Colleges With Sonography Programs Greencastle PA - Become an Ultrasound Technician

How to Choose the Right Ultrasound Tech Training Program near Greencastle Pennsylvania

Greencastle PA ultrasound technician with patient Now that you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Greencastle PA, the next step is to start the process of picking a college. To begin with, you have to find the right program that will provide the appropriate instruction to become a qualified professional. And because 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 examination. So it’s very important that you investigate each school so that you can evaluate and compare your choices. But exactly where does one begin? Many individuals will begin by looking for schools that are within driving distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Of course location and cost must be considered when making a decision, but there are additional significant factors also. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they sponsor internship programs. These and other qualifiers will be covered more in detail later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what an ultrasound tech does and the degrees and online education programs that are available.

Sonogram Tech Job Description

Greencastle PA sonographer testing pregnant woman There are several professional 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 function, which is to perform diagnostic ultrasound techniques on patients. Although a number of techs work as generalists there are specializations within the field, for instance in cardiology and pediatrics. Most work in Greencastle PA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Common daily work duties of an ultrasound tech can consist of:

Preserving 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
Escorting patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
Utilizing equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
Evaluating results and determining need for further testing

Ultrasound techs must regularly evaluate the safety and performance of their equipment. They also are held to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. In order to maintain that level of professionalism and remain up to date with medical knowledge, they are required to enroll in continuing education courses on an ongoing basis.

Sonogram Technician Degree Programs Available

Greencastle PA ultrasound tech testing pregnant woman Ultrasound technician students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally require around 18 months to 2 years to complete dependent on the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at up to 4 years to finalize. Another option 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 health field, you can instead choose a certificate program that will require just 12 to 18 months to complete. One thing to bear in mind is that most ultrasound technician schools do have a clinical training element as part of their curriculum. It often may be satisfied by entering into an internship program which many schools set up through Greencastle PA hospitals and clinics. Once you have graduated from one of the certificate or degree programs, you will then have to satisfy the licensing or certification requirements in Pennsylvania or whichever state you elect to practice in.

Sonographer Online Programs

woman attending online sonography school in Greencastle PA As previously mentioned, virtually all sonogram tech colleges have a practical component to their programs. So while you can earn a certificate or degree online, a significant part of the training will be either carried out in an on campus lab or at an authorized off campus facility. Clinical training can usually be satisfied by means of an internship at a local Greencastle PA outpatient clinic, hospital or private practice. However the balance of the classes and training can be accessed online in your Greencastle home. This is particularly convenient for those students that keep working while obtaining their degrees. In addition online colleges are often more affordable than on-campus options. Expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But just as with every sonography college you are looking at, verify that the online school you choose is accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially significant for licensing, certification and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to attend classes outside of the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online degree could be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Ultrasound Technician Schools

Questions to ask Greencastle PA ultrasound tech schools When you have determined the type of certificate or degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the procedure of evaluating and comparing ultrasound tech schools. You will first probably want to choose whether you will access classes online or commute to a school campus in the Greencastle PA area. Naturally location will be significant if you choose the latter, and the cost of tuition no doubt will be an initial qualification as well. But there are additional factors that you must also take into consideration, for example if the colleges are accredited and if they offer internships. So in order to perform your due diligence so that you can make your ultimate selection, following are several questions that you need ask each sonographer program before deciding.

Are the Sonogram Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of ultrasound tech colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to verify that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations 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 an extensive assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Greencastle PA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the ultrasound technician programs you are evaluating have associations with Greencastle PA hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the Greencastle medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the ultrasound tech schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Pennsylvania healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they decide on will need to be within driving distance of their Greencastle PA residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to consider 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 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.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the schools you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound technician program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the sonographer school you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Greencastle PA area, check that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option 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 because of work, illness or family obligations.

Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Greencastle PA?

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

Greencastle, Pennsylvania

Greencastle was founded in 1782 by John Allison from the Barkdoll House. The town was named after Greencastle, County Donegal, Ireland.[4] It was originally composed of 246 lots. By 1790 there were about 60 houses in Greencastle, homes to approximately 400 people. The town of Greencastle had grown by the mid-nineteenth century to 1,125 residents.

In 1845, following the succession crisis in the Latter Day Saint movement, Sidney Rigdon (one of the three main contenders along with James Strang and Brigham Young for leadership of the Latter Day Saints following the death of Joseph Smith) took his followers to Pennsylvania and formed a Rigdonite Mormon settlement at Greencastle. This settlement had approximately 200 followers.[5] They founded the New Jerusalem settlement between Greencastle and Mercersburg, published the Conochoheague Herald newspaper in Greencastle,[6] and made plans for the construction of a temple. The Rigdonite Mormon settlement at Greencastle only lasted a few years; some former Rigdon followers went to Utah to join Brigham Young, while William Bickerton, who had opposed Rigdon's move to Greencastle, would eventually reorganize the remaining Pennsylvania branch of the Latter Day Saint movement in Pittsburgh as The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite).

Early in the Civil War, Greencastle and neighboring Franklin County communities raised the 126th Pennsylvania Infantry. In the summer of 1863, the war touched close to home when Confederate General Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia invaded southern Pennsylvania in what became known as the Gettysburg Campaign. From mid-June to early July, those residents of Greencastle who had not fled to safety lived under Confederate rule. On July 2, concurrent with the Battle of Gettysburg in neighboring Adams County, Captain Ulric Dahlgren's Federal cavalry patrol galloped into Greencastle's town square, where they surprised and captured several Confederate cavalrymen carrying vital correspondence from Richmond.[7][8] After the Battle of Gettysburg, Lee's army began its retreat to Virginia on July 4 and 5. He sent John D. Imboden's cavalry to escort a large wagon train carrying Confederate wounded. The train, nearly 18 miles (29 km) in length, wound its way through the streets of Greencastle, where a few men of the town attacked the wagon train with axes and hatchets. They succeeded in disabling several wagons before Confederate cavalry chased them away.

Following the war, Greencastle grew considerably in the late 19th century during the Industrial Revolution, having several industrial factories built inside the town limits, including the Crowell Manufacturing Company, which constructed farming equipment.

Find the Right Colleges With Sonography Programs Greencastle PA

Choosing the right ultrasound technician certificate or degree program is an important first step to initiating a rewarding new career providing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech schools require that you have earned a high school diploma or a GED. In addition to satisfying academic requirements, you need to be in at least reasonably good physical condition, capable of standing for lengthy time frames and able to regularly lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it often necessary to adjust patients and maneuver heavy equipment. Additional preferred talents include technical proficiency, the ability to remain levelheaded when confronted by an anxious or angry patient and the ability to converse clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Colleges With Sonography Programs. However, as we have covered in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are looking at. This is the case whether you select an online program or drive to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the right questions so that you can compare each program, you will be able to narrow down your choices until you are left with the best program for your education. And with the proper training, dedication and determination to succeed, you can accomplish your objective to work as an ultrasound technologist in Greencastle PA.