Sonography Colleges Florham Park NJ - Become an Ultrasound Technician

How to Find the Right Ultrasound Technician School near Florham Park New Jersey

Florham Park NJ ultrasound technician with patient Once you have made a decision to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Florham Park NJ, the next step is to begin the process of picking a college. To begin with, you need to find the right program that will provide the appropriate education to become a qualified 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 preparation to pass a certification or licensing examination. So it’s extremely important that you investigate each program in order to evaluate and compare your options. But exactly where does one begin? Most prospective students will start by looking for schools that are within commuting distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Of course cost and location should be taken into account when arriving at a decision, but there are additional important factors also. Such as, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they sponsor internship programs. These and other qualifiers will be discussed more in depth later in this post. But to start with, let’s discuss what an ultrasound tech does and the degrees and online training options that are offered.

Ultrasound Tech Occupation Summary

Florham Park NJ sonographer testing pregnant woman There are more than one acceptable titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also called ultrasound technologists, sonogram techs, and diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers). Regardless of name, they all have the same primary job function, which is to perform diagnostic ultrasound testing on patients. Although many work as generalists there are specializations within the field, for example in pediatrics and cardiology. The majority practice in Florham Park NJ hospitals, clinics, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Typical daily work tasks of a sonogram tech may involve:

Maintaining records of patient medical histories and details 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
Escorting patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
Utilizing equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
Evaluating results and identifying necessity for further testing

Ultrasound techs must routinely assess the performance and safety of their machines. 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 stay current with medical knowledge, they are mandated to enroll in continuing education training on a regular basis.

Sonogram Technician Degrees Available

Florham Park NJ ultrasound tech testing pregnant woman Sonogram tech students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally involve around 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish. Another alternative for individuals who have previously earned 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 instead choose a certificate program that will require just 12 to 18 months to complete. One thing to keep in mind is that the majority of ultrasound technician programs do have a clinical training element as part of their curriculum. It often may be satisfied by participating in an internship program which numerous colleges organize through Florham Park NJ clinics and hospitals. After you have graduated from any of the certificate or degree programs, you will then have to fulfill the licensing or certification requirements in New Jersey or whichever state you choose to practice in.

Online Sonogram Tech Programs

woman attending online sonography school in Florham Park NJ As previously mentioned, nearly all sonogram technician schools have a practical requirement to their programs. So while you can earn a certificate or degree online, a significant portion of the training will be either held in an on campus lab or at a sponsored off-campus facility. Clinical training can often be fulfilled through an internship at a local Florham Park NJ hospital, outpatient clinic or private practice. But the remainder of the classes and training may be attended online in your Florham Park home. This is particularly beneficial for those individuals that continue working while getting their degrees. In addition online schools are many times more affordable than on campus alternatives. Expenses for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But similarly as with every sonography program you are reviewing, make sure that the online program you select is accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially important for certification, licensing and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to attend classes away from the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then online classes may be the right option for you.

What to Ask Sonogram Tech Schools

Questions to ask Florham Park NJ ultrasound tech schools When you have determined the type of degree or certificate that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of reviewing and comparing ultrasound technician colleges. You may first want to choose whether you will attend classes online or travel to a college campus in the Florham Park NJ area. Obviously location will be critical if you decide on the latter, and the price of tuition undoubtedly will be an initial qualification also. But there are additional variables that you should also take into account, for example if the schools are accredited and if they offer internship programs. Therefore in order to perform your due diligence so that you can make your ultimate selection, following are some questions that you may want to ask each sonography school before deciding.

Are the Sonogram Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of sonogram tech colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations 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 evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Florham Park NJ health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the ultrasound technician schools you are assessing have relationships with Florham Park NJ clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Florham Park healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the ultrasound tech schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with New Jersey healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will have to be within travelling distance of their Florham Park NJ home. Students who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to bear 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 may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound technician program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the ultrasound tech program you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Florham Park NJ area, confirm that they are available. 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, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Florham Park NJ?

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

Florham Park, New Jersey

Florham Park is a borough in Morris County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough's population was 11,696,[9][10][11] reflecting an increase of 2,839 (+32.1%) from the 8,857 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 336 (+3.9%) from the 8,521 counted in the 1990 Census.[20]

The National Football League's New York Jets relocated their main headquarters in 2008 to the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, located in Florham Park. The Jets relocated to Florham Park from their old facilities at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. The team holds its day-to-day operations during the year in Florham Park, while relocating during July and August to Cortland, NY for training camp. Florham Park beat out Berkeley Heights, Jersey City, Millburn, South Amboy, and Wood-Ridge, which had all been finalists contending to be the host of the new facility.[23]

The area that is now Florham Park was first settled by the English sometime between 1680 and 1700, and the community was long recognized as a prime farming area. The area was known for the manufacture of quality brooms, which was the source of one of its town names, Broomtown. Through its history, the area was known as Hoppingtown, Broomtown, Columbia, Afton, and finally Florham Park.[24] It was part of Hanover Township, then Chatham Township before being incorporated as Florham Park in 1899.[21]

Florence Adele Vanderbilt Twombly (1854–1952), granddaughter of Cornelius Vanderbilt, renowned as the richest man in America, and her husband, financier, Hamilton McKown Twombly, came to the Morris County countryside in 1887, joining over 100 other millionaires who owned sprawling country retreats. They fancied an English-style country mansion in a stately park setting. "Florham," built on 840 acres (3.4 km2), one of America's finest Gilded Age homes, was the result. The couple named their new estate "Florham," a combination of their first names, Florence and Hamilton. The second part to the name "Florham Park" received its name from a second mansion in town that was on about 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) of land situated where the current Brooklake Country Club is located. Owned by Dr. Leslie Ward — one of the founders of the Prudential Insurance Company and the first vice president of the company — it was named "Brooklake Park", partially because of the beautiful lake that was on the property.[25]

Find the Right Sonography Colleges Florham Park NJ

Picking the right ultrasound technician degree or certificate program is an important first step to starting a gratifying new profession providing diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer schools require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent. Along with meeting academic requirements, you should be in at least fairly good physical condition, capable of standing for lengthy time frames and able to regularly lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to position patients and move heavy machinery. Other preferred skills include technical proficiency, the ability to stay calm 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 Sonography Colleges. However, as we have covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are reviewing. This is true whether you select an online degree or commute to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate questions so that you can assess each program, you will be able to narrow down your alternatives until you are left with the best school for your education. And with the proper training, dedication and determination to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as an ultrasound technologist in Florham Park NJ.