How to Find the Best Sonogram Tech College near Greensboro North Carolina
Since you have decided to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Greensboro NC, it’s time to start the process of picking a school. To begin with, you have to find the right program that will furnish the appropriate education to become a qualified professional. And since a number of states do require that sonographers be either certified or licensed, depending on your residence you may also need preparation to pass a certification or licensing examination. So it’s extremely important that you research each school so that you can assess and compare your alternatives. But exactly where does one begin? Most potential students will start by searching for colleges that are within travelling distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Naturally location and cost 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 sponsor internship programs. These and other qualifications will be discussed more in detail later in this article. But first, let’s review what a sonogram tech does and the degrees and online training programs that are offered.
Click Here to Get Free Information on Ultrasound Technician Schools!
Sonographer Job Description
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). No matter what their title is, they all have the same primary job description, which is to perform diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. While a number of techs practice as generalists there are specialties within the field, for example in cardiology and pediatrics. The majority practice in Greensboro NC hospitals, clinics, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Routine daily job functions of an ultrasound tech may involve:
- Preserving 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 cleaning and re-calibrating them
- Escorting patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
- Utilizing equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
- Reviewing the results and identifying 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. In order to maintain that degree of professionalism and remain up to date with medical knowledge, they are mandated to complete continuing education courses on a regular basis.
Ultrasound Technician Degrees Available
Ultrasound tech students have the choice to acquire either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will usually require about 18 months to 2 years to accomplish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish. Another option for those who have previously earned a college degree is a post graduate certificate program. If you have received a Bachelor’s Degree in any major or an Associate Degree in a related medical field, you can enroll in a certificate program that will require only 12 to 18 months to finish. Something to bear in mind is that most sonographer colleges do have a practical training component as part of their curriculum. It often may be satisfied by participating in an internship program which many schools set up with Greensboro NC hospitals and clinics. Once you have graduated from any of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to fulfill the licensing or certification requirements in North Carolina or whichever state you decide to practice in.
Online Ultrasound Tech Programs
As aforementioned, nearly all sonogram tech schools have a clinical component to their programs. So while you can earn a degree or certificate online, a significant portion of the training will be either carried out in an on campus laboratory or at a sponsored off-campus facility. Practical training can typically be fulfilled by means of an internship at a local Greensboro NC outpatient clinic, hospital or family practice. But the balance of the classes and training may be accessed online in your Greensboro home. This is particularly beneficial for those students that continue working while obtaining their degrees. Plus online colleges are frequently more affordable than traditional alternatives. Expenses for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But similarly as with every sonographer school you are reviewing, confirm that the online program you select 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 job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn away from the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then an online school could be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Ultrasound Tech Schools
Once you have decided on the type of certificate or degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of assessing and comparing ultrasound technician schools. You may first want to choose whether you would rather access classes online or commute to a college campus in the Greensboro NC area. Clearly location will be significant 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 account, for instance if the colleges are accredited and if they provide internship programs. So in order to perform your due diligence so that you can arrive at your ultimate selection, below are a few questions that you may want to ask each sonographer school before deciding.
Are the Ultrasound Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of ultrasound tech colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to verify that the school and program 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 a detailed review of their teachers 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 learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Greensboro NC health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level positions.
Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the ultrasound tech colleges you are assessing have partnerships with Greensboro NC clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the Greensboro healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the sonographer schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with North Carolina healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they select will have to be within commuting distance of their Greensboro NC home. Those who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry 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 choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually 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 kind of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the schools you are reviewing what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the ultrasound tech program as well.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the ultrasound tech program you ultimately pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Greensboro NC area, check that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.
Online Ultrasound Tech Programs Greensboro North Carolina
Enrolling in the right ultrasound tech certificate or degree program is a vital first step to entering a rewarding new career delivering diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech programs require that you have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Apart from satisfying academic standards, you should be in at least fairly good physical health, capable of standing for lengthy periods with the ability to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it often necessary to position patients and maneuver heavy machines. Other preferred talents include technical aptitude, the ability to remain calm when confronted by an angry or anxious patient and the ability to converse in a clear and compassionate manner. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Online Ultrasound Tech Programs and wanting more information on Sonography Online Accredited School. However, as we have covered in this post, there are multiple questions that you need to ask each program you are considering. This is the case whether you choose an online degree or drive to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can assess each college, you will be able to narrow down your options until you are left with the ideal school for your education. And with the proper training, dedication and determination to succeed, you can achieve your objective to practice as an ultrasound tech in Greensboro NC.
More Ultrasound Locations in North Carolina
Greensboro, North Carolina
Greensboro (/ˈɡriːnzbʌroʊ/ (listen);[4] formerly Greensborough) is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina.[1] It is the 3rd-most populous city in North Carolina, the 68th-most populous city in the United States, and the county seat and largest city in Guilford County and the surrounding Piedmont Triad metropolitan region. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 269,666,[2] and in 2015 the estimated population was 285,342.[5] Three major interstate highways (Interstate 40, Interstate 85, and Interstate 73) in the Piedmont region of central North Carolina were built to intersect at this city.
In 1808, "Greensborough" (the spelling before 1895) was planned around a central courthouse square to succeed Guilford Court House as the county seat. The county courts were thus placed closer to the geographical center of the county, a location more easily reached at the time by the majority of the county's citizens, who depended on horse and foot for travel.
In 2003, the previous Greensboro – Winston-Salem – High Point metropolitan statistical area (MSA) was re-defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. This region was separated into the Greensboro–High Point MSA and the Winston-Salem MSA. The 2010 population for the Greensboro–High Point MSA was 723,801. The combined statistical area (CSA) of Greensboro–Winston-Salem–High Point, popularly referred to as the Piedmont Triad, had a population of 1,599,477.
Business Results 1 - 10 of 4
3 Reviews 
3 Reviews 
2 Reviews 
24 Reviews 