Ultrasound School Severn MD - How to Become an Ultrasound Tech

How to Find the Best Sonogram Technician Degree Program near Severn Maryland

Severn MD sonographer performing ultrasound Now that you have decided to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Severn MD, the next step is to start the process of selecting a school. First, you need to find the ideal program that will provide the proper training to become a skilled professional. And since a number of states do require that sonographers be either certified or licensed, 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 options. But just where does one start? A number of potential 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 considered when making a decision, but there are other significant factors as well. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they provide internship programs. These and other qualifiers will be discussed more in depth later in this article. But first, let’s review what a sonogram tech does and the degrees and online education programs that are offered.

Click Here to Get Free Information on Ultrasound Technician Schools!

Sonogram Tech Job Summary

Severn MD ultrasound tech with patient There are more than one acceptable titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also referred to as sonogram techs, diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers) and ultrasound technologists. Regardless of name, they all have the same basic job description, which is to carry out diagnostic ultrasound testing on patients. Although many practice as generalists there are specializations within the field, for instance in pediatrics and cardiology. Most work in Severn MD clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Standard daily work duties of an ultrasound technician can consist of:

Keeping records of patient medical histories and specifics of each procedure
Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
Prepping the ultrasound machines for usage and then sterilizing and re-calibrating them
Escorting patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
Utilizing equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
Assessing results and determining need for additional testing

Ultrasound techs must frequently evaluate the safety and performance of their machines. They also are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. In order to maintain that level of professionalism and stay up to date with medical knowledge, they are required to complete continuing education programs on an ongoing basis.

Ultrasound Tech Degrees Available

Severn MD ultrasound technician performing sonography Sonogram tech students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally take around 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as long as four years to finish. Another alternative for individuals who have already 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 health field, you can enroll in a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to complete. One thing to bear in mind is that most sonographer programs do have a clinical training element as a portion of their course of study. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship program which numerous schools sponsor with Severn MD hospitals and clinics. After you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then need to fulfill the licensing or certification prerequisites in Maryland or whatever state you choose to work in.

Sonogram Tech Online Schools

student attending online sonography class in Severn MD As aforementioned, nearly all sonogram tech schools have a clinical requirement to their programs. So while you can receive a certificate or degree online, a substantial portion 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 through an internship at a local Severn MD outpatient clinic, hospital or family practice. However the rest of the training and classes may be accessed online in your Severn home. This is particularly beneficial for those individuals that keep working while obtaining their degrees. In addition online programs are many times more affordable than traditional options. Costs for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But similarly as with every sonography college you are reviewing, confirm that the online program you enroll in is accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially crucial for licensing, certification and finding employment (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 degree could be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Sonogram Tech Colleges

Questions to ask Severn MD ultrasound technician schools Now that you have decided on which degree or certificate that you would like to earn, you can initiate the procedure of evaluating and comparing sonogram technician schools. You will first probably want to decide whether you will access classes online or commute to a school campus in the Severn MD area. Obviously location will be important if you choose the latter, and the cost of tuition no doubt will be an initial qualifier as well. But there are other factors that you must also take into consideration, such as if the schools are accredited and if they sponsor internship programs. Therefore 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 college prior to making a decision.

Are the Ultrasound Tech Programs Accredited? Most ultrasound tech schools have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of sonography is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRC-DMS have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it may also earn 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. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Severn MD health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level openings.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the ultrasound tech colleges you are reviewing have relationships with Severn MD hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Severn healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the sonographer programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Maryland healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Severn MD residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes 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 consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the colleges you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the sonogram tech program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the ultrasound tech college you finally choose can provide 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 Severn MD area, confirm that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

Ultrasound School Severn Maryland

Severn MD mother holding sonogram Picking the ideal ultrasound technician degree or certificate program is a crucial first step to launching a rewarding new profession providing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech colleges require that you have earned a high school diploma or a GED. Apart from satisfying academic standards, you should be in at least fairly good physical health, capable of standing for extended durations and able to regularly lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it typically necessary to position patients and move heavy machinery. Other preferred talents include technical aptitude, the ability to stay levelheaded when confronted by an angry or anxious patient and the ability to converse clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Ultrasound School and wanting more information on Ultrasound Tech Online Course. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are considering. This is true whether you choose an online degree or commute to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate questions so that you can evaluate each program, you will be able to narrow down your alternatives until you are left with the ideal program for your education. And with the proper training, dedication and determination to succeed, you can realize your objective to practice as an ultrasound tech in Severn MD.

More Ultrasound Locations in Maryland

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Classes Freeland MD

Ultrasound Tech School Online Accredited Glyndon MD

Schools That Offer Ultrasound Technician Girdletree MD

Ultrasound Technician Education Requirements Towson MD

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Online Certificate Programs Jessup MD

Ultrasound Technician Schools Online Accredited Galesville MD

Ultrasound Diagnostic School Crofton MD

Ultrasound Tech Online Classes Dunkirk MD

Ultrasound Tech Programs Near Me Barnesville MD

Prenatal Ultrasound Technician Schools Oakland MD

The location could not be found.

Severn, Maryland

Severn is a census-designated place (CDP) in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, United States. The population was 44,231 at the 2010 census,[1] a 26% increase from its population of 35,076 at the 2000 census. The zip code is 21144.

Severn is located at 39°7′58″N 76°41′38″W / 39.13278°N 76.69389°W / 39.13278; -76.69389 (39.132841, −76.694002)[2] in northwestern Anne Arundel County. It is bordered by Hanover to the north, Glen Burnie to the east, Odenton and Millersville to the south, and Fort George G. Meade to the west. The Baltimore–Washington Parkway (Maryland Route 295) forms the northwestern edge of the CDP, Maryland Route 176 (Dorsey Road) forms the northern edge, and Interstate 97 forms the eastern edge. Part of the southern boundary of the CDP is formed by the non-tidal portion of the Severn River. The Maryland Route 100 freeway runs through the northern part of the CDP, connecting the B-W Parkway and I-97.

As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 35,076 people, 12,003 households, and 9,506 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,511.3 people per square mile (969.4/km²). There were 12,362 housing units at an average density of 885.1 per square mile (341.7/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 56.25% White, 34.56% Black, 0.42% Native American, 4.29% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 1.36% from other races, and 3.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.96% of the population.