Sonogram Technician Degree Palmdale CA - Become an Ultrasound Technician

How to Find the Right Ultrasound Tech School near Palmdale California

Palmdale CA ultrasound technician with patient Now that you have made a decision to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Palmdale CA, it’s time to start the procedure of selecting a college. First, you need to find the right program that will furnish the necessary training to become a skilled professional. And because some states do require that sonographers be either licensed or certified, depending on where you will practice you may also need preparation to pass a licensing or certification exam. So it’s extremely important that you research each program in order to assess and compare your choices. But just where does one begin? Most prospective students will begin by looking for colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Of course cost and location must be taken into account when arriving at a decision, but there are other important factors as well. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they offer internships. These and other qualifiers will be covered more in depth later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what an ultrasound tech does and the degrees and online education options that are available.

Sonogram Tech Job Description

Palmdale CA sonographer testing pregnant woman There are several acceptable 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 carry out diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. Even though a number of techs practice as generalists there are specialties within the profession, for example in pediatrics and cardiology. Most practice in Palmdale CA hospitals, clinics, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Common daily work functions of an ultrasound technician can include:

Preserving records of patient case histories and details of each procedure
Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
Preparing the ultrasound machines for testing and then cleaning and re-calibrating them
Escorting patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
Utilizing equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
Reviewing the results and identifying need for further testing

Ultrasound techs must routinely assess the performance and safety of their equipment. They also must adhere to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. In order to maintain that degree of professionalism and stay current with medical knowledge, they are required to complete continuing education training on a regular basis.

Sonogram Technician Degrees Available

Palmdale CA ultrasound tech testing pregnant woman Sonogram technician enrollees have the opportunity to acquire either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally take about 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at as long as four years to finish. Another alternative for those who have already earned 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 medical field, you can instead choose a certificate program that will require just 12 to 18 months to complete. Something to bear in mind is that almost all sonographer programs do have a clinical training element as part of their curriculum. It often may be satisfied by entering into an internship program which numerous colleges set up through Palmdale CA clinics and hospitals. Once you have graduated from any of the certificate or degree programs, you will then have to satisfy the certification or licensing requirements in California or whichever state you elect to practice in.

Online Ultrasound Technician Programs

woman attending online sonography school in Palmdale CA As previously mentioned, almost all sonogram technician schools have a practical component to their programs. So while you can earn a certificate or degree online, a significant portion of the training will be either held in an on campus laboratory or at an authorized off campus facility. Clinical training can often be satisfied by means of an internship at a local Palmdale CA hospital, outpatient clinic or private practice. However the balance of the training and classes may be attended online in your Palmdale home. This is particularly beneficial for those individuals that continue working while earning their degrees. In addition online programs are frequently more affordable than on-campus options. Expenditures for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But similarly as with any ultrasound tech school you are looking at, confirm that the online program you choose 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 finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn away from the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online school could be the ideal choice for you.

Topics to Ask Sonography Colleges

Questions to ask Palmdale CA ultrasound tech schools When you have determined the type of certificate or degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the procedure of assessing and comparing sonogram tech colleges. You may first want to decide whether you will attend classes online or commute to a college campus in the Palmdale CA area. Of course location will be important if you select the latter, and the cost of tuition no doubt will be an important qualifier also. But there are other things that you must also take into consideration, for example if the programs are accredited and if they offer internships. Therefore in order to carry out your due diligence so that you can arrive at your ultimate selection, below are some questions that you need ask each sonographer school prior to making a decision.

Are the Sonogram Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of sonogram tech schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among 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 earning accreditation from the JRC-DMS have gone through a rigorous examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Palmdale CA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Offered? Find out if the ultrasound tech programs you are interested in have relationships with Palmdale CA clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Palmdale health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the sonographer schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the school they select will need to be within driving distance of their Palmdale CA home. Those who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps 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 usually charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the colleges you are reviewing 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 a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the ultrasound technician program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the sonographer school you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Palmdale CA area, verify 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 have to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Palmdale CA?

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

Palmdale, California

On August 24, 1962, Palmdale became the first community in the Antelope Valley to incorporate. 47 years later, in November 2009, voters approved making it a charter city. Its population was 152,750 at the 2010 census, up from 116,670 at the 2000 census. Palmdale is the 33rd most populous city in California. In 2013, the Palmdale / Lancaster urban area had an estimated population of 513,547.[9]

"Palmenthal", the first European settlement within the limits of Palmdale, was established as a village on April 20, 1886, by westward Lutheran travelers from the American Midwest, mostly of German and Swiss descent. According to area folklore, the travelers had been told they would know they were close to the ocean when they saw palm trees. Never actually having seen palm trees before, they mistook the local Joshua trees for palms and so named their settlement after them. (Palmenthal is German for Palm Valley.)[10][11] According to David L. Durham Joshua trees were sometimes called yucca palms at the time, which was the reason for the name.[10] The village was officially established upon the arrival of a post office on June 17, 1888.

By the 1890s (soon after the last of the indigenous antelopes, which the valley was named after, had died) farming families continued to migrate to Palmenthal and nearby Harold to grow grain and fruit. However, most of these settlers were unfamiliar with farming in a desert climate, so when the drought years occurred, most abandoned their settlement. By 1899, only one family was left in the original village. The rest of the settlers, including the post office, moved closer to the Southern Pacific railroad tracks. This new community was renamed Palmdale and was located where the present day civic center is. A railroad station was built along the tracks there. This railroad was operated by Southern Pacific and traveled between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Wells Fargo stagecoach line that ran between San Francisco and New Orleans stopped there as well.[12] The only remaining pieces of evidence of the original settlements of Palmenthal and Harold are the old Palmdale Pioneer cemetery located on the northeast corner of Avenue S and 20th Street East, recently acquired and restored by the city as part of a future historical park, and the old schoolhouse now relocated to McAdam Park.

Palmdale was first inhabited by Native Americans.[13] Spanish soldier Captain Pedro Fages explored the Antelope Valley in 1772. The opening of California to overland travel through the forbearing desert was due to Captain Juan Bautista de Anza and Father Francisco Garces, a most remarkable Spanish padre. They led a colonizing expedition including 136 settlers across the Mojave Desert from Mexico to Monterey in 1773. Later in 1776 while exploring the Valley, Garces with several Indian guides from the San Gabriel Mission recorded viewing the vast expanse of what was the El Tejon Rancheria (the Badger Ranch) of the Cuabajoy Indians. After the Shoshone Indians left the valley, immigrants from Spain and Mexico established large cattle ranches there. Then, in the late 1880s, the ranches were broken up into smaller homesteads by farmers from Germany, France and the state of Nebraska.[14]

Find the Right Sonogram Technician Degree Palmdale CA

Selecting the right ultrasound technician degree or certificate program is a crucial first step to starting a rewarding new profession furnishing diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer programs require that you have a high school diploma or a GED. Apart from satisfying academic requirements, you should be in at least reasonably good physical health, capable of standing for extended time frames with the ability to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it typically necessary to position patients and move heavy equipment. Other helpful talents include technical proficiency, the ability to keep calm when confronted by an angry or anxious patient and the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Sonogram Technician Degree. However, as we have covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are looking at. This is the case whether you select an online degree or commute to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate questions so that you can evaluate each program, you can narrow down your alternatives until you are left with the best school for your education. And with the proper training, dedication and motivation to succeed, you can reach your objective to work as an ultrasound technologist in Palmdale CA.