Colleges That Have Ultrasound Programs Edgewood MD - Become an Ultrasound Technician

How to Select the Right Ultrasound Tech Training Program near Edgewood Maryland

Edgewood MD ultrasound technician with patient Since you have made a decision to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Edgewood MD, it’s time to begin the process of selecting a college. To begin with, you have to find the right program that will furnish the necessary education to become a skilled professional. And given that a number of states do require that sonographers be either certified or licensed, depending on your residence 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 just where does one begin? A number of individuals will start by looking for schools that are within commuting distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Naturally cost and location should be taken into account when arriving at a decision, but there are other critical factors also. Such as, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they offer internship programs. These and other qualifications will be discussed more in detail later in this post. But to start with, let’s discuss what an ultrasound tech does and the credentials and online training programs that are offered.

Ultrasound Tech Job Description

Edgewood MD sonographer testing pregnant woman There are several professional titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also called sonogram techs, diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers) and ultrasound technologists. Regardless of name, they all have the same primary job description, which is to carry out diagnostic ultrasound testing on patients. Even though many practice as generalists there are specialties within the profession, for instance in cardiology and pediatrics. Most work in Edgewood MD hospitals, clinics, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Common daily job functions of an ultrasound technician may involve:

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

Sonographers must regularly assess the safety and performance of their machines. They also are held to a high professional 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 enroll in continuing education programs on an ongoing basis.

Sonogram Tech Degree Programs Offered

Edgewood MD ultrasound tech testing pregnant woman Ultrasound tech enrollees have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will typically involve about 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at up to 4 years to finalize. 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 field, you can enroll in a certificate program that will require just 12 to 18 months to finish. One thing to bear in mind is that almost all sonographer schools do have a clinical training component as a portion of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by taking part in an internship program which many schools sponsor with Edgewood MD hospitals and clinics. After you have graduated from one of the certificate or degree programs, you will then have to comply with the licensing or certification prerequisites in Maryland or whichever state you choose to work in.

Online Sonographer Programs

woman attending online sonography school in Edgewood MD As earlier discussed, nearly all ultrasound tech schools have a clinical requirement to their programs. So while you can earn a certificate or degree 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. Practical training can often be satisfied through an internship at a local Edgewood MD hospital, outpatient clinic or family practice. But the remainder of the classes and training may be accessed online in your Edgewood home. This is particularly convenient for those students that continue working while obtaining their degrees. In addition online schools are often less costly than on-campus alternatives. Costs for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But similarly as with every ultrasound tech school you are reviewing, make sure that the online program you ultimately pick is accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially important for certification, licensing 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 online classes may be the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask Sonography Programs

Questions to ask Edgewood MD ultrasound tech schools As soon as you have determined the type of certificate or degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of evaluating and comparing ultrasound tech colleges. You will first probably want to choose whether you will attend classes online or travel to a college campus in the Edgewood MD area. Naturally location will be critical if you select the latter, and the price of tuition undoubtedly will be an initial qualifier as well. But there are other variables that you must also take into consideration, for example if the colleges are accredited and if they sponsor internship programs. So in order to complete your due diligence so that you can make your ultimate selection, following are several questions that you may want to ask each sonography college prior to making a decision.

Are the Ultrasound Tech Programs Accredited? Most ultrasound technician colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to verify 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRC-DMS have gone through a rigorous examination of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. 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 help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Edgewood MD health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the sonogram tech colleges you are evaluating have associations with Edgewood MD clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Edgewood health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the sonographer programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Maryland healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will need to be within travelling distance of their Edgewood MD home. Those who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the sonogram technician program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the sonographer program you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Edgewood MD area, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Edgewood MD?

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

Edgewood, Maryland

Edgewood is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Harford County, Maryland, United States. The population was 25,562 at the 2010 census,[1] up from 23,378 at the 2000 census.

Edgewood is located in southwestern Harford County at 39°25′49″N 76°18′20″W / 39.43028°N 76.30556°W / 39.43028; -76.30556 (39.430275, -76.305555).[3] It is bordered to the west by Baltimore County, Joppatowne, to the north by Bel Air South, to the east by the Bush River, an arm of Chesapeake Bay, to the south by the Edgewood Arsenal portion of Aberdeen Proving Ground, and to the southwest by the tidal Gunpowder River, another arm of the Chesapeake.

Interstate 95 forms the northern border of the Edgewood CDP and provides access from Exit 74 (Maryland Route 152) and Exit 77 (Maryland Route 24). I-95 leads southwest 25 miles (40 km) to Baltimore and northeast 50 miles (80 km) to Wilmington, Delaware. U.S. Route 40 (Pulaski Highway) runs through the northern part of Edgewood, parallel to I-95. US 40 leads southwest 9 miles (14 km) to White Marsh and the same distance northeast to Aberdeen. Maryland Route 24 begins at an entrance to Aberdeen Proving Ground in the southern part of the CDP and leads 10 miles (16 km) north to Bel Air, the Harford County seat.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Edgewood CDP has a total area of 17.9 square miles (46.4 km2), of which 17.8 square miles (46.1 km2) are land and 0.2 square miles (0.4 km2), or 0.77%, are water.[1]

Find the Right Colleges That Have Ultrasound Programs Edgewood MD

Selecting the ideal ultrasound technician degree or certificate program is an important first step to commencing a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech schools require that you have a high school diploma or a GED. Apart from meeting academic standards, you need to be in at least reasonably good physical health, able to stand for extended durations and able to regularly lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to position patients and move heavy equipment. Additional desirable skills include technical proficiency, the ability to stay calm when faced with 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 Colleges That Have Ultrasound Programs. However, as we have addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are considering. This is true whether you choose an online program or drive to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the right questions so that you can evaluate each college, you can narrow down your choices until you are left with the best program for your education. And with the right training, dedication and motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as an ultrasound tech in Edgewood MD.