How to Select the Best Sonography Program near Glastonbury Connecticut
Once you have decided to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Glastonbury CT, it’s time to begin the process of choosing a college. First, you need to find the ideal program that will furnish the proper instruction to become a qualified professional. And because some states do require that ultrasound techs be either certified or licensed, depending on where you will practice you may also need preparation to pass a licensing or certification exam. So it’s extremely important that you investigate each school in order to assess and compare your choices. But exactly where does one start? A number of prospective students will start by searching for colleges that are within driving distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Of course location and cost need to be taken into account when making a decision, but there are other important factors also. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they sponsor internship programs. These and additional qualifiers will be covered more in detail later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what an ultrasound tech does and the credentials and online training options that are available.
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Sonographer Job Summary
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 primary job function, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound techniques on patients. While many work as generalists there are specializations within the field, for instance in pediatrics and cardiology. Most practice in Glastonbury CT hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Routine daily job functions of a sonogram technician may involve:
- Keeping records of patient medical histories and specifics of each procedure
- Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
- Prepping the ultrasound machines for usage and then cleaning and re-calibrating them
- Transferring patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
- Utilizing equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
- Evaluating results and determining need for additional testing
Sonographers must regularly evaluate the performance and safety of their equipment. They also must adhere to a high professional standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. In order to sustain that level of professionalism and remain current with medical knowledge, they are required to enroll in continuing education training on a regular basis.
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Ultrasound Tech Degrees Offered
Sonogram tech students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally take around 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at up to four years to finish. Another alternative for those who have already 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 related medical field, you can enroll in a certificate program that will require just 12 to 18 months to complete. Something to consider is that most sonographer schools do have a clinical training component as part of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by taking part in an internship program which numerous schools organize with Glastonbury CT hospitals and clinics. When you have graduated from any of the certificate or degree programs, you will then have to comply with the licensing or certification requirements in Connecticut or whatever state you choose to work in.
Online Ultrasound Tech Schools
As previously mentioned, nearly all sonogram tech schools have a practical component to their programs. So while you can earn a degree or certificate online, a significant part of the training will be either conducted in an on-campus laboratory or at an authorized off campus medical care provider. Practical training can typically be fulfilled by means of an internship at a local Glastonbury CT outpatient clinic, hospital or family practice. However the balance of the training and classes can be accessed online in your Glastonbury home. This is especially convenient for those individuals that continue working while earning their degrees. Plus online programs are many times less expensive than on-campus alternatives. Expenses for study materials and commuting can be lessened as well. But similarly as with any sonography program you are considering, verify that the online school you ultimately pick is accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially crucial for licensing, certification and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to attend classes outside of the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.
Topics to Ask Sonography Schools
Now that you have decided on which degree or certificate that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of reviewing and comparing ultrasound tech schools. You will first probably want to choose whether you will access classes online or commute to a college campus in the Glastonbury CT area. Clearly location will be significant if you decide on the latter, and the price of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualification also. But there are additional factors that you should also take into account, for example if the schools are accredited and if they provide internships. So in order to carry out your due diligence so that you can arrive at your final selection, following are several questions that you need ask each sonographer program prior to making a decision.
Are the Sonogram Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of ultrasound tech schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to make sure 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 undergone an extensive review of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Glastonbury CT health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.
Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the sonogram technician programs you are interested in have partnerships with Glastonbury CT hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to get hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Glastonbury health care community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the ultrasound tech programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Glastonbury CT residence. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble 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 decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally 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.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the sonogram technician program as well.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the sonographer college you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Glastonbury CT area, make sure 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, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Colleges That Offer Ultrasound Technician Programs Glastonbury Connecticut
Picking the right sonographer certificate or degree program is a crucial first step to embarking on a gratifying new profession delivering diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech schools require that you have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition to satisfying academic requirements, you need to be in at least fairly good physical condition, able to stand for extended time frames and able to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it often necessary to position patients and move heavy machines. Other desirable skills include technical aptitude, the ability to stay calm when faced with 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 Colleges That Offer Ultrasound Technician Programs and wanting more information on Where to Find Accelerated Ultrasound Technician Courses. 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 true whether you select an online degree or travel to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate questions so that you can evaluate each school, you will be able to narrow down your choices until you are left with the best program for your education. And with the proper training, dedication and motivation to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as an sonographer in Glastonbury CT.
More Sonography Locations in Connecticut
Glastonbury, Connecticut
Glastonbury is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States, formally founded in 1693 with settlers first arriving in 1636. The town was named after Glastonbury in Somerset, England.[1] Glastonbury is located on the banks of the Connecticut River, 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Hartford. The town center is defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as a census-designated place (CDP). The population was 34,427 at the 2010 census.[2]
In 1636, thirty families were settled in Pyaug, a tract of land belonging to Wethersfield on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River, bought from the Native American chief Sowheag for 12 yards (11 m) of trading cloth. In 1672, Wethersfield and Hartford were granted permission by the General Court to extend the boundary line of Pyaug 5 miles (8 km) to the east. By 1690, residents of Pyaug had gained permission from Wethersfield to become a separate town and, in 1693, the town of Glassenbury was created.[3]
The ties have not been completely broken: the oldest continuously operating ferry in the United States still runs between South Glastonbury and Rocky Hill, also then part of Wethersfield, as it did as far back as 1655. One result of being split off from Wethersfield was that the town was built along a main road, rather than around the large green that anchors most New England towns. After part of New London Turnpike was realigned to eliminate the rotary in the middle of town during the mid-20th century, a small green was established there.
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