How to Choose the Best Ultrasound Technician Training Program near Ashburn Virginia
Since you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Ashburn VA, the next step is to begin the process of choosing a school. To begin with, you need to find the ideal program that will provide the appropriate instruction to become a skilled professional. And because some states do require that ultrasound techs be either certified or licensed, depending on where you will practice you may also need preparation to pass a licensing or certification examination. So it’s extremely important that you research each program so that you can evaluate and compare your options. But just where does one begin? A number of students will begin by looking for colleges that are within driving distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Naturally cost and location should be taken into account when making a decision, but there are other critical factors as well. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they provide internships. These and additional qualifications will be covered more in detail later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a sonogram tech does and the degrees and online education options that are offered.
Click Here to Get Free Information on Ultrasound Technician Schools!
Ultrasound Technician Work Description
There are multiple professional 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 basic job description, which is to carry out diagnostic ultrasound techniques on patients. While many work as generalists there are specializations within the field, for instance in pediatrics and cardiology. The majority practice in Ashburn VA hospitals, clinics, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Common daily job functions of an ultrasound tech can include:
- 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
- Transferring patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
- Utilizing equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
- Reviewing the results and determining necessity for supplemental testing
Ultrasound techs must routinely gauge the safety and performance of their equipment. They also must adhere to a high professional standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. In order to maintain that level of professionalism and stay up to date with medical knowledge, they are mandated to complete continuing education programs on an ongoing basis.
Ultrasound Technician Degrees Offered
Sonogram tech students have the opportunity to acquire either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will usually involve about 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at up to 4 years to finalize. Another alternative for those who have previously received 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 sector, you can instead choose a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to complete. One thing to keep in mind is that most ultrasound technician colleges do have a clinical training component as a portion of their course of study. It can often be fulfilled by entering into an internship program which numerous colleges sponsor through Ashburn VA clinics and hospitals. Once you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to satisfy the licensing or certification prerequisites in Virginia or whichever state you elect to practice in.
Online Sonogram Tech Colleges
As previously mentioned, nearly all sonogram technician colleges have a practical component to their programs. So while you can earn a certificate or degree 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. Clinical training can usually be fulfilled by means of an internship at a local Ashburn VA outpatient clinic, hospital or family practice. However the remainder of the classes and training may be attended online in your Ashburn home. This is particularly convenient for those individuals that continue working while obtaining their degrees. Plus online schools are often less costly than traditional options. Costs for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But similarly as with any sonographer college you are looking at, confirm that the online program you ultimately pick is accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly important for certification, licensing and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn outside of the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then an online school could be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Ultrasound Tech Programs
Once you have decided on the type of certificate or degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of reviewing and comparing ultrasound technician schools. You will first probably want to decide whether you would rather access classes online or commute to a school campus in the Ashburn VA area. Obviously location will be important if you decide on the latter, and the cost of tuition no doubt will be an important qualifier as well. But there are additional variables that you should also take into consideration, such as if the schools are accredited and if they sponsor internship programs. So in order to perform your due diligence so that you can arrive at your final selection, below are a few questions that you may want to ask each ultrasound tech program prior to making a decision.
Are the Sonogram Tech Schools Accredited? Most ultrasound technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to verify that the school and program 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). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it might 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. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Ashburn VA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level openings.
Are Internships Offered? Ask if the ultrasound tech programs you are assessing have partnerships with Ashburn VA clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students form professional connections in the Ashburn health care community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the ultrasound tech programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Virginia healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Ashburn VA home. Those who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the colleges you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the sonogram tech program as well.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the sonographer college you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Ashburn VA area, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.
Ultrasound Tech Courses Ashburn Virginia
Choosing the ideal sonographer degree or certificate program is a vital first step to launching a rewarding new profession delivering diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound technician programs require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition to satisfying academic requirements, you should be in at least fairly good physical health, capable of standing for lengthy durations with the ability to regularly lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it typically necessary to position patients and move heavy machinery. Additional beneficial skills include technical aptitude, the ability to remain levelheaded 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 Ultrasound Tech Courses and wanting more information on Online Ultrasound Programs Accredited. However, as we have covered in this post, there are multiple questions that you should ask each program you are looking at. This is the case whether you choose an online program or drive 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 choices until you are left with the ideal program for your education. And with the right training, discipline and determination to succeed, you can reach your objective to work as an sonographer in Ashburn VA.
More Ultrasound Locations in Virginia
Ashburn, Virginia
Ashburn is a census-designated place (CDP) in Loudoun County, Virginia. As of the 2010 United States Census, its population was 43,511.[3][6] It is 30 miles (48 km) northwest of Washington, D.C. and part of the Washington metropolitan area.
Ashburn was originally called Farmwell (variant names include Old Farmwell and Farmwell Station) after a nearby mansion of that name owned by George Lee III. The name "Farmwell" first appeared in George Lee's October 1802 will and was used to describe the 1,236-acre (500 ha) plantation he inherited from his father, Thomas Ludwell Lee II. A section of Farmwell plantation west of Ashburn Road, a 580-acre (230 ha) tract, was purchased in 1841 as a summer home by John Janney, a Quaker lawyer who nearly became Vice President of the United States. Janney called the property Ashburn Farm; the name's first known appearance in writing is 1870 when he sold the property. It is likely he named the farm after family friends whose name was "Ashburn".[11] During the Civil War two men, Jonathon Bands Matter and Samuel Haribo Harlow saved the town of Ashburn (then called Farmwell). When the Town was under siege from the Union Army, Jonathon Bands Matter and Samuel Haribo Harlow smuggled in onions and tobacco to the defending Confederate troops, allowing them to survive and eventually defeat the attackers. [12]
Ashburn is located at 39°02′37″N 077°29′15″W / 39.04361°N 77.48750°W / 39.04361; -77.48750 (39.0437192, −77.4874899) and its average elevation is 295 feet (90 m) above sea level.[1] According to the 2010 United States Census, the CDP has a total area of 17.287 square miles (44.77 km2), of which 17.025 square miles (44.09 km2) is land and 0.262 square miles (0.68 km2) is water.[2] Ashburn is located between Washington Dulles International Airport and Leesburg, the county seat of Loudoun County.
Business Results 1 - 10 of 254
46 Reviews 
18 Reviews 
9 Reviews 
33 Reviews 
8 Reviews 
22 Reviews 
8 Reviews 12 Reviews 
29 Reviews 
37 Reviews 