Medical Sonography Programs Old Greenwich CT - Become an Ultrasound Technician

How to Select the Right Ultrasound Technician School near Old Greenwich Connecticut

Old Greenwich CT ultrasound technician with patient Now that you have decided to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Old Greenwich CT, the next step is to start the procedure of selecting a college. To begin with, you have to find the ideal program that will furnish the necessary training to become a skilled professional. And since a number of states do mandate that sonographers be either certified or licensed, depending on where you will practice you may also need to be prepared 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 exactly where does one begin? A number of prospective students will begin by searching for schools that are within commuting distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Naturally cost and location should be considered when making a decision, but there are additional important factors also. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they provide internship programs. These and additional qualifiers will be addressed more in detail later in this post. But to start with, let’s discuss what an ultrasound tech does and the degrees and online training options that are available.

Sonographer Work Description

Old Greenwich CT sonographer testing pregnant woman There are several 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 primary job description, which is to perform diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. Even though many work as generalists there are specializations within the field, for instance in pediatrics and cardiology. Most work in Old Greenwich CT hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Routine daily work functions of a sonogram technician can involve:

Maintaining 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 sterilizing and re-calibrating them
Escorting patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
Operating equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
Assessing results and identifying need for supplemental testing

Ultrasound techs must routinely evaluate the performance and safety of their machines. They also must adhere to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. So as to maintain that degree of professionalism and stay current with medical knowledge, they are mandated to enroll in continuing education training on an ongoing basis.

Ultrasound Technician Degree Programs Available

Old Greenwich CT 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 generally involve about 18 months to 2 years to accomplish based upon the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as long as 4 years to complete. Another alternative for individuals who have already 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 field, you can enroll in a certificate program that will take just 12 to 18 months to finish. Something to consider is that almost all sonographer colleges do have a clinical training component as a portion of their course of study. It often may be fulfilled by participating in an internship program which numerous schools sponsor with Old Greenwich CT clinics and hospitals. After you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then need to fulfill the licensing or certification requirements in Connecticut or whatever state you choose to practice in.

Online Ultrasound Technician Schools

woman attending online sonography school in Old Greenwich CT As aforementioned, virtually all sonogram tech schools have a practical requirement to their programs. So although you can earn a degree or certificate online, a substantial part of the training will be either carried out in an on campus laboratory or at a sponsored off campus medical care provider. Clinical training can typically be satisfied through an internship at a local Old Greenwich CT outpatient clinic, hospital or private practice. But the balance of the training and classes may be attended online in your Old Greenwich home. This is especially convenient for those individuals that keep working while earning their degrees. In addition online programs are many times less expensive than on campus options. Expenses for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just as with every sonography college you are looking at, check that the online school you ultimately pick is accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly significant for licensing, certification and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to attend classes outside of the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then an online school could be the ideal choice for you.

Questions to Ask Sonography Schools

Questions to ask Old Greenwich CT ultrasound tech schools After you have decided on the type of certificate or degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of assessing and comparing ultrasound tech colleges. You will first probably want to choose whether you will access classes online or travel to a school campus in the Old Greenwich CT area. Naturally location will be significant if you select the latter, and the price of tuition no doubt will be an initial qualification also. But there are additional factors that you should also take into account, such as if the colleges are accredited and if they sponsor internship programs. So in order to complete your due diligence so that you can arrive at your final selection, following are some questions that you need ask each ultrasound tech program before deciding.

Are the Sonogram Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of sonogram tech schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to confirm 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). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone an extensive evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Old Greenwich CT health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the sonogram technician colleges you are reviewing have associations with Old Greenwich CT hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Old Greenwich healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the ultrasound tech schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they choose will need to be within travelling distance of their Old Greenwich CT residence. Individuals who have opted 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. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the schools you are looking at what the average 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 determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the ultrasound tech program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the sonographer school you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Old Greenwich CT area, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Old Greenwich CT?

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

Greenwich, Connecticut

Greenwich /ˈɡrɛnɪtʃ/ is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States.[1] As of the 2010 census, the town had a total population of 61,171.[2] It is the 10th largest municipality in Connecticut, and the largest that functions as a town (the remaining largest municipalities in the state function as cities).

The largest town on Connecticut's Gold Coast, Greenwich is home to many hedge funds and other financial service firms. Greenwich is the southernmost and westernmost municipality in Connecticut as well as in the six-state region of New England. It is roughly 40 to 50 minutes by train from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan.[3]CNN/Money and Money magazine ranked Greenwich 12th on its list of the "100 Best Places to Live in the United States" in 2005.[4] The town is named after Greenwich, a Royal borough of London in the United Kingdom.[5]

The town of Greenwich was settled in 1640.[6] One of the founders was Elizabeth Fones Winthrop, daughter-in-law of John Winthrop, founder and Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. What is now called Greenwich Point was known for much of the area's early history as "Elizabeth's Neck" in recognition of Elizabeth Fones and their 1640 purchase of the Point and much of the area now known as Old Greenwich.[7] Greenwich was declared a township by the General Assembly in Hartford on May 11, 1665.[8]

For many years, Greenwich Point (locally termed "Tod's Point"), was open only to town residents and their guests. However, a lawyer sued, saying his rights to freedom of assembly were threatened because he was not allowed to go there. The lower courts disagreed, but the Supreme Court of Connecticut agreed, and Greenwich was forced to amend its beach access policy to all four beaches in 2001.[11]

Find the Right Medical Sonography Programs Old Greenwich CT

Selecting the right ultrasound tech degree or certificate program is an important first step to commencing a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer colleges require that you have earned a high school diploma or a GED. Apart from meeting academic standards, you should be in at least fairly good physical health, able to stand for prolonged periods and able to routinely lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to adjust patients and maneuver heavy machinery. Additional desirable talents include technical proficiency, the ability to keep calm when confronted by an anxious or angry patient and the ability to communicate in a clear and compassionate manner. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Medical Sonography Programs. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at. This is the case whether you select an online program or travel to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the right questions so that you can assess each school, you will be able to narrow down your choices until you are left with the best program for your education. And with the proper training, discipline and determination to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as an ultrasound technologist in Old Greenwich CT.