Ultrasound Technician Vocational Schools Norfolk VA

How to Select the Right Ultrasound Technician School near Norfolk Virginia

Norfolk VA ultrasound technician with patientNow that you have decided to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Norfolk VA, it’s time to start the process of choosing a school. First, you need to find the ideal program that will provide the appropriate instruction to become a skilled professional. And given that a number of states do require that ultrasound techs be either certified or licensed, depending on your residence you may also need to be prepared to pass a licensing or certification exam. So it’s extremely important that you investigate each college so that you can evaluate and compare your alternatives. But just where does one start? A number of students will begin by looking for schools that are within commuting distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Certainly location and cost need to be taken into account when arriving at a decision, but there are additional important factors as well. Such as, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they offer internship programs. These and additional qualifications will be covered more in depth later in this article. But first, let’s review what an ultrasound tech does and the degrees and online education programs that are available.

Sonogram Tech Work Summary

Norfolk VA sonographer testing pregnant womanThere are several acceptable titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also called 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 many work as generalists there are specializations within the profession, for example in pediatrics and cardiology. The majority work in Norfolk VA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Routine daily job duties of an ultrasound technician may consist of:

  • Maintaining records of patient case histories and details of each procedure
  • Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
  • Readying the ultrasound machines for testing and then sterilizing and re-calibrating them
  • Escorting patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
  • Operating equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
  • Evaluating results and identifying need for additional testing

Ultrasound techs must frequently evaluate the performance and safety of their machines. They also are held to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. So as to maintain that degree of professionalism and remain up to date with medical knowledge, they are mandated to enroll in continuing education courses on an ongoing basis.

Sonogram Technician Degree Programs Available

Norfolk VA ultrasound tech testing pregnant womanUltrasound technician enrollees have the opportunity to acquire either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally take around 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete. Another option for those who have already obtained a college degree is a post graduate certificate program. If you have received a Bachelor’s Degree in any major or an Associate Degree in a relevant health sector, you can enroll in a certificate program that will take just 12 to 18 months to finish. Something to bear in mind is that almost all sonographer colleges do have a practical training element as part of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by taking part in an internship program which numerous schools set up through Norfolk VA hospitals and clinics. After you have graduated from any of the degree or certificate programs, you will then need to fulfill the certification or licensing prerequisites in Virginia or whatever state you elect to practice in.

Sonogram Tech Online Colleges

woman attending online sonography school in Norfolk VAAs aforementioned, almost all sonogram tech schools have a clinical component to their programs. So while you can obtain a certificate or degree online, a substantial part of the training will be either carried out in an on campus laboratory or at an approved off campus medical care provider. Clinical training can usually be fulfilled through an internship at a local Norfolk VA hospital, outpatient clinic or private practice. However the balance of the classes and training can be accessed online in your Norfolk home. This is particularly beneficial for those individuals that continue working while getting their degrees. Plus online schools are often less expensive than traditional options. Costs for study materials and commuting may be decreased as well. But similarly as with every ultrasound tech college you are considering, verify that the online school you enroll in is accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially crucial for certification, licensing and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn outside of the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Ultrasound Tech Colleges

Questions to ask Norfolk VA ultrasound tech schoolsWhen you have decided on which degree or certificate that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the procedure of evaluating and comparing sonogram technician colleges. You will first probably want to choose whether you would rather attend classes online or commute to a college campus in the Norfolk VA area. Clearly location will be significant if you select the latter, and the price of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualifier also. But there are other variables that you must also take into consideration, such as if the colleges are accredited and if they sponsor internship programs. Therefore in order to carry out your due diligence so that you can arrive at your ultimate selection, below are some questions that you may want to ask each sonographer program before deciding.

Are the Sonogram Technician Schools Accredited? Most sonogram tech schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among 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 earning accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone a rigorous examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Norfolk VA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the sonogram technician colleges you are interested in have associations with Norfolk VA hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the Norfolk healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the sonographer programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Virginia healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Norfolk VA home. Those who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often 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 person that likes to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the schools you are researching 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 ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound tech program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the ultrasound tech  college you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Norfolk VA area, verify that they are offered. 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 as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Norfolk VA?

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

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk (/ˈnɔːrfʊk/ NOR-fuuk) is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. At the 2010 census, the population was 242,803;[3] in 2017, the population was estimated to be 244,703[4] making it the second-most populous city in Virginia after neighboring Virginia Beach.

Norfolk is located at the core of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, named for the large natural harbor of the same name located at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. It is one of nine cities and seven counties that constitute the Hampton Roads metro area, officially known as the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC MSA. The city is bordered to the west by the Elizabeth River and to the north by the Chesapeake Bay. It also shares land borders with the independent cities of Chesapeake to its south and Virginia Beach to its east. Norfolk is one of the oldest cities in Hampton Roads, and is considered to be the historic, urban, financial, and cultural center of the region.

The city has a long history as a strategic military and transportation point. The largest Navy base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk, is located in Norfolk along with one of NATO's two Strategic Command headquarters. The city also has the corporate headquarters of Norfolk Southern Railway, one of North America's principal Class I railroads, and Maersk Line, Limited, which manages the world's largest fleet of US-flag vessels. As the city is bordered by multiple bodies of water, Norfolk has many miles of riverfront and bayfront property, including beaches on the Chesapeake Bay. It is linked to its neighbors by an extensive network of Interstate highways, bridges, tunnels, and three bridge-tunnel complexes, which are the only bridge-tunnels in the United States.

In 1619 the Governor of the Virginia Colony, Sir George Yeardley, incorporated four jurisdictions, termed citties, for the developed portion of the colony. These formed the basis for colonial representative government in the newly minted House of Burgesses. What would become Norfolk was put under the Elizabeth Cittie incorporation.

Find the Right Ultrasound Technician Vocational Schools Norfolk VA

Enrolling in the ideal ultrasound tech degree or certificate program is a crucial first step to embarking on a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech colleges require that you have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition to satisfying academic standards, you must be in at least reasonably good physical health, capable of standing for extended time frames with the ability to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it often necessary to adjust patients and move heavy machines. Additional helpful talents include technical aptitude, the ability to remain levelheaded when confronted by an angry or anxious patient and the ability to converse clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Ultrasound Technician Vocational Schools.  However, as we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing. This is the case whether you enroll in an online degree or drive to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can assess each college, you will be able to narrow down your choices until you are left with the best school for your education. And with the right training, dedication and motivation to succeed, you can achieve your objective to work as an sonographer in Norfolk VA.

Other Ultrasound Locations in Virginia

  • Ultrasound Associates Degree Hinton VA
  • Ultrasound Tech Online Course Irvington VA
  • Ultrasound Training Clifton Forge VA
  • Sonography Schools Near Me Upperville VA
  • Sonography Classes Online Gordonsville VA
  • Prerequisites For Ultrasound Tech Program Bassett VA
  • Sonography Associates Degree Annandale VA
  • Certified Diagnostic Medical Sonography Schools Stuarts Draft VA
  • Ultrasound Technician Bachelor Degree Kenbridge VA
  • Bachelor’s Degree In Sonography Schools Prospect VA
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