Ultrasound Degree Dahlgren VA - Become an Ultrasound Technician

How to Pick the Right Ultrasound Technician Degree Program near Dahlgren Virginia

Dahlgren VA ultrasound technician with patient Since you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Dahlgren VA, it’s time to start the procedure of choosing a school. To begin with, you must find the right program that will provide the proper instruction to become a qualified professional. And given that a number of states do require that ultrasound techs 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 research each school so that you can evaluate and compare your choices. But exactly where does one begin? Many potential students will start by searching for schools that are within commuting distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Of course location and cost must be considered when arriving at a decision, but there are additional critical factors also. Such as, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they offer internship programs. These and other qualifications will be discussed more in detail later in this article. But to start with, let’s discuss what an ultrasound tech does and the degrees and online education programs that are available.

Ultrasound Technician Job Description

Dahlgren VA sonographer testing pregnant woman There are several acceptable titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also called sonogram techs, diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers) and ultrasound technologists. Regardless of name, they all have the same basic job function, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. Although many practice as generalists there are specializations within the field, for example in pediatrics and cardiology. Most work in Dahlgren VA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Typical daily job functions of an ultrasound tech can include:

Keeping records of patient case histories and details of each procedure
Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
Readying the ultrasound machines for usage and then cleaning and re-calibrating them
Escorting patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
Operating equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
Assessing results and identifying necessity for supplemental testing

Sonographers must frequently assess the performance and safety 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 stay current with medical knowledge, they are required to enroll in continuing education courses on an ongoing basis.

Sonogram Tech Degree Programs Available

Dahlgren VA ultrasound tech testing pregnant woman Sonogram tech enrollees have the opportunity to acquire either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will usually require around 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish. Another alternative for those who have previously obtained 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 field, you can instead choose a certificate program that will require only 12 to 18 months to complete. One thing to bear in mind is that the majority of ultrasound technician schools do have a clinical training element as a portion of their course of study. It often may be satisfied by taking part in an internship program which numerous colleges sponsor through Dahlgren VA clinics and hospitals. After you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to fulfill the licensing or certification prerequisites in Virginia or whatever state you choose to practice in.

Ultrasound Technician Online Colleges

woman attending online sonography school in Dahlgren VA As previously mentioned, almost all sonogram tech colleges have a clinical component to their programs. So while you can receive a degree or certificate online, a significant portion of the training will be either conducted in an on-campus laboratory or at an authorized off campus medical care provider. Practical training can often be fulfilled by means of an internship at a local Dahlgren VA hospital, outpatient clinic or family practice. However the balance of the classes and training may be attended online in your Dahlgren home. This is particularly beneficial for those individuals that continue working while obtaining their degrees. In addition online schools are often less costly than on-campus alternatives. Expenses for study materials and commuting may be lessened as well. But similarly as with any sonographer program you are reviewing, make sure that the online program you select is accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially crucial for licensing, certification and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to attend classes away from the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online degree may be the right option for you.

Points to Ask Sonography Colleges

Questions to ask Dahlgren VA ultrasound tech schools Now that you have determined the type of degree or certificate that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of reviewing and comparing sonogram technician schools. You may first want to decide whether you would rather attend classes online or travel to a college campus in the Dahlgren VA area. Clearly location will be critical if you choose the latter, and the cost of tuition no doubt will be an important qualification as well. But there are additional factors that you must also take into account, such as if the schools are accredited and if they offer internship programs. Therefore in order to complete your due diligence so that you can make your ultimate selection, below are several questions that you may want to ask each sonographer program prior to making a decision.

Are the Ultrasound Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of sonogram tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to verify that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of sonography is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRC-DMS have gone through a detailed evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to 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 may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Dahlgren VA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the ultrasound technician schools you are reviewing have partnerships with Dahlgren VA hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Dahlgren medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the sonographer schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Virginia healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will have to be within travelling distance of their Dahlgren VA residence. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide 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 often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are considering 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 final decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the sonogram tech program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the sonographer school you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Dahlgren VA area, verify 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 have to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Dahlgren VA?

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

Dahlgren, Virginia

Dahlgren is a census-designated place (CDP) in King George County, Virginia, United States. The population was 2,655 at the 2010 census, a large increase from the 997 reported in 2000.[3] The community is located within the Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace American Viticultural Area winemaking appellation established by the United States government.

Since 1918, Dahlgren has been the site of a U.S. Naval base named for Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren. It was then the "U.S. Naval Proving Ground" but was renamed, after 1950, "U.S. Naval Weapons Laboratory", in 1974, the "Naval Surface Weapons Center","in 1987 the "Naval Surface Warfare Center", and around 1990, as the "U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD)". In 2006, it was renamed "Naval Support Activity-South Potomac (NSA-SP)", with NSWCDD becoming a tenant command of the base. The "U.S. Naval Space Surveillance Systems" command was located at that base, but that responsibility was transferred to the Air Force in 2004.[4] The AEGIS Training and Readiness Center is currently a tenant command at NSA-SP.

As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 997 people, 456 households, and 260 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 885.2 people per square mile (340.7/km²). There were 510 housing units at an average density of 452.8/sq mi (174.3/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 70.31% White, 25.28% African American, 0.30% Native American, 1.50% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.60% from other races, and 1.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.71% of the population. As of the 2010 census[1] the population had more than doubled, although the makeup was largely the same, with whites edging down as a percentage from 70.31% to 61.4%, blacks up from 25.28% to 30.5%, %, Hispanics up from 1.71% to 4.1%, and those reporting mixed race up from 1.91% to 3.8%.

There were 456 households out of which 24.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.2% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.8% were non-families. 36.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.85.

Find the Right Ultrasound Degree Dahlgren VA

Selecting the right sonographer degree or certificate program is an important first step to starting a rewarding new career providing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound technician programs require that you have a high school diploma or a GED. Apart from meeting academic requirements, you should be in at least fairly good physical condition, able to stand for prolonged durations with the ability to regularly lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it often necessary to adjust patients and move heavy machinery. Additional beneficial skills include technical proficiency, the ability to keep collected when confronted by 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 Ultrasound Degree. However, as we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are considering. This is true whether you choose an online degree or travel to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the right questions so that you can evaluate each program, you can narrow down your choices until you are left with the best program for your education. And with the right training, dedication and motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as an sonographer in Dahlgren VA.