Ultrasound Programs Armonk NY - Become an Ultrasound Technician

How to Pick the Right Ultrasound Technician Degree Program near Armonk New York

Armonk NY ultrasound technician with patient Since you have decided to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Armonk NY, it’s time to begin the procedure of picking a school. To begin with, you have to find the ideal program that will provide the proper instruction to become a qualified professional. And because some states do require that sonographers be either licensed or certified, depending on your residence you may also need preparation to pass a certification or licensing examination. So it’s very important that you investigate each college so that you can evaluate and compare your options. But just where does one begin? Most individuals will start by searching for schools that are within travelling distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Of course location and cost should be considered when arriving at a decision, but there are other critical factors as well. Such as, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they offer internships. These and additional qualifiers will be covered more in detail later in this article. But to start with, let’s go over what a sonogram tech does and the credentials and online education options that are offered.

Sonogram Tech Work Description

Armonk NY sonographer testing pregnant woman There are several acceptable titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also referred to as sonogram techs, diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers) and ultrasound technologists. No matter what their title is, they all have the same basic job description, which is to carry out diagnostic ultrasound testing on patients. Even though a number of techs work as generalists there are specialties within the profession, for example in pediatrics and cardiology. Most work in Armonk NY clinics, hospitals, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Standard daily job tasks of a sonogram tech may involve:

Maintaining records of patient medical histories and specifics of each procedure
Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
Preparing the ultrasound machines for use and then sterilizing and re-calibrating them
Transferring patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
Utilizing equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
Reviewing the results and identifying necessity for supplemental testing

Ultrasound techs must regularly evaluate the safety and performance of their machines. They also are held to a high ethical 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 mandated to enroll in continuing education courses on an ongoing basis.

Sonogram Tech Degrees Available

Armonk NY ultrasound tech testing pregnant woman Sonogram technician enrollees have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will typically require about 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish. Another option for those who have already 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 health field, you can instead choose a certificate program that will require only 12 to 18 months to finish. One thing to keep in mind is that the majority of sonographer colleges do have a practical training element as a portion of their course of study. It can often be satisfied by entering into an internship program which numerous schools organize with Armonk NY hospitals and clinics. After you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to fulfill the licensing or certification requirements in New York or whichever state you elect to work in.

Online Sonographer Programs

woman attending online sonography school in Armonk NY As earlier discussed, virtually all sonogram technician colleges have a clinical requirement to their programs. So while you can receive a degree or certificate online, a significant part of the training will be either held in an on-campus lab or at an authorized off campus medical care provider. Practical training can often be satisfied by means of an internship at a local Armonk NY outpatient clinic, hospital or family practice. However the balance of the training and classes may be attended online in your Armonk home. This is particularly beneficial for those students that continue working while earning their degrees. Plus online colleges are often less costly than on campus options. Expenditures for study materials and commuting may be decreased also. But just as with any ultrasound tech school you are looking at, verify that the online school you enroll in is accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly significant for certification, licensing and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn away from the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then an online degree may be the right option for you.

What to Ask Ultrasound Tech Colleges

Questions to ask Armonk NY ultrasound tech schools As soon as you have decided on which degree or certificate that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of evaluating and comparing ultrasound technician colleges. You will first probably want to decide whether you would rather access classes online or commute to a college campus in the Armonk NY area. Certainly location will be significant if you decide on the latter, and the cost of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualifier as well. But there are other factors that you must also take into account, for instance if the colleges are accredited and if they offer internship programs. So in order to perform your due diligence so that you can arrive at your ultimate selection, following are a few questions that you may want to ask each sonographer program prior to making a decision.

Are the Sonogram Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of sonogram tech schools have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school 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). Schools earning accreditation from the JRC-DMS have gone through a detailed evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Armonk NY health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the sonogram technician schools you are reviewing have partnerships with Armonk NY hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Armonk health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the sonographer schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with New York healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Armonk NY residence. Students who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the schools you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound technician program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the sonographer college you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Armonk NY area, make sure that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Armonk NY?

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

Armonk, New York

Armonk is a hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) in the town of North Castle, New York located in Westchester County.[1] As of the 2010 census, Armonk's CDP population is 4,330 and it has a total area of 6.1 square miles (15.7 km2), of which 6.0 square miles (15.5 km2) is land and 0.077 square miles (0.2 km2), or 1.54 percent, is water. Armonk is well known as being the headquarters of IBM.[2]

Situated 10 miles from the coast in the Southeastern corner of New York, Armonk shares a border with Connecticut. The landscape is hilly and forested, with a mean elevation of 387 feet, and is home to the highest point in Westchester County with an elevation of 1,396 feet.

Armonk has a humid subtropical climate (Type Cfa) with cool, wet winters and hot, humid summers. Precipitation is plentiful, with the winter months receiving more precipitation than the summer months. Snow is common during the winter, and Armonk receives 26 inches of snow per year. Milder winters, however, may only see a few inches of snow while colder winters can see 35+ inches of snow. Winter precipitation comes mainly in the form of coastal storms that bring rain, snow and wind to New England and the Mid-Atlantic. Highs in winter average around 39° and lows around 30°. Summer brings mostly stable, hot weather with scattered thunderstorms, and the risk of a rare tropical storm in August and September. High temperatures in the summer average around 83° and lows around 72°, however 20 days per summer, highs reach past 90°. Spring and fall are transition seasons with moderate temperatures and moderate precipitation.

As of the census of 2000, there were 3,461 people, 1,172 households, and 995 families residing in the CDP. The population density is 568.9 per square mile (219.8/km²). There are 1,204 housing units at an average density of 197.9/sq mi (76.5/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP is 93.38 percent white, 0.61 percent African American, 0.06 percent Native American, 4.16 percent Asian, 0.00 percent Pacific Islander, 0.40 percent from other races, and 1.24 percent from two or more races. 3.76 percent of the population are Hispanic and Latino Americans.[3]

Find the Right Ultrasound Programs Armonk NY

Choosing the right ultrasound technician certificate or degree program is a crucial first step to initiating a rewarding new profession furnishing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech colleges require that you have earned a high school diploma or a GED. Along with satisfying academic requirements, you must be in at least reasonably good physical health, able to stand for extended time frames and able to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it often necessary to adjust patients and maneuver heavy machines. Other beneficial talents include technical proficiency, the ability to stay calm when faced with an angry or anxious patient and the ability to converse in a clear and compassionate manner. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Ultrasound Programs. However, as we have covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing. This is the case whether you select an online program or commute to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate questions so that you can evaluate each college, you can narrow down your choices until you are left with the ideal school for your education. And with the right training, dedication and motivation to succeed, you can realize your objective to work as an sonographer in Armonk NY.