How to Enroll in the Right Ultrasound Tech School near Cheltenham Pennsylvania
Since you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Cheltenham PA, the next step is to begin the procedure of choosing a school. First, you have to find the ideal program that will provide the proper education to become a skilled professional. And since some states do require that ultrasound techs be either licensed or certified, depending on your residence you may also need to be prepared to pass a certification or licensing exam. So it’s extremely important that you investigate each program in order to assess and compare your options. But just where does one start? Most prospective students will begin by looking for colleges that are within travelling distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Naturally cost and location should be taken into account when arriving at a decision, but there are other significant factors also. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they sponsor internship programs. These and additional qualifiers will be covered more in depth later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a sonogram tech does and the credentials and online training options that are available.
Click Here to Get Free Information on Ultrasound Technician Schools!
Ultrasound Tech Occupation 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 function, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound testing on patients. Even though many work as generalists there are specialties within the profession, for example in cardiology and pediatrics. The majority work in Cheltenham PA hospitals, clinics, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Common daily work tasks of a sonogram technician can involve:
- Preserving records of patient medical histories and details of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Preparing the ultrasound machines for use and then cleaning and recalibrating them
- Escorting patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
- Using equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
- Evaluating results and determining need for additional testing
Sonographers must regularly gauge the safety and performance of their equipment. They also are held to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. So as to maintain that level of professionalism and remain current with medical knowledge, they are required to complete continuing education training on an ongoing basis.
Sonogram Technician Degrees Available
Sonogram tech students have the choice to acquire either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will usually involve about 18 months to 2 years to accomplish dependent on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete. Another alternative for those who have previously received 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 relevant medical sector, you can enroll in a certificate program that will require just 12 to 18 months to complete. Something to keep in mind is that almost all ultrasound technician colleges do have a practical training element as part of their course of study. It often may be fulfilled by participating in an internship program which numerous colleges set up through Cheltenham PA clinics and hospitals. After you have graduated from any of the degree or certificate programs, you will then need to satisfy the certification or licensing requirements in Pennsylvania or whichever state you decide to practice in.
Online Sonographer Schools
As previously mentioned, virtually all ultrasound technician schools have a practical requirement to their programs. So while you can receive a degree or certificate online, a substantial portion of the training will be either held in an on campus laboratory or at an approved off campus facility. Practical training can usually be satisfied by means of an internship at a local Cheltenham PA hospital, outpatient clinic or family practice. However the remainder of the classes and training may be attended online in your Cheltenham home. This is especially beneficial for those students that continue working while getting their degrees. In addition online colleges are frequently more affordable than on campus alternatives. Expenditures for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But just as with any ultrasound tech program you are reviewing, check that the online program you enroll in is accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly crucial for certification, licensing and job placement (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 could be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Ultrasound Tech Colleges
Once you have decided on which degree or certificate that you would like to obtain, you can begin the procedure of assessing and comparing sonogram tech schools. You will first probably want to choose whether you will attend classes online or travel to a college campus in the Cheltenham PA area. Obviously location will be critical if you decide on the latter, and the price of tuition no doubt will be an important qualification also. But there are other variables that you must also take into consideration, for instance if the colleges are accredited and if they provide internships. Therefore in order to complete your due diligence so that you can arrive at your final selection, below are a few questions that you need ask each ultrasound tech college prior to making a decision.
Are the Sonogram Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of sonogram tech colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to confirm 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). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRC-DMS have gone through an extensive assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Cheltenham PA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the sonogram tech programs you are evaluating have relationships with Cheltenham PA hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to receive hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Cheltenham healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the sonographer programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Pennsylvania healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will have to be within travelling distance of their Cheltenham PA residence. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose 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 often charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes enable 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 decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound technician program also.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the sonographer program you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Cheltenham PA area, make certain that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Online Sonography Associates Degree Cheltenham Pennsylvania
Choosing the ideal ultrasound tech degree or certificate program is a crucial first step to starting a rewarding new career providing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound technician colleges require that you have earned a high school diploma or a GED. In addition to meeting academic requirements, you must be in at least fairly good physical health, capable of standing for extended periods and able to regularly lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it often necessary to adjust patients and maneuver heavy equipment. Additional helpful talents include technical aptitude, the ability to remain levelheaded when confronted by an anxious or angry patient and the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Online Sonography Associates Degree and wanting more information on Ultrasound Degree. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing. This is the case whether you choose an online degree or travel to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can evaluate each school, you can narrow down your alternatives until you are left with the best program for your education. And with the proper training, discipline and motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as an sonographer in Cheltenham PA.
More Ultrasound Locations in Pennsylvania
Cheltenham Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Cheltenham Township is a home rule township bordering North Philadelphia in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, United States. Cheltenham's population density ranges from over 10,000 per square mile in rowhouses and high-rise apartments along Cheltenham Avenue to historic neighborhoods in Wyncote and Elkins Park. It is the most densely populated township in Montgomery County.[3] The population was 36,793 at the 2010 U.S. Census, making it the third most populous township in Montgomery County and the 27th most populous municipality in Pennsylvania. It was originally part of Philadelphia County, and it became part of Montgomery County upon that county's creation in 1784.
Cheltenham is located 5 miles from Center City, Philadelphia and surrounded by the North and Northeast sections of Philadelphia, Abington, Jenkintown, and Springfield. The SEPTA Main Line passes through Cheltenham via 5 regional rail stations, some of which are the busiest in the SEPTA system. Cheltenham is served by the SEPTA City Division and is adjacent to Fern Rock Transportation Center and the Broad Street Line subway which terminates at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex and also the Frankford Transportation Center and the El, which terminates at 69th Street in Upper Darby Township. The northern terminus of Broad Street is in Cheltenham, at its intersection with Cheltenham Avenue (Pennsylvania Route 309).
Cheltenham was established in 1682 as part of Philadelphia County by 15 Quakers from Cheltenham, including Richard Wall and Tobias Leech, who purchased 4,070 acres (16.5 km2) of land from William Penn.[4][5] Upon creation of Montgomery County in 1784, Cheltenham became the smallest township in the new county.
Business Results 1 - 10 of 182
23 Reviews 
12 Reviews 
20 Reviews 
2 Reviews 
10 Reviews 
2 Reviews 
3 Reviews 
6 Reviews 
8 Reviews 
21 Reviews 