How to Select the Best Ultrasound Tech Degree Program near New Kensington Pennsylvania
Since you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near New Kensington PA, the next step is to begin the procedure of selecting a college. First, you must find the ideal program that will furnish the proper training to become a qualified professional. And since some states do mandate that sonographers 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 college in order to evaluate and compare your alternatives. But just where does one begin? A number of prospective students will start by looking for schools that are within driving distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Of course cost and location need to be considered when making a decision, but there are additional significant factors also. Such as, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they offer internship programs. These and other qualifications will be discussed more in depth later in this article. But to start with, let’s discuss what a sonogram tech does and the degrees and online education programs that are available.
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Sonogram Tech Occupation Summary
There are multiple professional 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 function, which is to perform diagnostic ultrasound techniques on patients. Although a number of techs practice as generalists there are specialties within the field, for example in pediatrics and cardiology. The majority practice in New Kensington PA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Standard daily job functions of a sonogram tech can involve:
- Preserving records of patient case histories and details 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
- Moving patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
- Operating equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
- Evaluating results and identifying necessity for supplemental testing
Sonographers must frequently assess the safety and performance of their machines. They also are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. In order to maintain that degree of professionalism and stay up to date with medical knowledge, they are required to complete continuing education programs on an ongoing basis.
Ultrasound Technician Degrees Offered
Ultrasound technician students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will typically require around 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as long as four years to finalize. Another option for those who have previously obtained 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 health sector, you can instead choose a certificate program that will take just 12 to 18 months to complete. Something to bear in mind is that most sonographer programs do have a clinical training element as part of their course of study. It often may be satisfied by participating in an internship program which numerous schools set up through New Kensington PA hospitals and clinics. Once you have graduated from any of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to satisfy the licensing or certification prerequisites in Pennsylvania or whatever state you elect to practice in.
Ultrasound Technician Online Degrees
As earlier discussed, virtually all ultrasound tech colleges have a clinical component to their programs. So although you can obtain 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 often be satisfied through an internship at a local New Kensington PA outpatient clinic, hospital or family practice. But the balance of the training and classes may be accessed online in your New Kensington home. This is especially beneficial for those individuals that continue working while getting their degrees. In addition online colleges are often less costly than traditional options. Expenditures for commuting and study materials may be reduced as well. But similarly as with every sonographer program you are reviewing, confirm that the online school you choose is accredited. One of the most highly respected 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 dedicated enough to learn away from the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online degree may be the right option for you.
What to Ask Ultrasound Tech Schools
When you have determined the type of certificate or degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of assessing and comparing sonogram tech schools. You will first probably want to decide whether you would rather access classes online or commute to a school campus in the New Kensington PA area. Certainly location will be important if you choose the latter, and the cost of tuition no doubt will be an important qualifier as well. But there are additional things that you should also take into account, for instance if the colleges are accredited and if they sponsor internships. Therefore 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 college before deciding.
Are the Ultrasound Tech Schools Accredited? Most ultrasound technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies 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 evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous New Kensington PA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level positions.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the sonogram tech colleges you are reviewing have partnerships with New Kensington PA hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates develop professional relationships in the New Kensington medical community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the sonographer programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Pennsylvania healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they choose will have to be within driving distance of their New Kensington PA home. Individuals 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 keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the colleges you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the sonogram technician program as well.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the ultrasound tech college you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the New Kensington PA area, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.
Medical Ultrasound Degree New Kensington Pennsylvania
Picking the ideal ultrasound technician degree or certificate program is an important first step to initiating a gratifying new profession delivering diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech schools require that you have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Apart from meeting academic requirements, you should be in at least fairly good physical health, capable of standing for extended periods with the ability to routinely lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it often necessary to position patients and move heavy machines. Additional helpful talents include technical proficiency, the ability to remain calm when faced with an angry or anxious patient and the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Medical Ultrasound Degree and wanting more information on Ultrasound Technologist School. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are considering. This holds true whether you select an online degree or commute to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can compare each school, 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, dedication and determination to succeed, you can accomplish your objective to practice as an sonographer in New Kensington PA.
More Ultrasound Locations in Pennsylvania
New Kensington, Pennsylvania
New Kensington, known locally as New Ken, is a city in Westmoreland County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, situated along the Allegheny River 18 miles (29 km) northeast of Pittsburgh. The population was 13,116 at the 2010 Census.
Like much of Westmoreland County and surrounding areas, the region was a hunting ground for Native Americans of the Six Nations European-American settlement began in the mid-1700s. Continental army troops built Fort Crawford, near the mouth of Pucketa Creek, in 1777. The fort was abandoned in 1793.
Originally part of Burrell (and later Lower Burrell) Township, the city of New Kensington was founded in 1891. In 1890, the Burrell Improvement Company considered the advantages of the level land south of its home in Lower Burrell, and deemed it a prime location for a city and named the area "Kensington"; this was later changed to "New Kensington" for postal reasons, to avoid confusion with the Philadelphia neighborhood of the same name. In an attempt to make New Kensington comparable to Pittsburgh, the streets were named with numbers. Avenues ran parallel to the river, while streets were perpendicular. The main commercial streets were 4th and 5th avenues.
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