Sonography Trade School Statesville NC - Become an Ultrasound Technician

How to Choose the Right Ultrasound Tech Degree Program near Statesville North Carolina

Statesville NC ultrasound technician with patient Since you have made a decision to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Statesville NC, it’s time to start the process of selecting a school. To begin with, you must find the right program that will furnish the appropriate training to become a qualified professional. And given that a number of states do mandate 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 exam. So it’s extremely important that you investigate each school so that you can assess and compare your options. But exactly where does one start? Most students will begin by searching for colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Naturally location and cost should be considered when making a decision, but there are additional important factors also. For instance, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they offer internship programs. These and additional qualifications will be addressed more in depth later in this post. But first, let’s review what an ultrasound tech does and the degrees and online education options that are available.

Sonographer Occupation Summary

Statesville NC 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 primary job function, which is to carry out diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. Even though a number of techs practice as generalists there are specializations within the field, for example in cardiology and pediatrics. Most work in Statesville NC clinics, hospitals, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Common daily job tasks of an ultrasound tech may involve:

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

Ultrasound techs must frequently gauge the performance and safety of their machines. They also must adhere to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. In order to sustain that level of professionalism and remain up to date with medical knowledge, they are mandated to complete continuing education programs on an ongoing basis.

Sonogram Technician Degree Programs Offered

Statesville NC ultrasound tech testing pregnant woman Ultrasound technician students have the opportunity to acquire either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will generally take around 18 months to 2 years to accomplish dependent on the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as long as 4 years to complete. Another alternative for individuals 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 relevant medical field, you can enroll in a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to complete. Something to keep in mind is that most sonographer colleges do have a practical training component as part of their course of study. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship program which many schools organize with Statesville NC clinics and hospitals. Once you have graduated from any of the certificate or degree programs, you will then have to comply with the licensing or certification prerequisites in North Carolina or whatever state you decide to practice in.

Online Sonographer Classes

woman attending online sonography school in Statesville NC As previously mentioned, almost all ultrasound technician schools have a clinical requirement to their programs. So although you can receive a degree or certificate online, a significant part of the training will be either held in an on campus laboratory or at an approved off campus facility. Clinical training can usually be fulfilled by means of an internship at a local Statesville NC outpatient clinic, hospital or private practice. However the balance of the classes and training may be accessed online in your Statesville home. This is especially convenient for those individuals that continue working while earning their degrees. Plus online colleges are often less costly than traditional alternatives. Costs for commuting and study materials may be decreased also. But similarly as with every sonography college you are considering, confirm that the online school you select is accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly significant for certification, licensing and finding employment (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 choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Ultrasound Tech Colleges

Questions to ask Statesville NC ultrasound tech schools After you have determined the type of certificate or degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the procedure of evaluating and comparing sonogram technician colleges. You may first want to decide whether you would rather attend classes online or commute to a college campus in the Statesville NC area. Of course location will be critical if you decide on the latter, and the price of tuition no doubt will be an initial qualifier also. But there are additional variables that you should also take into account, for example if the colleges are accredited and if they provide internships. Therefore in order to perform your due diligence so that you can make your ultimate selection, following are several questions that you need ask each sonography college before deciding.

Are the Ultrasound Technician Colleges Accredited? Most ultrasound technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to verify 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 undergone a detailed evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Statesville NC health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level openings.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the sonogram technician programs you are evaluating have associations with Statesville NC hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Statesville medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the sonographer schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with North Carolina healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their Statesville NC home. Those who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something 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 need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller 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 want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the sonogram technician program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the ultrasound tech college you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Statesville NC area, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Statesville NC?

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

Statesville, North Carolina

Statesville is a city in Iredell County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 24,532 at the 2010 census,[4] and was estimated at 26,506 in 2016.[1] It is the county seat of Iredell County and is part of the Charlotte metropolitan area.[5]

Statesville is in central Iredell County, in the western part of the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Interstate 40 and Interstate 77 intersect in the northeastern part of the city. I-40 leads northeast 41 miles (66 km) to Winston-Salem and west 30 miles (48 km) to Hickory, while I-77 leads north 55 miles (89 km) to the Virginia border and south 42 miles (68 km) to Charlotte. Three U.S. highways run through the center of Statesville. US 21 follows the same general route as I-77, leading north 38 miles (61 km) to Elkin and south 15 miles (24 km) to Mooresville. US 64 runs to the northeast close to I-40, leading 24 miles (39 km) to Mocksville, while to the northwest it leads 43 miles (69 km) to Lenoir. US 70 runs southwest out of Statesville 13 miles (21 km) to Catawba and southeast 25 miles (40 km) to Salisbury.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Statesville has a total area of 24.4 square miles (63.1 km2), of which 24.2 square miles (62.8 km2) are land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km2), or 0.48%, are water.[4] The north side of Statesville is drained by Fourth Creek, while the south side is drained by Third Creek. Both creeks flow east, joining just before reaching the South Yadkin River near Cooleemee.

In 1753, Scots-Irish Presbyterians and German Lutherans, who had originally settled in Pennsylvania, began arriving in Statesville to plant crops in the fertile soil where game and water were also plentiful. The settlement, known as "Fourth Creek Congregation", was named for the freshwater stream running to the north of the present-day city center, the fourth creek west of the neighboring settlement of Salisbury. The center of the settlement was a log cabin where the Presbyterians worshiped and where the First Presbyterian Church is located today.

Find the Right Sonography Trade School Statesville NC

Choosing the ideal ultrasound tech certificate or degree program is an important first step to embarking on a rewarding new profession delivering diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech programs require that you have earned a high school diploma or a GED. Along with satisfying academic standards, you should be in at least fairly good physical health, able to stand for prolonged durations with the ability to regularly lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it typically necessary to adjust patients and maneuver heavy equipment. Additional desirable skills include technical proficiency, the ability to stay levelheaded 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 Sonography Trade School. However, as we have addressed in this post, there are multiple questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at. This holds true whether you select an online degree or commute to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can assess each program, you will be able to narrow down your options until you are left with the best program for your education. And with the right training, discipline and determination to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as an ultrasound tech in Statesville NC.