Sonography Certificate Programs Wheeler Army Airfield HI

How to Pick the Right Ultrasound Tech School near Wheeler Army Airfield Hawaii

Wheeler Army Airfield HI ultrasound technician with patient Now that you have decided to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Wheeler Army Airfield HI, it’s time to start the procedure of choosing a college. First, you need to find the right program that will provide the necessary education to become a skilled professional. And because some states do require that ultrasound techs be either licensed or certified, depending on where you will practice you may also need to be prepared to pass a licensing or certification exam. So it’s very important that you investigate each program in order to assess and compare your alternatives. But just where does one begin? A number of students will begin by looking for schools that are within travelling distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Naturally location and cost should be considered when making a decision, but there are additional critical factors also. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they provide internships. These and other qualifiers will be covered more in depth later in this article. But first, let’s go over what an ultrasound tech does and the degrees and online training options that are offered.

Sonogram Tech Work Summary

Wheeler Army Airfield HI sonographer testing pregnant woman There are multiple professional 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 primary job description, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. Even though many practice as generalists there are specialties within the field, for instance in pediatrics and cardiology. Most work in Wheeler Army Airfield HI clinics, hospitals, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Standard daily work duties of an ultrasound tech can include:

Keeping records of patient case histories and details of each procedure
Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
Readying the ultrasound machines for testing and then cleaning and recalibrating 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 further testing

Ultrasound techs must regularly evaluate the performance and safety of their machines. They also are held to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. In order to maintain that level of professionalism and remain up to date with medical knowledge, they are mandated to complete continuing education courses on a regular basis.

Sonogram Tech Degree Programs Offered

Wheeler Army Airfield HI 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 typically require about 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as long as 4 years to complete. Another option for those who have previously obtained 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 field, you can enroll in a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to complete. Something to keep in mind is that most sonographer programs do have a clinical training component as part of their curriculum. It often may be fulfilled by taking part in an internship program which many schools sponsor with Wheeler Army Airfield HI hospitals and clinics. When you have graduated from one of the certificate or degree programs, you will then need to satisfy the licensing or certification prerequisites in Hawaii or whichever state you choose to practice in.

Online Ultrasound Tech Schools

woman attending online sonography school in Wheeler Army Airfield HI As previously mentioned, nearly all ultrasound tech colleges have a practical component to their programs. So although you can obtain a degree or certificate online, a significant portion 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 fulfilled by means of an internship at a local Wheeler Army Airfield HI outpatient clinic, hospital or family practice. But the rest of the training and classes may be attended online in your Wheeler Army Airfield home. This is especially beneficial for those individuals that keep working while obtaining their degrees. In addition online colleges are often less costly than on campus options. Expenditures for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But similarly as with every ultrasound tech college you are looking at, verify that the online school you choose is accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially significant for licensing, certification and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn away from the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.

Points to Ask Sonogram Tech Programs

Questions to ask Wheeler Army Airfield HI ultrasound tech schools As soon as you have decided on which degree or certificate that you would like to earn, you can initiate the procedure of evaluating and comparing ultrasound tech schools. You may first want to decide whether you would rather access classes online or travel to a college campus in the Wheeler Army Airfield HI area. Of course location will be critical if you choose the latter, and the cost of tuition no doubt will be an initial qualification also. But there are additional factors that you must also take into account, for example if the programs are accredited and if they offer internship programs. Therefore in order to carry out your due diligence so that you can make your ultimate selection, following are some questions that you need ask each sonography college prior to making a decision.

Are the Sonogram Tech Schools Accredited? Most ultrasound technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial 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). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone a rigorous assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations 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 help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Wheeler Army Airfield HI employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the sonogram technician schools you are evaluating have partnerships with Wheeler Army Airfield HI hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to receive hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Wheeler Army Airfield medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the ultrasound tech schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Hawaii healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they decide on will need to be within driving distance of their Wheeler Army Airfield HI residence. Students who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the schools you are considering what the typical 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 decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the sonogram technician program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the sonographer program you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Wheeler Army Airfield HI area, make sure that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Wheeler Army Airfield HI?

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

Wheeler Army Airfield

Wheeler Army Airfield (IATA: HHI, ICAO: PHHI, FAA LID: HHI), also known as Wheeler Field and formerly as Wheeler Air Force Base, is a United States Army post located in the City & County of Honolulu and in the Wahiawa District of the Island of O'ahu, Hawaii.[4][5] It is a National Historic Landmark for its role in the 7 December 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.[3]

Wheeler AAF comprises approximately 1,389 acres (5.62 km2) of land adjacent to Schofield Barracks and is home to a variety of Department of Defense activities including the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), the 169th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron (169 ACWS) of the Hawaii Air National Guard, the 193rd Aviation Regiment (Medium Lift), Detachment 55 Operational Support Airlift (Det 55 OSA) of the Hawaii Army National Guard, the Regular Army's 25th Infantry Division's Combat Aviation Brigade, and Trial Defense Service-Hawaii.[6][7]

On 6 February 1922, a detachment of 20 enlisted men from Luke Field, proceeded to Schofield Barracks, under Lieutenant William T. Agee, to clear the flying field on the grounds of the former 17th Cavalry Regiment drill grounds and construct housing for the divisional air service. Two canvas hangars were erected and the field cleared of weeds, guava and algaroba trees. Thus Wheeler Field got its modest start. It was named Wheeler Field on 11 November 1922 in honor of Major Sheldon H. Wheeler, former commander of Luke Field on Ford Island, killed in the crash of DH-4B, AAS Ser. No. 63525 on 13 July 1921.[8]

In June 1923, 13 months after the designation of the new flying field, shop hangars, airplane hangars, and oil storage tanks were erected. In 1927, one of the wooden shop hangars was remodeled to provide space for a barracks and a mess hall incident to the formation of a pursuit group. It was not until 1930 that any permanent construction was started. Many different units were originally stationed at Wheeler Field. The first units of the Schofield Barracks divisional airdrome were the 4th Observation Squadron, Photo Section No. 11 and Branch Intelligence Office No. 11.

Find the Right Sonography Certificate Programs Wheeler Army Airfield HI

Enrolling in the right ultrasound tech certificate or degree program is a vital first step to starting a fulfilling new profession furnishing diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer schools require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent. Apart from satisfying academic standards, you must be in at least fairly good physical health, capable of standing for extended time frames and able to regularly lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to position patients and maneuver heavy equipment. Additional desirable skills include technical proficiency, the ability to stay 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 Sonography Certificate Programs. However, as we have addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at. This is the case whether you select an online program or commute to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate 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 right training, discipline and determination to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as an ultrasound technologist in Wheeler Army Airfield HI.