How to Enroll in the Right Ultrasound Technician Degree Program near Lewiston Maine
Once you have decided to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Lewiston ME, it’s time to begin the process of choosing a college. First, you must find the right program that will furnish the necessary education to become a qualified professional. And because a number of states do require 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 examination. So it’s very important that you research each program in order to assess and compare your alternatives. But exactly where does one start? Many potential students will start by looking for colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Certainly cost and location must be considered when making a decision, but there are additional important factors as well. For instance, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they offer internship programs. These and other qualifiers will be addressed more in detail later in this article. But first, let’s go over what a sonogram tech does and the credentials and online education options that are available.
Sonographer Occupation Description
There are various professional titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also referred to as sonogram techs, diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers) and ultrasound technologists. Regardless of name, they all have the same primary job function, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound techniques on patients. Although many work as generalists there are specializations within the profession, for instance in cardiology and pediatrics. The majority work in Lewiston ME hospitals, clinics, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Common daily job functions of an ultrasound technician can consist of:
- Maintaining records of patient case histories and specifics of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Readying the ultrasound machines for use and then cleaning and re-calibrating them
- Transferring patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
- Using equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
- Reviewing the results and identifying need for further testing
Ultrasound techs must frequently gauge the performance and safety of their machines. They also are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. So as to sustain that degree of professionalism and remain current with medical knowledge, they are mandated to enroll in continuing education courses on a regular basis.
Ultrasound Technician Degree Programs Offered
Sonogram technician students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will usually require about 18 months to 2 years to finish dependent on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at up to four years to finish. Another option for individuals 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 sector, you can instead choose a certificate program that will require just 12 to 18 months to finish. One thing to bear in mind is that most sonographer programs do have a clinical training component as part of their curriculum. It often may be satisfied by taking part in an internship program which numerous colleges sponsor with Lewiston ME hospitals and clinics. When you have graduated from one of the certificate or degree programs, you will then need to satisfy the certification or licensing requirements in Maine or whichever state you decide to practice in.
Online Ultrasound Tech Degrees
As aforementioned, almost all ultrasound tech colleges have a practical requirement to their programs. So while you can receive a certificate or degree online, a significant portion of the training will be either carried out in an on campus lab or at an approved off-campus facility. Clinical training can typically be satisfied through an internship at a local Lewiston ME outpatient clinic, hospital or family practice. However the balance of the classes and training can be accessed online in your Lewiston home. This is especially convenient for those individuals that keep working while obtaining their degrees. In addition online programs are many times less expensive than on-campus alternatives. Expenses for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But similarly as with every ultrasound tech program you are reviewing, check that the online program you select is accredited. Among the most highly regarded 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 dedicated enough to learn away from the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online school may be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Ultrasound Technician Colleges
Once you have decided on which degree or certificate that you would like to obtain, you can start the procedure of evaluating and comparing ultrasound tech colleges. You will first probably want to choose whether you will attend classes online or travel to a school campus in the Lewiston ME area. Of course location will be important if you select the latter, and the price of tuition no doubt will be an initial qualifier as well. But there are other variables that you must also take into consideration, for instance if the programs are accredited and if they offer internships. So in order to complete your due diligence so that you can arrive at your final selection, below are some questions that you need ask each sonographer college before deciding.
Are the Ultrasound Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of sonogram technician colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to make sure that the school and program 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 assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations 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 obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Lewiston ME employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level positions.
Are Internships Offered? Ask if the ultrasound tech programs you are evaluating have partnerships with Lewiston ME hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Lewiston health care community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the sonographer schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Maine healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Lewiston ME residence. Those who have opted 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. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the colleges you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound tech program also.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the sonographer program you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Lewiston ME area, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family obligations.
Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Lewiston ME?
If you are considering a Sonography Tech School near Lewiston Maine, following is some interesting background information about the location of your new school campus.
Lewiston, Maine
Lewiston (/ˈluːɪstən/;[5] officially the City of Lewiston, Maine)[6] is the second largest city in Maine and the most central city in Androscoggin County.[7] The city borders the coastal sideways of the Gulf of Maine and is south of Augusta, the state's capital, and north of Portland, the cultural hub of Maine. It is one-half of the Lewiston-Auburn Metropolitan Statistical Area, commonly referred to as "L.A." or "L-A."[8] Lewiston exerts a significant impact upon the diversity, religious variety, commerce, education, and economic power of Maine. It is known for a relatively low cost of living, substantial access to medical care, and an extremely low violent-crime rate.[9][10] While the dominant language spoken in the city is English, it is home to the largest French-speaking population in the United States (by population) while it is second to St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, in percentage of speakers.[11][12][13]
The Lewiston area traces its roots to 1669 with the early presence of the Androscoggin tribe (the namesake of the county in which the city resides). In the late 18th century, the area slowly became populated by Quebec families and was incorporated as "Lewistown" in 1795.[14] The presence of the Androscoggin River and Lewistown Falls made the town an attractive area for manufacturing and hydro-power businesses. The rise of Boston rail and textile tycoon Benjamin Bates saw rapid economic growth rivaling that of Cambridge, Worcester, and Concord. The increase in economic stimulus prompted thousands of Quebecers to migrate, causing a population boom; the populace rose from 1,801 in 1840 to 21,701 in 1890. In 1855, local preacher Oren Burbank Cheney founded the Maine State Seminary, the first coeducational university in New England and one of the first universities to admit black students before the Emancipation Proclamation. Lewistown quickly became associated with the liberal arts and was incorporated as "Lewiston" in 1864, a year before the college was chartered as Bates College.
The city is home to the only basilica in Maine, Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul; 15 colleges and universities; 44 listings on the National Register of Historic Places; the Androscoggin Bank Colisée; the Stephens Observatory; the Olin Arts Center; the Bates College Museum of Art (BCMoA); and two significant general hospitals: Central Maine Medical Center and Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center.
The Lewiston area was formerly inhabited by peoples of the Androscoggin (or Arosaguntacook) tribe. The Androscoggins were a tribe of the Abenaki nation. Facing annihilation from English attacks and epidemics of new infectious diseases, the Androscoggins started to emigrate to Quebec circa 1669. They were driven out of the area in 1680, sometime after King Philip's War (1675-1676). The governor of New France allocated two seigneuries on the Saint Francis River which is now known as the Odanak Indian Reservation; and the second was founded near Bécancour and is called the Wolinak Indian Reservation.
Find the Right Colleges That Have Ultrasound Programs Lewiston ME
Choosing the ideal ultrasound technician degree or certificate program is a vital first step to initiating a gratifying new profession providing diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer schools require that you have a high school diploma or a GED. In addition to meeting academic standards, you must be in at least reasonably good physical condition, capable of standing for lengthy durations with the ability to regularly lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it typically necessary to position patients and move heavy machinery. Additional beneficial skills include technical proficiency, the ability to stay collected when faced with an angry or anxious patient and the ability to communicate in a clear and compassionate manner. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Colleges That Have Ultrasound Programs. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing. This is true whether you enroll in 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 alternatives until you are left with the best program for your education. And with the proper training, dedication and motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as an ultrasound tech in Lewiston ME.
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