How to Choose the Right Ultrasound Tech School near Athens Tennessee
Since you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Athens TN, the next step is to start the procedure of choosing a college. First, you need to find the ideal program that will provide the necessary instruction to become a skilled professional. And since some states do require that sonographers be either licensed or certified, depending on where you will practice you may also need to be prepared to pass a certification or licensing examination. So it’s extremely important that you investigate each college in order to evaluate and compare your options. But exactly where does one begin? Many prospective students will begin by looking for colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Certainly cost and location need to be taken into account when arriving at a decision, but there are other critical factors also. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they provide internships. These and additional qualifications will be addressed more in detail later in this post. But first, let’s go over what a sonogram tech does and the credentials and online training options that are available.
Sonographer Occupation Summary
There are several acceptable titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also called ultrasound technologists, sonogram techs, and diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers). No matter what their title is, they all have the same primary job description, which is to perform diagnostic ultrasound testing on patients. Even though many practice as generalists there are specialties within the field, for instance in cardiology and pediatrics. Most practice in Athens TN hospitals, clinics, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Typical daily work tasks of a sonogram tech may include:
- Keeping records of patient case 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 re-calibrating them
- Escorting patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
- Utilizing equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
- Reviewing the results and identifying need for additional testing
Ultrasound techs must frequently assess the performance and safety of their machines. They also are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. So as to sustain that level of professionalism and remain current with medical knowledge, they are required to enroll in continuing education training on an ongoing basis.
Ultrasound Tech Degrees Offered
Sonogram tech students have the opportunity to acquire either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally involve around 18 months to 2 years to accomplish dependent on the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete. Another alternative for those who have already received a college degree is a post graduate certificate program. If you have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in any major or an Associate Degree in a relevant medical sector, you can instead choose a certificate program that will require only 12 to 18 months to complete. Something to keep in mind is that almost all ultrasound technician schools do have a practical training element as part of their course of study. It can often be satisfied by entering into an internship program which numerous schools organize through Athens TN hospitals and clinics. After you have graduated from one of the certificate or degree programs, you will then have to fulfill the certification or licensing prerequisites in Tennessee or whatever state you choose to practice in.
Online Sonogram Tech Programs
As previously mentioned, virtually all ultrasound technician schools have a practical component to their programs. So although you can receive a certificate or degree online, a substantial part of the training will be either carried out in an on-campus laboratory or at a sponsored off campus facility. Clinical training can usually be satisfied through an internship at a local Athens TN outpatient clinic, hospital or private practice. But the rest of the classes and training may be attended online in your Athens home. This is particularly convenient for those individuals that keep working while getting their degrees. In addition online colleges are many times less expensive than on-campus options. Expenditures for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But similarly as with every sonography school you are reviewing, confirm that the online school you select is accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly important for certification, licensing and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn outside of the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then an online school could be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Sonogram Tech Schools
After you have determined the type of certificate or degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of assessing and comparing sonogram tech colleges. You may first want to decide whether you would rather access classes online or travel to a school campus in the Athens TN area. Clearly location will be critical if you select the latter, and the cost of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualifier also. But there are additional things that you should also take into account, for instance if the programs are accredited and if they sponsor internship programs. Therefore in order to perform your due diligence so that you can make your final selection, below are some questions that you need ask each sonographer program prior to making a decision.
Are the Ultrasound Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of ultrasound technician schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of 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 a rigorous review of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized 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 obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Athens TN employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level positions.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the ultrasound technician programs you are assessing have partnerships with Athens TN hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Athens health care community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the ultrasound tech programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Tennessee healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Athens TN residence. Students who have opted 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. One thing to bear 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 have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the colleges you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound technician program also.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the ultrasound tech college you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Athens TN area, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Athens TN?
If you are considering a Sonography Tech School near Athens Tennessee, following is some interesting background information about the location of your new school campus.
Athens, Tennessee
Athens is a city in McMinn County, Tennessee, United States. It is the county seat of McMinn County[6] and the principal city of the Athens Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is part of the larger Chattanooga-Cleveland-Athens Combined Statistical Area. The city is located almost equidistantly between the major cities of Knoxville and Chattanooga.[7] The population was 13,220 at the 2000 census and 13,458 at the 2010 census.[8]
The Cherokee were living in McMinn County at the time of the arrival of the first Euro-American explorers. The Athens area was situated nearly halfway between the Overhill Cherokee villages of Great Tellico to the north in Monroe County and Great Hiwassee along the Hiwassee River to the south. In 1819, the Cherokee signed the Calhoun Treaty, selling the land north of the Hiwassee (including all of modern McMinn County) to the United States. McMinn County was organized on November 13, 1819 at the home of John Walker in what is now Calhoun. The Native American village, Pumpkintown (a corruption of Potemkin town), was located on a farm about two miles east of present-day Athens. It is sometimes incorrectly identified as a forerunner of Athens. Athens was laid out and chosen as the county seat in 1822.[9] The name "Athens" may have been chosen due to perceived topographical similarities to Athens, Greece.[10]
By 1834, the population of Athens had grown to over 500.[11] Prominent early settlers included William Henry Cooke, who operated an iron forge near modern Etowah, and Samuel Clegg (or Cleage), a construction entrepreneur. Jesse Mayfield, whose descendants founded Mayfield Dairy Farms, arrived in the early 1820s.[12] The Hiwassee Railroad received a charter in the mid-1830s to build a railroad connecting Knoxville, Tennessee and Dalton, Georgia. The railroad began construction in 1837, although financial and legal problems delayed its completion until 1851.[10] In 1836, General John Wool arrived in Athens to help coordinate the Cherokee Removal. Although initially voluntary, the operation became a forced removal in 1838 when many Cherokee refused to leave. The removal culminated in the forced march west that became known as the Trail of Tears. Wool set up his headquarters at the Bridges Hotel, which was located across the street from the McMinn County Courthouse.[13]
McMinn County was divided during the American Civil War. The well-established railroad brought numerous pro-secessionist and anti-secessionist speakers to the county, including Andrew Johnson, Horace Maynard, John Bell, and William "Parson" Brownlow. In 1861, McMinn County voted against secession by a narrow 1,144-904 margin. The county sent 12 units to the Union army and 8 units to the Confederate army. General William Tecumseh Sherman was briefly headquartered at the Bridges Hotel in McMinn County while preparing his "March to the Sea."[14]
Find the Right Ultrasound Tech Certificate Programs Athens TN
Enrolling in the right ultrasound technician certificate or degree program is an important first step to embarking on a rewarding new profession providing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech schools require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition to meeting academic standards, you must be in at least reasonably good physical health, capable of standing for prolonged durations and able to regularly lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it often necessary to adjust patients and move heavy machines. Other preferred skills include technical proficiency, the ability to remain collected when confronted by 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 Ultrasound Tech Certificate Programs. However, as we have addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are reviewing. This holds true whether you choose an online program or drive to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate questions so that you can evaluate each school, you can narrow down your options until you are left with the ideal program for your education. And with the proper training, discipline and motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your objective to practice as an ultrasound tech in Athens TN.
Other Ultrasound Locations in Tennessee
Business Results 1 - 10 of 1
1 Reviews 