How to Enroll in the Best Ultrasound Technician School near Phippsburg Maine
Now that you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Phippsburg ME, the next step is to start the process of selecting a school. First, you need to find the right program that will furnish the necessary training to become a skilled professional. And given that some states do require that sonographers be either certified or licensed, 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 investigate each school in order to evaluate and compare your alternatives. But just where does one start? Many students will begin by searching for schools that are within driving distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Of course location and cost need to be taken into account when arriving at a decision, but there are other critical factors as well. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they provide internship programs. These and additional qualifiers will be discussed more in depth later in this article. But to start with, let’s discuss what a sonogram tech does and the credentials and online training programs that are offered.
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Ultrasound Tech Job Description
There are various acceptable titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also referred to as ultrasound technologists, sonogram techs, and diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers). No matter what their title is, they all have the same basic job description, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. Even though a number of techs practice as generalists there are specialties within the profession, for example in cardiology and pediatrics. Most work in Phippsburg ME clinics, hospitals, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Routine daily job tasks of a sonogram tech can consist of:
- 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 testing and then sterilizing and recalibrating them
- Moving patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
- Utilizing equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
- Evaluating results and identifying necessity for further testing
Sonographers must regularly gauge the performance and safety of their equipment. They also must adhere to a high professional standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. In order to sustain that level of professionalism and stay up to date with medical knowledge, they are mandated to complete continuing education courses on a regular basis.
Ultrasound Technician Degree Programs Available
Ultrasound technician enrollees have the opportunity to acquire either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally require around 18 months to 2 years to accomplish based upon the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as long as 4 years to finish. Another option for individuals 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 relevant health field, you can enroll in a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to complete. Something to bear in mind is that the majority of ultrasound technician programs do have a clinical training element as part of their course of study. It can often be satisfied by entering into an internship program which many schools sponsor through Phippsburg ME hospitals and clinics. Once you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then need to satisfy the licensing or certification prerequisites in Maine or whichever state you elect to practice in.
Online Ultrasound Tech Programs
As previously mentioned, nearly all ultrasound technician schools have a practical component to their programs. So although you can earn a certificate or degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be either conducted in an on-campus lab or at an authorized off-campus facility. Clinical training can usually be satisfied through an internship at a local Phippsburg ME outpatient clinic, hospital or private practice. However the rest of the classes and training may be attended online in your Phippsburg home. This is particularly beneficial for those individuals that keep working while earning their degrees. Plus online colleges are often more affordable than on-campus options. Expenditures for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But similarly as with every sonography program you are considering, check that the online school you select is accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially important for certification, licensing and finding employment (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 an online degree may be the right option for you.
What to Ask Sonogram Tech Colleges
Now that you have determined which certificate or degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of assessing and comparing sonogram tech colleges. You will first probably want to choose whether you would rather access classes online or travel to a college campus in the Phippsburg ME area. Certainly location will be important if you decide on the latter, and the price of tuition no doubt will be an initial qualifier as well. But there are other variables that you should also take into account, such as if the schools are accredited and if they sponsor internships. So in order to complete your due diligence so that you can make your final selection, following are some questions that you may want to ask each ultrasound tech school prior to making a decision.
Are the Sonogram Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of ultrasound technician colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial 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). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone an extensive review of their teachers and course 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 recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Phippsburg ME health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level jobs.
Are Internships Provided? Ask if the ultrasound tech colleges you are evaluating have partnerships with Phippsburg ME clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Phippsburg healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the ultrasound tech programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Maine healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they select will need to be within driving distance of their Phippsburg ME home. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the colleges you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the sonogram technician program as well.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the sonographer school you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Phippsburg ME area, make sure 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 need to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.
Sonography Certificate Programs Online Phippsburg Maine
Enrolling in the right ultrasound tech certificate or degree program is a crucial first step to starting a gratifying new career delivering diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech programs require that you have earned a high school diploma or a GED. Along with meeting academic standards, you need to be in at least fairly good physical health, able to stand for prolonged periods with the ability to routinely lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to adjust patients and maneuver heavy equipment. Additional preferred talents include technical proficiency, the ability to remain calm when confronted by 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 Sonography Certificate Programs Online and wanting more information on Accredited Sonogram Technician Schools. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing. This holds true whether you choose an online degree or travel to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the right questions so that you can evaluate each college, you can narrow down your choices until you are left with the ideal school for your education. And with the proper training, discipline and determination to succeed, you can reach your objective to practice as an sonographer in Phippsburg ME.
More Ultrasound Locations in Maine
Phippsburg, Maine
Phippsburg is a town in Sagadahoc County, Maine, United States, on the west side of the mouth of the Kennebec River. The population was 2,216 at the 2010 census. It is within the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine, metropolitan statistical area. A tourist destination, Phippsburg is home to Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, Fort Popham State Historic Site; it is also home to Fort Baldwin which overlooks Fort Popham, and Popham Beach State Park, as well as Pond Island National Wildlife Refuge. The town includes part of Winnegance.
Site of the Popham Colony, Phippsburg was — between 1607 and 1608 — the first known English settlement attempt in New England. During its brief existence, colonists built Virginia of Sagadahoc, the first ship in Maine's long history of shipbuilding.[4]
The next British settlement at the mouth of the Kennebec River began in 1653; Thomas Atkins, a fisherman, purchased from the sachem Mowhotiwormet, commonly called Chief Robinhood, the southern end of Phippsburg (with the exception of Popham). Atkins Bay bears his name. The population gradually increased until King Philip's War, when Indians in August 1676 attacked the eastern side of the Kennebec River, massacring and scalping the colonists, or else carrying them into captivity. Dwellings were burned and stocks of cattle killed. The entire area was abandoned.[5]
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