How to Find the Right Ultrasound Technician Training Program near Woodstock Connecticut
Once you have decided to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Woodstock CT, the next step is to start the procedure of picking a college. To begin with, you have to find the ideal program that will provide the necessary training to become a qualified professional. And since 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 exam. So it’s very important that you investigate each school so that you can assess and compare your options. But just where does one start? A number of prospective students will start by searching for schools that are within commuting distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Certainly cost and location should be considered 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 internships. These and other qualifications will be discussed more in detail later in this article. But first, let’s go over what an ultrasound tech does and the credentials and online training options that are available.
Ultrasound Tech Work Description
There are several acceptable titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also called sonogram techs, diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers) and ultrasound technologists. No matter what their title is, they all have the same primary job function, which is to carry out diagnostic ultrasound techniques on patients. Although a number of techs work as generalists there are specializations within the profession, for example in pediatrics and cardiology. The majority work in Woodstock CT clinics, hospitals, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Typical daily job functions of an ultrasound technician may consist of:
- Keeping records of patient medical histories and details of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Prepping the ultrasound machines for usage and then sterilizing and recalibrating them
- Transferring patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
- Utilizing equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
- Evaluating results and determining need for further testing
Ultrasound techs must routinely evaluate the safety and performance of their equipment. They also must adhere to a high professional standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. So as to sustain that level of professionalism and remain up to date with medical knowledge, they are mandated to complete continuing education courses on a regular basis.
Ultrasound Technician Degrees Offered
Ultrasound technician students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will usually involve around 18 months to 2 years to accomplish depending on the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as long as 4 years to finalize. Another option for individuals 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 related medical sector, you can instead choose a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to complete. Something to keep in mind is that most ultrasound technician programs do have a practical training component as part of their course of study. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an internship program which many schools sponsor with Woodstock CT clinics and hospitals. After you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to fulfill the licensing or certification prerequisites in Connecticut or whatever state you choose to practice in.
Online Sonographer Degrees
As earlier discussed, virtually all ultrasound technician schools have a practical requirement to their programs. So while you can earn a certificate or degree online, a substantial part of the training will be either conducted in an on-campus lab or at an authorized off campus medical care provider. Clinical training can often be satisfied through an internship at a local Woodstock CT outpatient clinic, hospital or private practice. However the remainder of the training and classes may be attended online in your Woodstock home. This is especially convenient for those individuals that continue working while getting their degrees. Plus online colleges are many times more affordable than traditional alternatives. Expenses for study materials and commuting can be reduced as well. But similarly as with every ultrasound tech school you are looking at, verify that the online school you select 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 job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn away from the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then an online school may be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Ultrasound Technician Colleges
As soon as you have decided on the type of degree or certificate that you would like to obtain, you can start the procedure of assessing and comparing sonogram tech schools. You may first want to choose whether you will access classes online or commute to a school campus in the Woodstock CT area. Naturally location will be critical if you choose the latter, and the price of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualifier also. But there are other things that you should also take into consideration, for example if the schools are accredited and if they provide internships. So in order to carry out your due diligence so that you can arrive at your final selection, following are several questions that you need ask each sonography program before deciding.
Are the Ultrasound Technician Schools Accredited? Most ultrasound tech colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRC-DMS have gone through a rigorous review of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Woodstock CT employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level positions.
Are Internships Offered? Ask if the ultrasound tech programs you are reviewing have associations with Woodstock CT clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Woodstock medical community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the ultrasound tech schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Woodstock CT residence. Students who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually 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 Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are researching what the average teacher to student 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 several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound technician program also.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the ultrasound tech program you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Woodstock CT area, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.
Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Woodstock CT?
If you are considering a Sonography Tech School near Woodstock Connecticut, following is some interesting background information about the location of your new school campus.
Woodstock, Connecticut
In the mid-17th century, John Eliot, a Puritan missionary to the American Indians, established "praying towns" where Native Americans took up Christianity and were expected to renounce their religious ceremonies, traditional dress, and customs. One Praying town, called Wabaquasset (Senexet, Wabiquisset), six miles west of the Quinebaug River in present-day Woodstock, was the largest of the three northeastern Connecticut praying towns.
In 1675, when King Philip's War broke out, some of the town's Indians, (especially in the southern part of the town) sided with the Mohegans and the English while others sided with the Indians led by Philip, rallying to arms on what is now Curtis Island in present Holland, Massachusetts and Brimfield, Massachusetts. During the war, the Praying town became deserted, and the English with their Indian allies marched through Woodstock to present day Thompson in the summer of 1676 burning any crops or stored corn they could find.[2]
In 1682, Massachusetts bought a tract of land, which included Woodstock, from the Mohegans. A group of 13 men from Roxbury, Massachusetts (home of the Pastorate of Woodstock's earlier visitor, John Eliot), settled the town in 1686 and named it New Roxbury. Judge Samuel Sewall suggested the town change its name to Woodstock in 1690, citing its proximity to Oxford, Massachusetts, and in 1749 the town became part of Connecticut.[2] The present name is after Woodstock, in England.[3]
A farming town in the 18th century, Woodstock began attracting industry after the War of 1812. "By 1820, there were 2 distilleries, 2 wheel wrights, an oil mill, fulling mill, carding machines, grist mills, saw mills, a goldsmith, and twine and cotton batting operations. Woodstock Valley was known for its shoe factories," according to the history page at the Woodstock town government Web site.[2]
Find the Right Ultrasound Tech Online Course Woodstock CT
Enrolling in the right ultrasound tech degree or certificate program is a crucial first step to embarking on a fulfilling new profession delivering diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer schools require that you have a high school diploma or a GED. In addition to satisfying academic standards, you should be in at least reasonably good physical health, able to stand for prolonged time frames and able to regularly lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it often necessary to adjust patients and maneuver heavy equipment. Other beneficial talents include technical aptitude, the ability to keep collected 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 Ultrasound Tech Online Course. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are multiple questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing. 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 assess each school, you can narrow down your choices until you are left with the ideal program for your education. And with the right training, dedication and motivation to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as an ultrasound technologist in Woodstock CT.
Other Ultrasound Locations in Connecticut
Business Results 1 - 10 of 2
1 Reviews 
37 Reviews 