Ultra Sound Tech Degree Beltsville MD - Become an Ultrasound Technician

How to Find the Right Ultrasound Tech College near Beltsville Maryland

Beltsville MD ultrasound technician with patient Now that you have decided to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Beltsville MD, the next step is to start the process of selecting a school. To begin with, you have to find the right program that will furnish the necessary instruction to become a skilled 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 to be prepared to pass a certification or licensing exam. So it’s extremely important that you investigate each college so that you can evaluate and compare your alternatives. But exactly where does one begin? A number of individuals will start by searching for schools that are within driving distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Certainly location and cost should be taken into account when arriving at a decision, but there are other significant factors also. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they provide internships. These and other qualifications will be discussed more in detail later in this post. But first, let’s go over what an ultrasound tech does and the credentials and online training programs that are available.

Ultrasound Technician Work Summary

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

Maintaining records of patient case histories and details of each procedure
Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
Preparing the ultrasound machines for testing and then cleaning and re-calibrating them
Transferring patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
Operating equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
Assessing results and determining need for additional testing

Ultrasound techs must routinely evaluate the safety and performance of their equipment. They also must adhere to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. In order to sustain that degree of professionalism and stay current with medical knowledge, they are required to enroll in continuing education training on an ongoing basis.

Sonogram Tech Degrees Available

Beltsville MD ultrasound tech testing pregnant woman Sonogram technician enrollees have the choice to acquire either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will typically take around 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete. Another option for individuals 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 sector, you can instead choose a certificate program that will take just 12 to 18 months to complete. Something to keep in mind is that almost all sonographer programs do have a practical training component as a portion of their course of study. It often may be satisfied by participating in an internship program which many schools sponsor through Beltsville MD clinics and hospitals. Once you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then need to satisfy the certification or licensing prerequisites in Maryland or whatever state you elect to practice in.

Ultrasound Technician Online Degrees

woman attending online sonography school in Beltsville MD As earlier discussed, almost all sonogram tech schools have a practical requirement to their programs. So while you can obtain a degree or certificate online, a substantial portion of the training will be either carried out in an on campus laboratory or at a sponsored off-campus facility. Clinical training can typically be satisfied by means of an internship at a local Beltsville MD outpatient clinic, hospital or family practice. However the rest of the classes and training can be attended online in your Beltsville home. This is especially convenient for those individuals that continue working while earning their degrees. Plus online programs are frequently less costly than on campus alternatives. Expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But just as with every ultrasound tech program you are reviewing, 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 especially crucial for certification, licensing and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to attend classes away from the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then online classes may be the ideal choice for you.

Points to Ask Sonography Programs

Questions to ask Beltsville MD ultrasound tech schools As soon as you have determined the type of degree or certificate that you would like to obtain, you can begin the procedure of assessing and comparing ultrasound technician colleges. You will first probably want to decide whether you will access classes online or travel to a college campus in the Beltsville MD area. Clearly location will be important if you select the latter, and the price of tuition no doubt will be an initial qualification as well. But there are additional variables that you must also take into account, such as 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 ultimate selection, following are some questions that you need ask each ultrasound tech program prior to making a decision.

Are the Ultrasound Tech Programs Accredited? Most ultrasound tech schools have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm 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 earning accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone a detailed examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online 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 quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Beltsville MD employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the sonogram technician schools you are assessing have partnerships with Beltsville MD hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to get hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Beltsville health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the ultrasound tech schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Maryland healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they decide on will need to be within commuting distance of their Beltsville MD home. Those who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? 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 likely want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the colleges you are looking at 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 decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the ultrasound technician program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the ultrasound tech program you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Beltsville MD area, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Beltsville MD?

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

Beltsville, Maryland

Beltsville is a census-designated place (CDP) in northern Prince George's County, Maryland, United States.[1] The community was named for Truman Belt, a local landowner. The population was 16,772 at the 2010 census.[2] Beltsville includes the unincorporated community of Vansville.[3]

Beltsville is located at 39°2′15″N 76°55′4″W / 39.03750°N 76.91778°W / 39.03750; -76.91778 (39.037509, −76.917847),[4] adjacent to the Montgomery County – Prince George's County line. It is about 7 miles (11 km) northeast of the Maryland border with Washington, D.C.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Beltsville has a total area of 7.2 square miles (18.6 km2), of which 7.1 square miles (18.5 km2) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km2), or 0.38%, is water.[5]

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Beltsville has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[6]

Find the Right Ultra Sound Tech Degree Beltsville MD

Choosing the ideal ultrasound technician degree or certificate program is an important first step to commencing a fulfilling new career delivering diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer colleges require that you have a high school diploma or a GED. In addition to meeting academic requirements, you should be in at least reasonably good physical health, capable of standing for extended periods with the ability to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it typically necessary to adjust patients and move heavy machinery. Other beneficial talents include technical aptitude, the ability to keep collected when faced with an anxious or angry patient and the ability to converse in a clear and compassionate manner. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Ultra Sound Tech Degree. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are multiple questions that you need to ask each college you are considering. This holds true whether you choose an online degree or travel to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the right questions so that you can evaluate each school, you will be able to narrow down your alternatives until you are left with the best school for your education. And with the right training, dedication and determination to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as an ultrasound technologist in Beltsville MD.