How to Select the Right Ultrasound Technician Degree Program near Dayton Virginia
Since you have made a decision to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Dayton VA, the next step is to begin the process of picking a college. First, you have to find the right program that will provide the appropriate education to become a qualified professional. And since a number of states do require that sonographers be either licensed or certified, depending on where you will practice you may also need preparation to pass a licensing or certification examination. So it’s extremely important that you investigate each program in order to assess and compare your choices. But just where does one begin? Many potential students will start by looking for schools that are within commuting distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Of course cost and location should be considered when arriving at a decision, but there are other important factors as well. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they offer internship programs. These and other qualifications will be addressed more in detail later in this article. But to start with, let’s review what an ultrasound tech does and the credentials and online training programs that are offered.
Sonogram Tech Job Description
There are several professional titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also referred to as ultrasound technologists, sonogram techs, and diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers). Regardless of name, they all have the same basic job description, which is to carry out diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. While a number of techs work as generalists there are specialties within the profession, for instance in cardiology and pediatrics. The majority work in Dayton VA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Common daily job functions of a sonogram tech may include:
- Keeping records of patient medical histories and specifics of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Preparing the ultrasound machines for usage and then sterilizing and recalibrating them
- Moving patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
- Using equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
- Evaluating results and identifying necessity for further testing
Sonographers must regularly evaluate the performance and safety of their equipment. They also are held to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. So as to sustain that level of professionalism and stay current with medical knowledge, they are required to enroll in continuing education courses on a regular basis.
Sonogram Technician Degrees Available
Sonogram tech enrollees have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally require around 18 months to 2 years to accomplish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete. Another option for individuals who have already received 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 medical sector, 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 almost all ultrasound technician colleges do have a clinical training component as a portion of their course of study. It can often be fulfilled by taking part in an internship program which many colleges organize with Dayton VA clinics and hospitals. Once you have graduated from any of the certificate or degree programs, you will then have to comply with the certification or licensing requirements in Virginia or whichever state you choose to work in.
Online Sonographer Colleges
As aforementioned, virtually all ultrasound tech colleges have a clinical requirement to their programs. So although you can obtain a degree or certificate online, a significant part of the training will be either carried out in an on campus laboratory or at an approved off-campus facility. Clinical training can often be satisfied through an internship at a local Dayton VA hospital, outpatient clinic or private practice. But the balance of the training and classes may be accessed online in your Dayton home. This is particularly beneficial for those individuals that keep working while obtaining their degrees. In addition online colleges are frequently less costly than on-campus options. Costs for commuting and study materials may be decreased as well. But just as with any sonography college you are reviewing, check that the online school you ultimately pick is accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly crucial for certification, licensing and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn outside of the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online degree could be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Sonography Schools
After you have determined which certificate or degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of evaluating and comparing sonogram tech colleges. You will first probably want to choose whether you would rather attend classes online or travel to a college campus in the Dayton VA area. Obviously location will be important if you choose the latter, and the price of tuition no doubt will be an important qualification also. But there are other variables that you must also take into account, for instance if the schools are accredited and if they sponsor internships. Therefore in order to perform your due diligence so that you can make your final selection, following are a few questions that you may want to ask each sonography program prior to making a decision.
Are the Sonogram Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of sonogram technician colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of sonography is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone a detailed assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may 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 guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Dayton VA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level positions.
Are Internships Provided? Find out if the ultrasound technician colleges you are reviewing have relationships with Dayton VA hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional connections in the Dayton health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the ultrasound tech programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Virginia healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the school they pick will have to be within commuting distance of their Dayton VA residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry 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 college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might 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 for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the colleges you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the ultrasound technician program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the ultrasound tech college you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Dayton VA area, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Dayton VA?
If you are considering a Sonography Tech School near Dayton Virginia, following is some interesting background information about the location of your new school campus.
Dayton, Virginia
Dayton is located at 38°24′59″N 78°56′22″W / 38.41639°N 78.93944°W / 38.41639; -78.93944 (38.416323, -78.939440).[3] The town is approximately two miles southwest of Harrisonburg and two miles northeast of Bridgewater.
The town of Dayton is one of the oldest settled communities in Rockingham County, and is the county's second oldest incorporated town, after Bridgewater. The first settler in Dayton was Daniel Harrison (c. 1702-1770), whose family settled along Cooks Creek, north of downtown. Daniel was the eldest son of Isaiah Harrison and second wife Abigail and was born in Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York. Daniel's brother Thomas Harrison founded Harrisonburg several miles to the northeast. They and their three brothers had migrated from New York to Delaware and then to Orange County Virginia before settling in the Shenandoah Valley.[4]
The family homestead, a two-story stone house, has been owned and maintained since 1977 by a private, non-profit organization, Fort Harrison, Inc.[5] The town was known as Rifeville or Rifetown[6] until 1833.[7]
Shenandoah University has its roots in Dayton, when it was known as the Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music. The college was organized in 1875 under the leadership of Rev. A.P. Funkhouser. This was a major institution in Dayton until 1960, when it moved to Winchester. College Street was named after the school and many of the street's buildings served as part of the campus.[7]
Find the Right Ultrasound Course Dayton VA
Choosing the right ultrasound tech certificate or degree program is an important first step to entering a gratifying new career delivering diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer programs require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition to meeting academic standards, you need to be in at least reasonably good physical condition, capable of standing for lengthy durations with the ability to regularly lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it often necessary to adjust patients and maneuver heavy machinery. Other beneficial talents include technical aptitude, the ability to keep calm when faced with 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 Course. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are considering. This holds true whether you select an online program or travel to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can compare each college, you can narrow down your alternatives until you are left with the ideal school for your education. And with the right training, discipline and determination to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as an ultrasound tech in Dayton VA.
Other Ultrasound Locations in Virginia
Business Results 1 - 10 of 2
6 Reviews 
15 Reviews 