Diagnostic Medical Sonography Online Scarborough ME

How to Enroll in the Right Ultrasound Tech School near Scarborough Maine

Scarborough ME ultrasound technician with patient Since you have decided to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Scarborough ME, it’s time to start the process of selecting a school. First, you must find the right program that will provide the proper education to become a skilled professional. And since some states do mandate that ultrasound techs 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 extremely important that you research each school in order to assess and compare your options. But exactly where does one start? Most potential students will start by searching for colleges that are within driving distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Certainly cost and location must be taken into account when making a decision, but there are other important factors also. For instance, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they provide internships. These and additional qualifiers 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 offered.

Ultrasound Tech Job Summary

Scarborough ME 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. Regardless of name, they all have the same basic job description, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound techniques on patients. Even though a number of techs work as generalists there are specializations within the field, for instance in cardiology and pediatrics. The majority work in Scarborough ME hospitals, clinics, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Typical daily work functions of an ultrasound technician can include:

Keeping records of patient case histories and details of each procedure
Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
Prepping the ultrasound machines for usage and then cleaning and recalibrating them
Moving patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
Utilizing equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
Assessing results and determining necessity for additional testing

Ultrasound techs must frequently assess the performance and safety of their equipment. They also are held to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. In order to sustain that degree of professionalism and remain current with medical knowledge, they are mandated to complete continuing education courses on an ongoing basis.

Ultrasound Technician Degree Programs Available

Scarborough ME 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 usually take around 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as long as four years to complete. Another option for those who have previously received a college degree is a post graduate certificate program. If you have received 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 require only 12 to 18 months to complete. One thing to consider is that the majority of ultrasound technician programs do have a clinical training component as a portion of their curriculum. It often may be fulfilled by participating in an internship program which numerous schools organize through Scarborough ME clinics and hospitals. After you have graduated from any of the certificate or degree programs, you will then have to comply with the certification or licensing requirements in Maine or whichever state you choose to practice in.

Sonographer Online Programs

woman attending online sonography school in Scarborough ME As earlier discussed, almost all ultrasound tech schools have a clinical component to their programs. So although you can receive a certificate or degree online, a substantial part of the training will be either carried out in an on-campus lab or at a sponsored off campus facility. Practical training can often be satisfied through an internship at a local Scarborough ME hospital, outpatient clinic or private practice. However the remainder of the classes and training can be accessed online in your Scarborough home. This is especially beneficial for those students that keep working while getting their degrees. Plus online programs are frequently more affordable than traditional options. Expenditures for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But similarly as with any sonographer program you are reviewing, confirm that the online program you choose is accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially crucial for licensing, certification and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to attend classes outside of the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online degree could be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask Ultrasound Technician Schools

Questions to ask Scarborough ME ultrasound tech schools Now that you have determined the type of certificate or degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of reviewing and comparing ultrasound technician colleges. You will first probably want to choose whether you will attend classes online or commute to a school campus in the Scarborough ME area. Clearly location will be critical if you decide on the latter, and the price of tuition no doubt will be an initial qualification also. But there are other factors that you should also take into account, such as if the schools are accredited and if they offer internships. So in order to carry out your due diligence so that you can make your final selection, following are some questions that you may want to ask each sonography program prior to making a decision.

Are the Sonogram Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of sonogram tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school 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 gone through a detailed review of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Scarborough ME employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the ultrasound tech programs you are evaluating have associations with Scarborough ME hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional connections in the Scarborough medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the sonographer programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Maine healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will have to be within commuting distance of their Scarborough 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 local internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to 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 small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the colleges you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the sonogram technician program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the sonographer school you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Scarborough ME area, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Scarborough ME?

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

Scarborough, Maine

Scarborough is a town in Cumberland County on the southern coast of the U.S. state of Maine. The town is a coastal resort area. Located about 7 miles (11 km) south of Portland, Scarborough is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. The population was 18,919 at the 2010 census.[4]

In about 1630, John Stratton opened a trading post on Stratton Island in Saco Bay off Scarborough's shore.[5] In 1631, the Plymouth Council for New England granted the "Black Point Patent" to Captain Thomas Cammock, nephew of the Earl of Warwick. Cammock built a house and began residence in 1635 on the 1,500-acre (6.1 km2) tract of land, which extended from the Spurwink River to Black Point - today this area is known as Prouts Neck.[5] However, he then sold his holdings and moved to the West Indies. Nevertheless, settlements developed at Black Point, Blue Point (i.e., Pine Point), Dunstan (i.e., West Scarborough) and Stratton Island.[5] By 1650, there were fifty homes.[5] The town offered excellent fishing and farming. On July 14, 1658, the Massachusetts General Court incorporated them all as Scarborough, named for Scarborough in Yorkshire, England.[6]

At the outbreak of King Philip's War in 1675, Scarborough was an important coastal settlement with over one hundred houses and one thousand head of cattle.[5] By 1676, the town had been laid to waste as a result of the war - some settlers were killed and others were taken hostage by the Native Americans.[5] Subsequently, Massachusetts sent soldiers accompanied by Indian allies in 1677 to secure the town for resettlement. On June 29, 1677, while pursuing some Indians sent as a ruse, the company was ambushed by warriors under Chief Squando. In the New England militia of nearly one hundred soldiers, fifty to sixty were left dead or mortally wounded. Among the casualties was Captain Benjamin Swett. Called the Battle at Moore's Brook, it was an embarrassing rout for the military. In 1681, a great fort was erected at Black Point. After several attempts to rebuild between guerrilla incursions during King William's War, the survivors evacuated in 1690 and moved south to Portsmouth, New Hampshire or Boston.[5]

A truce was signed in 1699 between the Province of Massachusetts Bay and the Eastern Indians. Resettlement of Scarborough started in 1702 when seven settlers arrived from Lynn, Massachusetts, and construction began on a fort located on the western shore of Prout's Neck's Garrison's Cove.[5] This fort was commanded by Captain John Larrabee.

Find the Right Diagnostic Medical Sonography Online Scarborough ME

Picking the right sonographer degree or certificate program is a crucial first step to launching a rewarding new profession delivering diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech 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, capable of standing for extended time frames with the ability to routinely lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it typically necessary to adjust patients and maneuver heavy machinery. Additional beneficial skills include technical aptitude, the ability to remain collected when confronted by an angry or anxious patient and the ability to converse clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Online. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are multiple questions that you should ask each program you are considering. This is true whether you choose an online degree or commute to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate questions so that you can evaluate each program, you will be able to narrow down your choices until you are left with the best school for your education. And with the proper training, discipline and motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as an ultrasound tech in Scarborough ME.