How to Select the Best Sonogram Tech Degree Program near Germantown Tennessee
Now that you have made a decision to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Germantown TN, the next step is to begin the procedure of selecting a college. First, you have to find the ideal program that will provide the necessary education to become a qualified professional. And given that a number of states do require that ultrasound techs be either certified or licensed, depending on your residence you may also need to be prepared to pass a licensing or certification exam. So it’s extremely important that you investigate each school so that you can evaluate and compare your alternatives. But just where does one start? Many individuals will begin by searching for colleges that are within travelling distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Of course location and cost must be taken into account when making a decision, but there are other important factors also. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they offer internship programs. These and additional qualifications will be covered more in detail later in this article. But first, let’s review what an ultrasound tech does and the degrees and online education programs that are available.
Click Here to Get Free Information on Ultrasound Technician Schools!
Ultrasound Technician Work Summary
There are various professional titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also called ultrasound technologists, sonogram techs, and diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers). Regardless of name, they all have the same basic job function, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound testing on patients. While many work as generalists there are specialties within the field, for example in cardiology and pediatrics. The majority practice in Germantown TN hospitals, clinics, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Typical daily job duties of an ultrasound technician can include:
- Maintaining records of patient case histories and details of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Readying the ultrasound machines for testing and then cleaning and recalibrating them
- Transferring patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
- Utilizing equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
- Reviewing the results and determining need for supplemental testing
Ultrasound techs must routinely evaluate the performance and safety of their equipment. They also must adhere to a high professional standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. In order to sustain that level of professionalism and stay current with medical knowledge, they are required to complete continuing education programs on a regular basis.
Ultrasound Technician Degrees Available
Ultrasound technician enrollees have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will usually require about 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at up to four years to finish. Another alternative for individuals 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 related health field, you can instead choose a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to complete. One thing to bear in mind is that most sonographer colleges do have a clinical training component as part of their course of study. It often may be satisfied by entering into an internship program which numerous colleges sponsor through Germantown TN hospitals and clinics. Once you have graduated from any of the certificate or degree programs, you will then need to comply with the licensing or certification requirements in Tennessee or whatever state you choose to work in.
Sonographer Online Programs
As earlier discussed, virtually all ultrasound technician colleges have a clinical requirement to their programs. So although you can receive a certificate or degree online, a substantial part of the training will be either conducted in an on campus laboratory or at an authorized off campus medical care provider. Clinical training can usually be satisfied through an internship at a local Germantown TN hospital, outpatient clinic or private practice. But the balance of the classes and training may be attended online in your Germantown home. This is particularly convenient for those students that keep working while obtaining their degrees. Plus online colleges are many times less costly than traditional options. Expenses for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But similarly as with any sonographer college you are reviewing, confirm that the online school you choose is accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially significant 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 online classes could be the right option for you.
Topics to Ask Sonogram Tech Colleges
After you have decided on the type of certificate or degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of evaluating and comparing ultrasound technician colleges. You will first probably want to choose whether you would rather access classes online or travel to a college campus in the Germantown TN area. Certainly location will be critical if you choose the latter, and the cost of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualification also. But there are other variables that you should also take into consideration, for example if the schools are accredited and if they provide internships. So in order to perform your due diligence so that you can make your ultimate selection, following are several questions that you need ask each sonography program before deciding.
Are the Sonogram Tech Programs Accredited? The majority of sonogram tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of sonography is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone a rigorous assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it may also obtain 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. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Germantown TN employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.
Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the ultrasound tech colleges you are evaluating have associations with Germantown TN clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Germantown healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the ultrasound tech schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Tennessee healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Germantown TN home. Students who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide 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 generally 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 Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the schools you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the sonogram technician program as well.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the sonographer program you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Germantown TN area, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.
Becoming An Ultrasound Technician Germantown Tennessee
Choosing the right sonographer certificate or degree program is an important first step to entering a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer programs require that you have a high school diploma or a GED. Apart from meeting academic requirements, you should be in at least fairly good physical health, able to stand for extended periods with the ability to regularly lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to adjust patients and maneuver heavy machinery. Other preferred talents include technical proficiency, the ability to keep calm when confronted by an anxious or angry patient and the ability to converse clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Becoming An Ultrasound Technician and wanting more information on Online Associate Degree Programs Sonography. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing. This is true whether you enroll in an online degree or commute to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate questions so that you can assess each college, you can narrow down your choices until you are left with the best program for your education. And with the proper training, discipline and motivation to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as an ultrasound tech in Germantown TN.
More Ultrasound Locations in Tennessee
Germantown, Tennessee
Germantown is a suburb of Memphis, bordering it to the east-southeast. Germantown's economy is dominated by the retail and commercial service sectors; there is no heavy industry in Germantown. In the city center is the "Old Germantown" neighborhood, anchored by a railroad depot (a 1948 reproduction of the 1868 original) and railroad tracks that recall the community's earliest days of development as an outpost along the Memphis and Charleston Railroad.
The city hosts many horse shows and competitions annually, most notably the Germantown Charity Horse Show in June. Other major annual events include the Germantown Festival, an arts and crafts fair, in early September.
Germantown is one of a few cities in the nation possessing a triple-A bond rating from both Moody's and Standard & Poor's.[5] It has the lowest crime rate for any city its size in the State of Tennessee and the police and fire departments have average emergency response time of five minutes (police just under 4 minutes & fire department 5.2 minutes).[6] The parks and recreation department is nationally accredited. The Arbor Day Foundation has designated Germantown a "Tree City USA" for 23 consecutive years.[7]
Business Results 1 - 10 of 37
4 Reviews 
6 Reviews 
8 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
3 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
4 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
3 Reviews 
3 Reviews 