Study Ultrasound Technician Lanham MD - How to Become an Ultrasound Tech

How to Find the Right Sonogram Tech College near Lanham Maryland

Lanham MD sonographer performing ultrasound Now that you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Lanham MD, the next step is to start the procedure of selecting a school. To begin with, you must find the right program that will provide the proper education to become a qualified professional. And because a number of states do mandate that ultrasound techs 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 extremely important that you investigate each college in order to evaluate and compare your choices. But exactly where does one start? A number of individuals will begin by looking for colleges that are within travelling distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Naturally cost and location need to be taken into account when making a decision, but there are additional important factors also. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they offer internships. These and additional qualifiers will be discussed more in depth later in this article. But first, let’s review what a sonogram tech does and the credentials and online training options that are offered.

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Ultrasound Tech Job Summary

Lanham MD ultrasound tech with patient There are more than one professional 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 primary job description, which is to carry out diagnostic ultrasound techniques on patients. Although a number of techs work as generalists there are specializations within the profession, for example in cardiology and pediatrics. Most practice in Lanham MD hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Common daily job duties of a sonogram technician can involve:

Maintaining records of patient case histories and details of each procedure
Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
Readying the ultrasound machines for usage and then cleaning and recalibrating them
Moving patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
Using equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
Assessing results and identifying necessity for supplemental testing

Ultrasound techs must frequently assess the performance and safety of their equipment. They also must adhere to a high professional standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. In order to maintain that level of professionalism and remain up to date with medical knowledge, they are required to enroll in continuing education training on a regular basis.

Sonogram Technician Degrees Offered

Lanham MD ultrasound technician performing sonography Sonogram tech students have the choice to acquire either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will generally involve around 18 months to 2 years to finish dependent on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at up to 4 years to finalize. Another option 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 medical sector, you can enroll in a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to finish. One thing to bear in mind is that the majority of sonographer programs do have a practical training component as part of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by entering into an internship program which numerous schools sponsor with Lanham MD hospitals and clinics. After you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to comply with the licensing or certification prerequisites in Maryland or whichever state you choose to work in.

Ultrasound Tech Online Colleges

student attending online sonography class in Lanham MD As previously mentioned, virtually all sonogram technician schools have a clinical requirement to their programs. So while you can earn a certificate or degree online, a significant portion of the training will be either held in an on campus laboratory or at a sponsored off campus medical care provider. Practical training can typically be fulfilled by means of an internship at a local Lanham MD outpatient clinic, hospital or private practice. However the remainder of the training and classes can be accessed online in your Lanham home. This is particularly convenient for those individuals that keep working while getting their degrees. Plus online programs are many times more affordable than on campus alternatives. Costs for study materials and commuting may be decreased as well. But just as with every ultrasound tech college you are considering, make sure 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 significant for certification, licensing and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn away from the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then an online school could be the ideal option for you.

Topics to Ask Sonography Programs

Questions to ask Lanham MD ultrasound technician schools After you have determined which degree or certificate that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of evaluating and comparing sonogram tech schools. You will first probably want to choose whether you would rather access classes online or commute to a school campus in the Lanham MD area. Clearly location will be critical if you choose the latter, and the cost of tuition undoubtedly will be an initial qualification as well. But there are other things that you should also take into consideration, for example if the schools are accredited and if they offer internships. So in order to complete your due diligence so that you can make your final selection, below are a few questions that you need ask each sonographer program prior to making a decision.

Are the Sonogram Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of sonogram technician schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative 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). Programs earning accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone an extensive review of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on 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 assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Lanham MD employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the sonogram tech programs you are reviewing have relationships with Lanham MD clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Lanham health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the sonographer schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Maryland healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they select will have to be within commuting distance of their Lanham MD residence. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something 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 might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the colleges you are looking at 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 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 also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the ultrasound tech program you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Lanham MD area, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Study Ultrasound Technician Lanham Maryland

Lanham MD mother holding sonogram Choosing the ideal sonographer degree or certificate program is a crucial first step to starting a gratifying new profession furnishing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech colleges require that you have earned a high school diploma or a GED. In addition to meeting academic standards, you need to be in at least reasonably good physical condition, capable of standing for lengthy durations with the ability to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it often necessary to adjust patients and maneuver heavy machines. Other helpful skills include technical aptitude, the ability to keep levelheaded when confronted by an anxious or angry patient and the ability to converse in a clear and compassionate manner. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Study Ultrasound Technician and wanting more information on Sonography Schooling Near Me. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are multiple questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing. This is the case whether you choose an online program or commute to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can compare each college, you will be able to narrow down your alternatives until you are left with the ideal school for your education. And with the right training, discipline and motivation to succeed, you can achieve your objective to practice as an sonographer in Lanham MD.

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Lanham, Maryland

Lanham is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Prince George's County, Maryland.[1] As of the 2010 United States Census it had a population of 10,157.[2] The New Carrollton station (the terminus of the Washington Metro's Orange Line) as well as an Amtrak station are across the Capital Beltway in New Carrollton, Maryland. Doctors Community Hospital is located in Lanham.[3]