Medical Sonography Degree Online Merrifield VA - Become an Ultrasound Technician

How to Find the Right Ultrasound Technician Degree Program near Merrifield Virginia

Merrifield VA ultrasound technician with patient Once you have made a decision to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Merrifield VA, it’s time to start the procedure of choosing a college. First, you need to find the ideal program that will furnish the proper training to become a skilled professional. And because some states do require that sonographers be either licensed or certified, depending on where you will practice you may also need preparation to pass a certification or licensing examination. So it’s extremely important that you investigate each college so that you can assess and compare your alternatives. But exactly where does one begin? Most individuals will begin by looking for schools that are within commuting distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Certainly location and cost must be considered when arriving at a decision, but there are other critical factors as well. For instance, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they sponsor internships. 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 training programs that are available.

Sonographer Occupation Description

Merrifield VA sonographer testing pregnant woman There are several acceptable titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also referred to as sonogram techs, diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers) and ultrasound technologists. Regardless of name, they all have the same basic job description, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. Even though many work as generalists there are specialties within the profession, for example in cardiology and pediatrics. Most practice in Merrifield VA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Typical daily work duties of a sonogram 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 use and then cleaning and re-calibrating them
Transferring patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
Using equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
Reviewing the results and determining necessity for supplemental testing

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

Ultrasound Technician Degree Programs Available

Merrifield VA ultrasound tech testing pregnant woman Sonogram tech students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally require about 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish. Another option for individuals who have previously 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 relevant health field, you can enroll in a certificate program that will require only 12 to 18 months to finish. One thing to keep in mind is that almost all ultrasound technician colleges do have a clinical training component as a portion of their curriculum. It often may be fulfilled by participating in an internship program which numerous schools organize through Merrifield VA hospitals and clinics. Once you have graduated from any of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to comply with the licensing or certification prerequisites in Virginia or whichever state you elect to practice in.

Sonographer Online Degrees

woman attending online sonography school in Merrifield VA As earlier discussed, virtually all sonogram tech colleges have a clinical requirement to their programs. So although you can obtain a certificate or degree online, a significant part of the training will be either held in an on campus lab or at an approved off-campus facility. Clinical training can usually be fulfilled by means of an internship at a local Merrifield VA outpatient clinic, hospital or family practice. However the remainder of the classes and training may be attended online in your Merrifield home. This is particularly beneficial for those students that keep working while obtaining their degrees. In addition online schools are often less costly than on-campus alternatives. Expenses for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But similarly as with any sonography school you are reviewing, check that the online program you choose is accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly important for certification, licensing and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn outside of the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online school may be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask Sonogram Tech Colleges

Questions to ask Merrifield VA ultrasound tech schools As soon as you have determined which certificate or degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the procedure of assessing and comparing ultrasound technician schools. You will first probably want to choose whether you will attend classes online or travel to a college campus in the Merrifield VA area. Clearly location will be significant if you choose the latter, and the price of tuition no doubt will be an important qualifier as well. But there are other factors that you must also take into consideration, such as if the programs are accredited and if they provide internship programs. So in order to perform your due diligence so that you can arrive at your final selection, following are some questions that you need ask each sonographer program prior to making a decision.

Are the Sonogram Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of ultrasound tech schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to verify that the school and program 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRC-DMS have gone through a detailed assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Merrifield VA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the sonogram tech schools you are assessing have relationships with Merrifield VA hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Merrifield health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the sonographer schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Virginia healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they decide on will need to be within commuting distance of their Merrifield VA residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the ultrasound technician program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the ultrasound tech school you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Merrifield VA area, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask 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 Merrifield VA?

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

Merrifield, Virginia

Merrifield is located in eastern Fairfax County at 38°52′23″N 77°14′35″W / 38.87306°N 77.24306°W / 38.87306; -77.24306 (38.873144, −77.242994).[4] It is bounded by I-66 on the north, the Capital Beltway on the east, Arlington Boulevard (U.S. Route 50) on the south, and Nutley Street (Virginia State Highway 243) on the west. Neighboring communities are Oakton to the west, the town of Vienna to the north, Dunn Loring to the northeast, Idylwood and West Falls Church to the east, Annandale at the southeast corner of Merrifield, Woodburn and Mantua to the south, and the city of Fairfax to the southwest. Downtown Washington, D.C., is 13 miles (21 km) to the east.

As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 11,170 people, 4,396 households, and 2,725 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 4,107.2 people per square mile (1,585.6/km²). There were 4,534 housing units at an average density of 1,667.1/sq mi (643.6/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 54.67% White, 5.94% African American, 0.25% Native American, 29.94% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 5.00% from other races, and 4.11% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.91% of the population.

There were 4,396 households out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.0% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the CDP, the population was spread out with 19.4% under the age of 18, 10.3% from 18 to 24, 42.7% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 6.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.3 males.

Find the Right Medical Sonography Degree Online Merrifield VA

Choosing the ideal ultrasound technician degree or certificate program is a crucial first step to embarking on a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech colleges require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent. Along with meeting academic requirements, you need to be in at least fairly good physical health, able to stand for prolonged durations with the ability to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it often necessary to position patients and maneuver heavy equipment. Additional preferred talents include technical aptitude, the ability to keep 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 Medical Sonography Degree Online. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are considering. This holds true whether you choose an online program or drive to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate questions so that you can evaluate each program, you can narrow down your options 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 goal to work as an ultrasound tech in Merrifield VA.