Ultrasound Diagnostic School Shelton CT - Become an Ultrasound Technician

How to Pick the Right Ultrasound Technician School near Shelton Connecticut

Shelton CT ultrasound technician with patient Once you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Shelton CT, it’s time to start the procedure of choosing a school. To begin with, you have to find the right program that will provide the necessary instruction to become a skilled professional. And given that some states do mandate that sonographers be either licensed or certified, depending on where you will practice you may also need to be prepared to pass a certification or licensing examination. So it’s very important that you research each college in order to evaluate and compare your options. But just where does one begin? Many individuals will start by searching for colleges that are within travelling distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Certainly cost and location need to be considered when making a decision, but there are additional significant factors also. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they sponsor internships. These and other qualifiers will be discussed more in detail later in this post. But first, let’s review what an ultrasound tech does and the credentials and online education options that are available.

Ultrasound Technician Job Summary

Shelton CT sonographer testing pregnant woman There are more than one acceptable titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also called sonogram techs, diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers) and ultrasound technologists. Regardless of name, they all have the same basic job function, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. Even though a number of techs practice as generalists there are specializations within the field, for example in pediatrics and cardiology. Most work in Shelton CT clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Routine daily job tasks of a sonogram technician can involve:

Keeping 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 cleaning and recalibrating them
Moving patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
Utilizing equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
Evaluating results and determining necessity for further testing

Ultrasound techs must regularly gauge the performance and safety of their equipment. They also must adhere to a high professional standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. So as to maintain that degree of professionalism and stay up to date with medical knowledge, they are mandated to complete continuing education programs on a regular basis.

Sonogram Tech Degrees Available

Shelton CT ultrasound tech testing pregnant woman Ultrasound tech students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will usually involve around 18 months to 2 years to finish dependent on the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at up to four years to complete. Another alternative for those who have already 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 relevant health field, you can instead choose a certificate program that will take just 12 to 18 months to finish. Something to consider is that the majority of ultrasound technician schools do have a clinical training component as part of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship program which many schools sponsor through Shelton CT hospitals and clinics. When you have graduated from one of the certificate or degree programs, you will then have to comply with the certification or licensing requirements in Connecticut or whichever state you choose to work in.

Ultrasound Tech Online Schools

woman attending online sonography school in Shelton CT As earlier discussed, nearly all sonogram technician schools have a practical component to their programs. So although you can obtain a certificate or degree online, a significant part of the training will be either held in an on campus laboratory or at an approved off campus facility. Practical training can typically be satisfied by means of an internship at a local Shelton CT hospital, outpatient clinic or private practice. But the balance of the training and classes can be accessed online in your Shelton home. This is particularly beneficial for those individuals that keep working while obtaining their degrees. In addition online programs are frequently less costly than traditional alternatives. Costs for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But similarly as with every sonography college you are reviewing, verify that the online program you enroll in 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 certification, licensing and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn outside of the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then an online school could be the ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask Sonogram Tech Colleges

Questions to ask Shelton CT ultrasound tech schools As soon as you have determined the type of degree or certificate that you would like to earn, you can begin the procedure of evaluating and comparing ultrasound technician colleges. You may first want to decide whether you will attend classes online or travel to a college campus in the Shelton CT area. Certainly location will be critical if you decide on the latter, and the cost of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualifier also. But there are additional things that you should also take into account, such as if the colleges are accredited and if they offer internship programs. So in order to complete your due diligence so that you can arrive at your final selection, following are several questions that you may want to ask each sonographer college before deciding.

Are the Sonogram Technician Schools Accredited? Most ultrasound tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school 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). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone a rigorous review of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged 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 assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Shelton CT employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the ultrasound technician colleges you are evaluating have associations with Shelton CT clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Shelton medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the sonographer programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Shelton CT home. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually 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.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the schools you are reviewing what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the sonogram tech program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the ultrasound tech school you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Shelton CT area, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Shelton CT?

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

Shelton, Connecticut

Shelton was settled by the English as part of the town of Stratford, Connecticut, in 1639. On May 15, 1656, the Court of the Colony of Connecticut in Hartford affirmed that the town of Stratford included all of the territory 12 miles (19 km) inland from Long Island Sound, between the Housatonic River and the Fairfield town line. In 1662, Stratford selectmen Lt. Joseph Judson, Captain Joseph Hawley and John Minor had secured all the written deeds of transfer from the Golden Hill Paugussett Indian Nation for this vast territory that comprises the present-day towns of Trumbull, Shelton and Monroe. Shelton was split off from Stratford in 1789, as Huntington (named for Samuel Huntington).[3][4] The current name originated in a manufacturing village started in the 1860s named for the Shelton Company founded by Edward N. Shelton—also founder of Ousatonic Water Power Company.[5][6][7][8] The rapidly growing borough of Shelton incorporated as a city in 1915 and was consolidated with the town of Huntington in 1919 establishing the present city of Shelton.[9][10]

Shelton was the site of one of the largest arson fires in the United States history. It happened in 1975 when the Sponge Rubber Products plant (formerly owned by B.F. Goodrich) was set on fire. Charles Moeller, president of parent company Grand Sheet Metal Products, was acquitted of criminal charges, but in a suit under civil law (where preponderance of evidence suffices to establish a factual claim), a jury found in 1988 the insurer was entitled to disallow claims on the fire losses, based on the finding that the company's top officials arranged the fire to claim insurance money. Eight others were convicted or pleaded guilty.[11]

The explosion that destroyed the Sponge Rubber Plant on Canal Street in 1975 marked the start of the decline of Shelton's industries. During the remainder of the 1970s and 1980s several firms that operated factories along the banks of the Housatonic River either went out of business or relocated to areas where labor and operating costs were cheaper.[12] In 1995, Sikorsky Aircraft closed a plant off Bridgeport Avenue that manufactured electrical components for helicopters.[citation needed]

With the completion of Route 8, new office spaces and businesses were attracted to the town, due to its Fairfield County location coupled with low costs of doing business as opposed to places such as Stamford or Greenwich. Major firms such as Tetley Tea, TIE Communication, I.T.T., Black and Decker, Sikorsky Aircraft, Gama Aviation, Chesebrough-Pond's, Tetra-Pak, General Electric, and Bunker Ramo.[12] Over 2,000,000 square feet (190,000 m2) of corporate office space spread across 12 buildings was constructed by the R.D. Scinto corporation alone.[13]

Find the Right Ultrasound Diagnostic School Shelton CT

Enrolling in the ideal sonographer degree or certificate program is a vital first step to launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech programs require that you have earned a high school diploma or a GED. Along with meeting academic requirements, you need to be in at least reasonably good physical health, capable of standing for lengthy durations with the ability to regularly lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to adjust patients and maneuver heavy equipment. Other helpful skills include technical proficiency, the ability to stay levelheaded when faced with an anxious or angry patient and the ability to converse in a clear and compassionate manner. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Ultrasound Diagnostic School. However, as we have addressed in this article, there are multiple questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at. This is true whether you select an online program or travel to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can assess each program, you will be able to narrow down your alternatives until you are left with the best program for your education. And with the right training, dedication and determination to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as an sonographer in Shelton CT.