How to Find the Right Ultrasound Technician Training Program near Lisbon Maine
Now that you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Lisbon ME, the next step is to begin the process of choosing a college. First, you have to find the right program that will furnish the appropriate instruction to become a skilled professional. And given that some states do mandate that sonographers be either licensed or certified, depending on where you will practice you may also need preparation to pass a licensing or certification exam. So it’s extremely important that you investigate each program so that you can assess and compare your choices. But just where does one start? Most prospective students will start by searching for schools that are within travelling distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Of course location and cost should be considered when arriving at a decision, but there are additional important factors as well. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they provide internship programs. These and additional qualifications will be discussed more in detail later in this post. But to start with, let’s review 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!
Sonogram Tech Job Summary
There are more than one acceptable titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also called ultrasound technologists, sonogram techs, and diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers). Regardless of name, they all have the same basic job description, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound testing on patients. Even though a number of techs practice as generalists there are specialties within the field, for instance in cardiology and pediatrics. Most work in Lisbon ME clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Common daily work functions of an ultrasound tech can involve:
- Maintaining records of patient case histories and details of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Prepping the ultrasound machines for testing and then sterilizing and re-calibrating them
- Escorting patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
- Utilizing equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
- Assessing results and determining need for additional testing
Ultrasound techs must routinely assess the performance and safety of their machines. They also must adhere to a high professional standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. So as to maintain that level of professionalism and remain up to date with medical knowledge, they are mandated to enroll in continuing education training on a regular basis.
Sonogram Tech Degrees Offered
Sonogram technician students have the option to acquire either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will usually require around 18 months to 2 years to accomplish based upon the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish. Another alternative for individuals who have previously earned 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 field, you can enroll in a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to finish. Something to keep in mind is that the majority of 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 organize through Lisbon ME hospitals and clinics. When you have graduated from any of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to fulfill the licensing or certification prerequisites in Maine or whichever state you elect to work in.
Sonogram Tech Online Classes
As previously mentioned, virtually all ultrasound technician schools have a clinical component to their programs. So while you can obtain a certificate or degree online, a significant part of the training will be either carried out in an on-campus laboratory or at an approved off-campus medical care provider. Clinical training can typically be satisfied by means of an internship at a local Lisbon ME outpatient clinic, hospital or private practice. But the balance of the training and classes may be attended online in your Lisbon home. This is especially beneficial for those students that continue working while getting their degrees. In addition online programs are often more affordable than traditional options. Costs for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But similarly as with every sonographer program you are considering, verify that the online school you select 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 certification, licensing and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to attend classes away from the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then online classes may be the right choice for you.
Topics to Ask Ultrasound Technician Colleges
After you have decided on the type of degree or certificate that you would like to obtain, you can begin the procedure of evaluating and comparing ultrasound technician colleges. You will first probably want to choose whether you would rather access classes online or travel to a school campus in the Lisbon ME area. Obviously location will be important if you choose the latter, and the cost of tuition no doubt will be an important qualifier also. But there are additional variables that you should also take into consideration, for instance if the schools are accredited and if they offer internships. So in order to carry out your due diligence so that you can arrive at your final selection, following are several questions that you need ask each sonographer school prior to making a decision.
Are the Ultrasound Technician Schools Accredited? Most sonogram tech schools have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded 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 an extensive assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Lisbon ME employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level positions.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the ultrasound technician schools you are evaluating have relationships with Lisbon ME clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Lisbon medical community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the ultrasound tech programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Maine healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Lisbon ME home. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may 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.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the schools you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the sonogram tech program as well.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the ultrasound tech program you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Lisbon ME area, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Ultrasound Technician Schools Lisbon Maine
Picking the right ultrasound technician degree or certificate program is a crucial first step to initiating a gratifying new profession delivering diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech colleges require that you have a high school diploma or a GED. Apart from meeting academic requirements, you should be in at least fairly good physical health, capable of standing for extended periods and able to regularly lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to adjust patients and move heavy machinery. Other helpful talents include technical proficiency, the ability to stay calm when faced with an anxious or angry patient and the ability to converse clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Ultrasound Technician Schools and wanting more information on Sonogram Technician Programs. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are multiple questions that you should ask each school 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 compare each school, you can narrow down your options until you are left with the ideal program for your education. And with the proper training, dedication and determination to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as an ultrasound technologist in Lisbon ME.
More Ultrasound Locations in Maine
Lisbon, Maine
Lisbon is a town in Androscoggin County, Maine, United States. The population was 9,009 at the 2010 census. It is included in both the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan statistical area and the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine Metropolitan New England city and town area. Lisbon includes the village of Lisbon Falls.
The community was originally part of Bowdoin, a township within the Kennebec Purchase. But because travel to attend town meetings was difficult, on June 22, 1799 the General Court of Massachusetts divided Bowdoin in two to create Thompsonborough. Residents, however, soon grew dissatisfied with the long name. Consequently, it would be renamed in 1802 as Lisbon, after Lisbon in Portugal. In 1808, Lisbon annexed the remainder of Little River Plantation (part of the Pejepscot Purchase) as Lisbon Falls. In 1840, part of Lisbon was set off as Webster.[4]
With fertile and easily cultivated soil, farming was an early industry. Sawmills and gristmills were built using water power from the streams. Larger brick mills followed to manufacture textiles. In 1864, the Worumbo Mill was established to produce woolens,[5] and would remain a principal employer until it burned in 1987. Today, the small mill town is largely a bedroom community for companies like Bath Iron Works and L.L.Bean and increasingly for people working in the Portland area.[6]
Business Results 1 - 10 of 5
3 Reviews 
11 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
3 Reviews 
14 Reviews 