Sonography Technician Course Gaithersburg MA - How to Become an Ultrasound Tech

How to Select the Right Ultrasound Tech College near Gaithersburg Massachusetts

Gaithersburg MA sonographer performing ultrasound Now that you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Gaithersburg MA, it’s time to start the process of choosing a school. To begin with, you must find the ideal program that will furnish the proper instruction to become a skilled professional. And since a number of states do mandate that sonographers be either certified or licensed, depending on where you will practice you may also need to be prepared to pass a licensing or certification examination. So it’s extremely important that you investigate each school so that you can assess and compare your options. But just where does one start? Many individuals will begin by looking for colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Of course location and cost should be taken into account when making a decision, but there are additional important factors also. For instance, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they offer internships. These and other qualifiers will be addressed more in detail later in this article. But to start with, let’s discuss what an ultrasound tech does and the credentials and online education programs that are available.

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Ultrasound Technician Job Description

Gaithersburg MA ultrasound tech with patient There are several acceptable titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also called sonogram techs, diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers) and ultrasound technologists. No matter what their title is, they all have the same basic job description, which is to carry out diagnostic ultrasound testing on patients. While a number of techs work as generalists there are specializations within the field, for example in pediatrics and cardiology. Most work in Gaithersburg MA clinics, hospitals, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Routine daily work functions of an ultrasound technician may include:

Maintaining records of patient case histories and specifics of each procedure
Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
Prepping the ultrasound machines for usage and then cleaning and re-calibrating them
Transferring patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
Using equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
Reviewing the results and determining necessity for additional testing

Sonographers must regularly evaluate 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 current with medical knowledge, they are mandated to complete continuing education training on a regular basis.

Sonogram Technician Degrees Offered

Gaithersburg MA ultrasound technician performing sonography Sonogram tech enrollees have the opportunity to acquire either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will typically take about 18 months to 2 years to accomplish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at up to four years to finalize. Another alternative for those who have already obtained 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 medical field, you can enroll in a certificate program that will require only 12 to 18 months to complete. Something to keep in mind is that almost all sonographer colleges do have a clinical training component as part of their course of study. It can often be fulfilled by entering into an internship program which numerous colleges organize through Gaithersburg MA clinics and hospitals. After you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to satisfy the certification or licensing prerequisites in Massachusetts or whatever state you decide to work in.

Online Ultrasound Tech Colleges

student attending online sonography class in Gaithersburg MA As earlier discussed, almost all sonogram technician schools have a practical requirement to their programs. So although you can obtain a degree or certificate online, a significant part of the training will be either held in an on campus lab or at an approved off campus medical care provider. Practical training can usually be fulfilled through an internship at a local Gaithersburg MA outpatient clinic, hospital or family practice. However the rest of the training and classes can be attended online in your Gaithersburg home. This is particularly convenient for those students that keep working while getting their degrees. In addition online colleges are frequently more affordable than on-campus alternatives. Expenses for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But similarly as with any sonography program you are reviewing, make sure that the online school you choose is accredited. One of the most highly respected 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 motivated enough to attend classes away from the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online school may be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Ultrasound Tech Colleges

Questions to ask Gaithersburg MA ultrasound technician schools Now that you have decided on which degree or certificate that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the procedure of reviewing and comparing ultrasound technician schools. You will first probably want to decide whether you will access classes online or travel to a college campus in the Gaithersburg MA area. Clearly location will be significant if you choose the latter, and the price of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualification also. But there are additional factors that you must also take into account, for instance if the colleges are accredited and if they offer internships. Therefore in order to complete your due diligence so that you can arrive at your ultimate selection, following are a few questions that you may want to ask each sonography program before deciding.

Are the Ultrasound Technician Programs Accredited? Most sonogram tech colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected 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 focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Gaithersburg MA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the sonogram technician programs you are interested in have relationships with Gaithersburg MA clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Gaithersburg medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the ultrasound tech programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Massachusetts healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they select will have to be within driving distance of their Gaithersburg MA residence. Students who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly 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.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom 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 colleges 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 determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the sonogram technician program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the ultrasound tech program you finally select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Gaithersburg MA area, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Sonography Technician Course Gaithersburg Massachusetts

Gaithersburg MA mother holding sonogram Enrolling in the right sonographer certificate or degree program is a crucial first step to starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer schools require that you have a high school diploma or a GED. Apart from satisfying academic standards, you need to be in at least reasonably good physical condition, able to stand for lengthy time frames with the ability to regularly lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it often necessary to adjust patients and maneuver heavy equipment. Additional preferred talents include technical aptitude, the ability to remain calm when faced with 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 Technician Course and wanting more information on Accredited Sonographer Programs. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are looking at. This is true whether you choose an online degree or commute to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can compare each program, you will be able to narrow down your options until you are left with the ideal school for your education. And with the right training, discipline and motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as an ultrasound tech in Gaithersburg MA.

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Harold Lang

Lang began his professional career as a ballet dancer, making his professional debut with the San Francisco Ballet in 1938 and then going on to perform with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo two years later and American Ballet Theatre (then called Ballet Theatre) in 1943. While at ABT, he originated rôles in Jerome Robbins' Fancy Free and Interplay, in addition to performing in ballets by George Balanchine, David Lichine, Léonide Massine and Antony Tudor.

Beginning in the late 1940s, Lang moved from ballet to musical theater. He made his Broadway debut in the short-lived Mr. Strauss Goes to Boston (1945), then had more success as a soloist in Three to Make Ready (1946) and Look, Ma, I'm Dancin'! (1948). Lang's first major rôle, however, was as Bill Calhoun/Lucentio in the original production of Kiss Me, Kate (1948) — although he did not always get along with composer Cole Porter.[1] His second major Broadway rôle was Joey in the 1952 revival of Pal Joey. Other Broadway appearances included Make a Wish (1951), Shangri-La (1956), Ziegfeld Follies of 1957, and I Can Get It for You Wholesale (1962). Lang also toured as the Jester in Once Upon a Mattress. In the long-running Kiss Me, Kate, Lang (as Bill) performed his showstopping solo number, "Bianca", and also performed "We Open in Venice" (as Lucentio) with Alfred Drake (as Petruchio), Patricia Morison (as Katharine) and Lisa Kirk (as Bianca). Lang also performed "Tom, Dick or Harry" (as Lucentio) with Edwin Clay (as Gremio), Charles Wood (as Hortensio) and Lisa Kirk (as Bianca).

Although he appeared on television in the early 1950s, Lang made no commercial films. It was reported 20th Century-Fox wanted him for the role of Vera-Ellen’s boyfriend Mike in Three Little Girls in Blue (1946) but he had to refuse because of stage commitments. A great loss because he would have introduced the now-classic song “You Make Me Feel So Young.” His replacement was non-singer/dancer, minor-player Charles Smith (actor).