Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Schooling Atlanta GA

How to Find the Right Ultrasound Tech School near Atlanta Georgia

Atlanta GA ultrasound technician with patient Since you have decided to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Atlanta GA, it’s time to start the process of selecting a college. To begin with, you have to find the ideal program that will furnish the necessary education to become a qualified professional. And given that a number of states do require that ultrasound techs be either certified or licensed, depending on where you will practice you may also need preparation to pass a licensing or certification examination. So it’s very important that you research each college in order to evaluate and compare your options. But exactly where does one begin? A number of prospective students will begin by searching for schools that are within driving distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Of course cost and location should be considered when making a decision, but there are other significant factors as well. For instance, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they provide internships. These and other qualifiers will be addressed more in depth later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a sonogram tech does and the degrees and online education options that are offered.

Ultrasound Tech Work Summary

Atlanta GA sonographer testing pregnant woman There are multiple acceptable titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also referred to as sonogram techs, diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers) and ultrasound technologists. No matter what their title is, they all have the same basic job function, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. While a number of techs work as generalists there are specializations within the profession, for example in pediatrics and cardiology. The majority practice in Atlanta GA clinics, hospitals, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Typical daily work duties of an ultrasound tech may involve:

Keeping records of patient medical histories and specifics of each procedure
Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
Readying the ultrasound machines for use and then sterilizing and re-calibrating them
Transferring patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
Utilizing equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
Assessing results and identifying need for additional testing

Ultrasound techs must frequently gauge the safety and performance of their equipment. They also are held to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. So as to maintain that degree of professionalism and stay up to date with medical knowledge, they are required to complete continuing education programs on an ongoing basis.

Ultrasound Tech Degree Programs Offered

Atlanta GA ultrasound tech testing pregnant woman Ultrasound tech students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will generally require around 18 months to 2 years to accomplish dependent on the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at up to 4 years to finish. Another alternative 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 relevant medical sector, you can instead choose a certificate program that will require just 12 to 18 months to finish. Something to bear in mind is that almost all sonographer colleges do have a clinical training component as part of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by taking part in an internship program which numerous colleges organize with Atlanta GA clinics and hospitals. After you have graduated from one of the certificate or degree programs, you will then have to comply with the licensing or certification requirements in Georgia or whichever state you elect to work in.

Online Sonogram Tech Schools

woman attending online sonography school in Atlanta GA As previously mentioned, almost all sonogram tech colleges have a practical requirement to their programs. So although you can receive a certificate or degree online, a substantial 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 fulfilled by means of an internship at a local Atlanta GA outpatient clinic, hospital or private practice. But the remainder of the classes and training may be attended online in your Atlanta home. This is particularly beneficial for those individuals that continue working while earning their degrees. In addition online programs are often less costly than traditional alternatives. Expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But similarly as with any sonography school you are considering, check that the online school you choose is accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly important 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 online classes could be the ideal choice for you.

Questions to Ask Sonography Programs

Questions to ask Atlanta GA ultrasound tech schools When you have determined the type of certificate or degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the procedure of evaluating and comparing sonogram technician schools. You may first want to decide whether you would rather access classes online or travel to a school campus in the Atlanta GA area. Of course location will be important if you choose the latter, and the price of tuition no doubt will be an initial qualifier as well. But there are additional things that you should also take into account, for example if the programs are accredited and if they offer internships. Therefore in order to complete your due diligence so that you can arrive at your final selection, following are a few questions that you need ask each sonography program prior to making a decision.

Are the Ultrasound Tech Schools Accredited? Most ultrasound tech colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected 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 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 recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Atlanta GA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the sonogram tech colleges you are interested in have associations with Atlanta GA hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Atlanta healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the ultrasound tech schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Georgia healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Atlanta GA home. Students who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the schools you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the sonogram tech program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the sonographer school you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Atlanta GA area, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Atlanta GA?

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

Atlanta

Atlanta (/ætˈlæntə/) is the capital of, and the most populous city in, the U.S. state of Georgia. With an estimated 2017 population of 486,290,[13] it is also the 39th most-populous city in the United States. The city serves as the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, home to 5.8 million people and the ninth-largest metropolitan area in the nation.[7] Atlanta is the seat of Fulton County, the most populous county in Georgia. A small portion of the city extends eastward into neighboring DeKalb County.

Atlanta was founded as a transportation hub at the intersection of two railroad lines in 1837. After being mostly burned to the ground during the American Civil War, the city rose from its ashes to become a national center of commerce and the unofficial capital of the "New South". During the 1950s and 1960s, Atlanta became a major organizing center of the civil rights movement, with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ralph David Abernathy, and many other locals playing major roles in the movement's leadership. In the decades following, the city earned a reputation as "too busy to hate" for the relatively progressive views of its citizens and leaders compared to other cities in the "Deep South".[14] During the modern era, Atlanta has attained international prominence as a major air transportation hub, with Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport being the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic since 1998.[15][16][17][18]

Atlanta is rated as a "beta(+)" world city that exerts a moderate impact on global commerce, finance, research, technology, education, media, art, and entertainment.[19] It ranks in the top twenty among world cities and 10th in the nation with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $385 billion.[20][21] Atlanta's economy is considered diverse, with dominant sectors that include transportation, logistics, professional and business services, media operations, medical services, and information technology.[22] Atlanta has topographic features that include rolling hills and dense tree coverage, earning it the nickname of "the city in a forest."[23]Revitalization of Atlanta's neighborhoods, initially spurred by the 1996 Summer Olympics, has intensified in the 21st century, altering the city's demographics, politics, and culture.[24][25]

Prior to the arrival of European settlers in north Georgia, Creek Indians inhabited the area.[26]Standing Peachtree, a Creek village located where Peachtree Creek flows into the Chattahoochee River, was the closest Indian settlement to what is now Atlanta.[27] As part of the systematic removal of Native Americans from northern Georgia from 1802 to 1825,[28] the Creek were forced to leave the area in 1821,[29] and white settlers arrived the following year.[30]

Find the Right Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Schooling Atlanta GA

Selecting the right ultrasound technician degree or certificate program is an important first step to commencing a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer schools require that you have earned a high school diploma or a GED. Apart from meeting academic requirements, you must be in at least fairly good physical health, able to stand for lengthy time frames with the ability to routinely lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to position patients and maneuver heavy machinery. Additional helpful talents include technical aptitude, the ability to remain 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 Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Schooling. However, as we have covered in this post, there are multiple questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing. This holds true whether you select an online degree or travel to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the right questions so that you can compare each program, you will be able to narrow down your alternatives until you are left with the ideal school 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 Atlanta GA.