Ultrasound Degree Programs Fairfield CT - Become an Ultrasound Technician

How to Pick the Right Ultrasound Technician College near Fairfield Connecticut

Fairfield CT ultrasound technician with patient Once you have decided to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Fairfield CT, it’s time to start the procedure of selecting a college. To begin with, you must find the right program that will provide the necessary education to become a skilled professional. And since a number of 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 investigate each college so that you can evaluate and compare your choices. But just where does one start? Most prospective students will begin by looking for schools that are within driving distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Naturally cost and location need to be taken into account when making a decision, but there are additional significant factors as well. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they offer internship programs. These and additional qualifications will be discussed more in depth later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a sonogram tech does and the degrees and online education programs that are available.

Ultrasound Tech Job Description

Fairfield CT sonographer testing pregnant woman There are various acceptable 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 perform diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. Even though many work as generalists there are specialties within the field, for instance in pediatrics and cardiology. Most work in Fairfield CT clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Common daily work functions of a sonogram tech can involve:

Maintaining records of patient case histories and specifics of each procedure
Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
Prepping the ultrasound machines for use and then sterilizing and recalibrating them
Transferring patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
Using equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
Reviewing the results and determining need for supplemental testing

Sonographers must routinely gauge the safety and performance of their equipment. They also must adhere to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. In order to sustain that degree of professionalism and remain current with medical knowledge, they are mandated to enroll in continuing education training on an ongoing basis.

Ultrasound Technician Degree Programs Available

Fairfield CT ultrasound tech testing pregnant woman Ultrasound tech students have the opportunity to acquire either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will generally require about 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at up to 4 years to finalize. Another alternative for individuals who have previously obtained 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 related medical field, you can enroll in a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to finish. One thing to bear in mind is that almost all sonographer programs do have a practical training component as a portion of their curriculum. It often may be fulfilled by entering into an internship program which numerous schools set up through Fairfield CT clinics and hospitals. After you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then need to comply with the licensing or certification requirements in Connecticut or whichever state you decide to practice in.

Online Sonogram Tech Colleges

woman attending online sonography school in Fairfield CT As earlier discussed, virtually all ultrasound tech colleges have a practical component to their programs. So although you can receive a degree or certificate online, a significant portion of the training will be either carried out in an on campus lab or at a sponsored off campus medical care provider. Practical training can often be fulfilled by means of an internship at a local Fairfield CT hospital, outpatient clinic or family practice. However the balance of the training and classes can be accessed online in your Fairfield home. This is especially convenient for those individuals that keep working while obtaining their degrees. Plus online programs are frequently less costly than traditional options. Expenditures for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But similarly as with every ultrasound tech school you are considering, 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 especially important for licensing, certification and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to attend classes outside of the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online school could be the ideal choice for you.

Points to Ask Sonogram Tech Schools

Questions to ask Fairfield CT ultrasound tech schools When you have determined which certificate or degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the procedure of assessing and comparing ultrasound tech colleges. You may first want to decide whether you would rather attend classes online or commute to a school campus in the Fairfield CT area. Of course location will be important if you decide on the latter, and the cost of tuition no doubt will be an important qualification as well. But there are additional variables that you must also take into account, such as if the schools are accredited and if they provide internship programs. Therefore in order to carry out your due diligence so that you can make your ultimate selection, following are several questions that you may want to ask each ultrasound tech program prior to making a decision.

Are the Sonogram Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of sonogram tech colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to confirm 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Fairfield CT employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the sonogram tech programs you are interested in have partnerships with Fairfield CT hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to get hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Fairfield medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the ultrasound tech schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Fairfield CT residence. Those who have chosen 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 importance. One thing 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 may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

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

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the ultrasound tech college you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Fairfield CT area, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Fairfield CT?

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

Fairfield, Connecticut

Fairfield is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. It borders the city of Bridgeport and towns of Trumbull, Easton, Weston, and Westport along the Gold Coast of Connecticut. As of the 2010 census, the town had a population of 59,404.[4] In September 2014, Money magazine ranked Fairfield the 44th best place to live in the United States, and the best place to live in Connecticut.[5]

In 1635, Puritans and Congregationalists in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, were dissatisfied with the rate of Anglican reform, and sought to establish an ecclesiastical society subject to their own rules and regulations. The Massachusetts General Court granted them permission to settle in the towns of Windsor, Wethersfield, and Hartford which is an area now known as Connecticut.

On January 14, 1639, a set of legal and administrative regulations called the Fundamental Orders was adopted, and established Connecticut as a self-ruling entity. By 1639 these settlers had started new towns in the surrounding areas. Roger Ludlowe, framer of the Fundamental Orders, purchased the land presently called Fairfield, and established the name. The name "Fairfield" is commendatory.[6]

According to historian John M. Taylor: "Early in 1639 the General Court granted a commission to Ludlow to begin a plantation at Pequannocke. He was on that errand, with a few others from Windsor, afterwards joined by immigrants from Watertown and Concord. He stole a large tract of land from the Pequannocke sachems, - afterwards greatly enlarged by other purchases to the westward,- and recalling the attractive region beyond (Uncoa), which he had personally seen on the second Pequot expedition, he also “set down” there, having purchased the territory embraced in the present town of Fairfield, to which he gave its name."[7]

Find the Right Ultrasound Degree Programs Fairfield CT

Picking the right ultrasound tech degree or certificate program is an important first step to initiating a fulfilling new profession furnishing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech programs require that you have earned a high school diploma or a GED. In addition to meeting academic requirements, you must be in at least fairly good physical health, capable of standing for prolonged periods and able to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it typically necessary to adjust patients and maneuver heavy machines. Additional desirable talents include technical proficiency, the ability to remain levelheaded 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 Ultrasound Degree Programs. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are considering. This is true whether you select an online degree or commute to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can evaluate each college, you will be able to narrow down your options until you are left with the ideal school for your education. And with the proper training, dedication and determination to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as an ultrasound technologist in Fairfield CT.