Tag Archives: Accredited Local Sonography Programs near Lithonia GA 30038

Medical Sonography Degree Lithonia GA

How to Select the Right Ultrasound Tech School near Lithonia Georgia

Lithonia GA ultrasound technician with patientNow that you have decided to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Lithonia GA, it’s time to begin the process of choosing a school. First, you must find the ideal program that will furnish the necessary training to become a skilled professional. And given that some states do require that sonographers be either certified or licensed, depending on where you will practice you may also need preparation to pass a licensing or certification exam. So it’s very important that you research each school so that you can evaluate and compare your options. But just where does one begin? Many individuals will begin by looking for schools that are within travelling distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Of course cost and location need to be considered when arriving at a decision, but there are other important factors also. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they provide internship programs. These and additional qualifiers will be covered more in detail later in this article. But to start with, let’s discuss what an ultrasound tech does and the credentials and online education programs that are available.

Sonographer Job Description

Lithonia GA sonographer testing pregnant womanThere are several acceptable titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also referred to as ultrasound technologists, sonogram techs, and diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers). No matter what their title is, they all have the same basic job function, which is to carry out diagnostic ultrasound techniques on patients. Even though a number of techs work as generalists there are specializations within the profession, for instance in cardiology and pediatrics. Most work in Lithonia GA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Common daily work functions of a sonogram technician may include:

  • 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 testing and then sterilizing and recalibrating them
  • Escorting patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
  • Using equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
  • Assessing results and identifying need for additional testing

Sonographers must frequently gauge 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 level of professionalism and remain current with medical knowledge, they are required to enroll in continuing education programs on a regular basis.

Sonogram Technician Degrees Offered

Lithonia GA ultrasound tech testing pregnant womanUltrasound tech enrollees have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will generally involve around 18 months to 2 years to complete dependent on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as long as four years to finalize. Another alternative for individuals who have previously obtained a college degree is a post graduate certificate program. If you have obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in any major or an Associate Degree in a related health sector, you can instead choose a certificate program that will require only 12 to 18 months to complete. One thing to keep in mind is that almost all ultrasound technician colleges do have a practical training element as a portion of their course of study. It can often be fulfilled by taking part in an internship program which numerous colleges sponsor through Lithonia GA clinics and hospitals. Once you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then need to comply with the certification or licensing requirements in Georgia or whatever state you choose to work in.

Ultrasound Tech Online Degrees

woman attending online sonography school in Lithonia GAAs aforementioned, almost all ultrasound tech schools have a practical requirement to their programs. So although you can earn a certificate or degree online, a substantial part of the training will be either carried out in an on-campus lab or at a sponsored off-campus facility. Clinical training can often be satisfied through an internship at a local Lithonia GA outpatient clinic, hospital or family practice. But the rest of the classes and training can be accessed online in your Lithonia home. This is particularly beneficial for those students that continue working while earning their degrees. Plus online programs are frequently more affordable than traditional alternatives. Costs for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But similarly as with any ultrasound tech program you are looking at, verify that the online school you select is accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies 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 away from the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online degree may be the right choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Ultrasound Technician Schools

Questions to ask Lithonia GA ultrasound tech schoolsAfter you have decided on which degree or certificate that you would like to earn, you can start the procedure of evaluating and comparing sonogram technician schools. You will first probably want to choose whether you will attend classes online or commute to a school campus in the Lithonia GA area. Of course location will be significant if you select the latter, and the price of tuition no doubt will be an initial qualifier as well. But there are additional variables that you must also take into account, for example if the colleges are accredited and if they provide internships. So in order to carry out your due diligence so that you can make your final selection, following are a few questions that you may want to ask each sonography college before deciding.

Are the Sonogram Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of sonogram tech colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of sonography is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Schools earning accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone a rigorous examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the program 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 ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Lithonia GA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internships Offered? Ask if the sonogram tech colleges you are evaluating have partnerships with Lithonia GA hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Lithonia health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the sonographer programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Georgia healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Lithonia GA home. Students who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly 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 classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound technician program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the sonographer  program you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Lithonia GA area, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Lithonia GA?

If you are considering a Sonography Tech School near Lithonia Georgia, following is some interesting background information about the location of your new school campus.

Lithonia, Georgia

"Lithonia" means "city/town of stone". Lithonia is in the heart of the Georgian granite-quarrying and viewing region, hence the name of the town, from the Greek λίθος lithos, for stone. The huge nearby granite dome, Stone Mountain, is composed largely of a rock called Lithonia gneiss, a form of granite. The area has a history of rock quarries. The mines were served by the Georgia Railroad and Atlanta, Stone Mountain & Lithonia Railway. Some of the rock quarries have been converted to parkland and the rail lines to rail-trail.

Lithonia is located in southeastern DeKalb County at 33°42′46″N 84°6′21″W / 33.71278°N 84.10583°W / 33.71278; -84.10583 (33.712658, -84.105897).[6]Interstate 20 passes just south of the community, with access from Exits 74 and 75. Lithonia is 18 miles (29 km) east of the center of Atlanta.

In 1805, Lithonia began as a small crossroads settlement of farmers. The town grew with the coming of the Atlanta Augusta Railroad in 1845, which allowed the granite quarrying industry in the area to flourish.[7]

Lithonia is the birthplace of the Lithonia Lighting company, one of North America's largest manufacturers of commercial, institutional, industrial and residential light fixtures,[citation needed] which was founded in the city in 1946 but moved to nearby Conyers in the 1950s.

Find the Right Medical Sonography Degree Lithonia GA

Selecting the ideal sonographer certificate or degree program is an important first step to initiating a gratifying new career providing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech schools require that you have earned a high school diploma or a GED. In addition to meeting academic standards, you need to be in at least reasonably good physical health, able to stand for lengthy periods and able to routinely lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to position patients and move heavy machinery. Additional helpful skills include technical proficiency, the ability to stay calm when faced with an angry or anxious patient and the ability to converse clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Medical Sonography Degree.  However, as we have covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing. This holds true whether you select 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 alternatives until you are left with the ideal program for your education. And with the proper training, discipline and determination to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as an ultrasound tech in Lithonia GA.

Other Ultrasound Locations in Georgia

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