the city's boundaries (including the domestic terminal, Concourse T, Concourse A, and about two-thirds of Concourse B), and the Georgia International Convention Center, owned and operated by the City of College Park, is within the city limits.[5][6] The city is home to the fourth largest urban historical district registered with the National Register of Historic Places in the state of Georgia. [7][8]

College Park is located on the border of Fulton and Clayton counties at 33°38′54″N 84°27′22″W / 33.64833°N 84.45611°W / 33.64833; -84.45611 (33.648209, -84.456007).[9] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.1 square miles (26.1 km2), of which 0.019 square miles (0.05 km2), or 0.19%, is water.[4]

College Park's City Hall is 8 miles (13 km) southwest of downtown Atlanta. Interstate 85 passes through the city and merges with Interstate 285, the perimeter highway around Atlanta, for a short distance in the southern part of College Park. I-85 exits 69 through 72 and I-285 exits 60 and 62 are located within the College Park city limits. The western part of Hartsfield–Jackson Airport, including its domestic terminal, occupies the eastern side of the city.