Sonographer Ultrasound Technician Colleges Essex CT

How to Pick the Right Ultrasound Tech College near Essex Connecticut

Essex CT ultrasound technician with patientSince you have decided to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Essex CT, the next step is to start the procedure of choosing a school. To begin with, you need to find the right program that will furnish the appropriate instruction to become a skilled professional. And since some states do require that sonographers be either certified or licensed, 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 program so that you can evaluate and compare your options. But exactly where does one begin? Most potential students will begin by searching for colleges that are within driving distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Naturally cost and location need to be considered when making a decision, but there are other important factors also. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they sponsor internship programs. These and other qualifiers will be discussed more in depth later in this article. But to start with, let’s review what an ultrasound tech does and the credentials and online training programs that are available.

Sonographer Occupation Description

Essex CT sonographer testing pregnant womanThere are more than one 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 primary job description, which is to carry out diagnostic ultrasound techniques on patients. Even though many practice as generalists there are specializations within the profession, for example in cardiology and pediatrics. The majority practice in Essex CT hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Routine daily job functions of an ultrasound technician may consist of:

  • Keeping records of patient case histories and details of each procedure
  • Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
  • Preparing the ultrasound machines for usage and then cleaning and recalibrating them
  • Moving patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
  • Using equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
  • Evaluating results and determining need for additional testing

Sonographers must frequently assess the performance and safety of their equipment. They also are held to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. So as to maintain that level of professionalism and remain up to date with medical knowledge, they are mandated to enroll in continuing education training on a regular basis.

Ultrasound Technician Degree Programs Offered

Essex CT ultrasound tech testing pregnant womanSonogram technician students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally take around 18 months to 2 years to accomplish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at as long as 4 years to complete. Another option for those who have previously received 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 just 12 to 18 months to finish. One thing to bear in mind is that almost all sonographer schools do have a clinical training component as a portion of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by participating in an internship program which many schools set up through Essex CT clinics and hospitals. Once you have graduated from any of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to satisfy the licensing or certification requirements in Connecticut or whatever state you choose to practice in.

Ultrasound Tech Online Schools

woman attending online sonography school in Essex CTAs aforementioned, almost all sonogram technician schools have a clinical component to their programs. So while you can earn a certificate or degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be either carried out in an on-campus lab or at an approved off campus facility. Clinical training can typically be satisfied by means of an internship at a local Essex CT hospital, outpatient clinic or private practice. However the balance of the training and classes may be accessed online in your Essex home. This is particularly convenient for those individuals that keep working while earning their degrees. In addition online colleges are frequently less costly than on-campus options. Expenses for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But similarly as with every sonography school you are reviewing, confirm that the online school you ultimately pick is accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly important for licensing, certification and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to attend classes outside of the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask Sonogram Tech Colleges

Questions to ask Essex CT ultrasound tech schoolsAs soon as you have determined which degree or certificate that you would like to earn, you can start the process of reviewing and comparing ultrasound technician schools. You may first want to decide whether you will attend classes online or travel to a school campus in the Essex CT area. Certainly location will be significant if you select the latter, and the cost of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualification also. But there are additional factors that you must also take into consideration, such as if the programs are accredited and if they provide internship programs. So in order to perform your due diligence so that you can make your ultimate selection, below are several questions that you may want to ask each sonographer program prior to making a decision.

Are the Ultrasound Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of ultrasound tech colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of sonography is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone a detailed examination of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online 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 superior education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Essex CT health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the sonogram tech colleges you are evaluating have partnerships with Essex CT hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Essex medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the sonographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their Essex CT home. Those who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the colleges you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the ultrasound tech program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the ultrasound tech  college you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Essex CT area, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, ask 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 Essex CT?

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

Essex, Connecticut

Essex is one of the few American towns to ever be attacked by a foreign power; this occurred on April 8, 1814, and the economic losses were among the largest sustained by the United States during the War of 1812. 28 vessels, with a total value estimated to be close to $200,000 (at a time when a very large two story home in Essex, then known as Potapoug Point, would have been worth no more than $1,000), were destroyed by the British.[1] One historian has called it the "Pearl Harbor" of that war.[2]

On that date, approximately 136 British marines and sailors under the command of Richard Coote[1][3] (or Coot[2]) rowed 6 boats from four British warships (the Hogue, Endymion, Maidstone and Borer) anchored in Long Island Sound, 6 miles up the Connecticut River, past the unmanned fort in Old Saybrook, arriving at the boat launch at the foot of Main Street in Essex close to 4 A.M. The boats were armed with swivel guns loaded with grapeshot, the officers armed with swords and pistols, the marines with "Brown Bess" muskets, and the sailors with torches and axes; they responded to the single cannon fired by the town's surprised defenders with a massive volley, neither side incurring any casualties. They quickly commandeered the town, eliciting a promise of no resistance from the Essex militia in return for promising not to harm the townspeople or burn their homes, while a messenger rode to Fort Trumbull in New London for help. A dubious local myth states that Coote did not burn the town as a favor to a local merchant who greeted him with a secret Masonic handshake.[2]

The British marched to the Bushnell Tavern (now the Griswold Inn), then seized the town's stores of rope (each ship of that time requiring 8 miles of rope) and, according to the April 19, 1814 Hartford Courant, "$100,000 or upwards" worth of rum (acquired from the East Indies in trade for beef and wood from Connecticut).[2]

Their main targets, however, were the newly constructed privateers in the harbor, ready or nearly ready for sail, which they burned. Within 6 hours, their mission was accomplished, and The British went downstream with two captured ships in tow, including the Black Prince, a vessel that may well have primarily inspired the raid.[1] Stranded in the river by low tide, they were forced to wait at the extreme range of the shots of the volunteers from the nearby town of Killingworth who lined the riverbanks; 2 marines were killed and the captured ships had to be destroyed, but the rest of the men escaped safely when the tide turned.[1][2]

Find the Right Sonographer Ultrasound Technician Colleges Essex CT

Choosing the ideal sonographer certificate or degree program is a vital first step to commencing a gratifying new profession providing diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer programs require that you have earned a high school diploma or a GED. Apart from meeting academic standards, you must be in at least reasonably good physical condition, capable of standing for prolonged periods with the ability to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to adjust patients and maneuver heavy machines. Other desirable talents include technical aptitude, the ability to remain collected 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 Sonographer Ultrasound Technician Colleges.  However, as we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are looking at. This holds true whether you enroll in an online degree or travel to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate questions so that you can compare each school, you will be able to narrow down your options until you are left with the ideal program for your education. And with the proper training, dedication and determination to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as an ultrasound technologist in Essex CT.

Other Ultrasound Locations in Connecticut

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