How to Pick the Best Ultrasound Tech School near Portales New Mexico
Since you have decided to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Portales NM, the next step is to begin the process of selecting a school. First, you need to find the ideal program that will furnish the proper instruction to become a skilled professional. And since a number of states do mandate that sonographers 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 very important that you research each program in order to evaluate and compare your alternatives. But just where does one start? Most prospective students will begin by searching for schools that are within commuting distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Of course location and cost should be considered when making a decision, but there are additional critical factors as well. Such as, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they sponsor internship programs. These and additional qualifiers will be discussed more in detail later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a sonogram tech does and the credentials and online training options that are offered.
Request Free Information on Ultrasound Technician Schools Near You!
Sonographer Job Description
There are more than one professional 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 primary job description, which is to carry out diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. While many practice as generalists there are specializations within the profession, for example in cardiology and pediatrics. The majority work in Portales NM hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Typical daily job functions of an ultrasound technician can involve:
- Keeping records of patient medical histories and details 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
- Moving patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
- Using equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
- Assessing results and determining necessity for additional testing
Sonographers must frequently assess the performance and safety of their machines. They also are held to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. In order to sustain that degree of professionalism and stay current with medical knowledge, they are mandated to complete continuing education programs on a regular basis.
Click Here to Get Free Information on Ultrasound Technician Schools!
Ultrasound Technician Degrees Available
Ultrasound tech students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will generally involve around 18 months to 2 years to accomplish dependent on the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at up to four years to complete. Another alternative for individuals who have previously received 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 medical field, you can instead choose a certificate program that will require just 12 to 18 months to finish. One thing to bear in mind is that most sonographer schools do have a clinical training component as part of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship program which numerous colleges sponsor with Portales NM clinics and hospitals. After you have graduated from any of the degree or certificate programs, you will then need to satisfy the licensing or certification prerequisites in New Mexico or whichever state you elect to practice in.
Online Sonographer Programs
As earlier discussed, virtually all sonogram tech colleges have a practical component to their programs. So while you can receive a degree or certificate online, a substantial part of the training will be either carried out in an on-campus lab or at a sponsored off-campus facility. Practical training can usually be satisfied by means of an internship at a local Portales NM hospital, outpatient clinic or family practice. However the rest of the classes and training can be accessed online in your Portales home. This is especially convenient for those individuals that continue working while getting their degrees. In addition online schools are many times less expensive than on campus alternatives. Expenses for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But similarly as with every sonographer program you are looking at, 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 significant for licensing, certification and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to attend classes away from the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.
Subjects to Ask Sonogram Tech Schools
When you have determined the type of degree or certificate that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of assessing and comparing ultrasound technician schools. You will first probably want to choose whether you will attend classes online or travel to a school campus in the Portales NM area. Obviously location will be critical if you select the latter, and the price of tuition no doubt will be an important qualifier as well. But there are other things that you must also take into account, for instance if the schools are accredited and if they sponsor internships. So in order to carry out your due diligence so that you can arrive at your final selection, below are some questions that you need ask each sonography college prior to making a decision.
Are the Sonogram Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of sonogram tech schools have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRC-DMS have gone through a detailed evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Portales NM employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the sonogram technician schools you are interested in have relationships with Portales NM hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Portales medical community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the ultrasound tech schools you are considering have job placement 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 New Mexico healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Portales NM residence. Those who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something 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 might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically 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 Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the sonogram tech program also.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the sonographer program you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Portales NM area, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.
Ultrasound Tech Training Portales New Mexico
Enrolling in the ideal sonographer degree or certificate program is a vital first step to initiating a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound technician programs require that you have earned a high school diploma or a GED. Apart from satisfying academic requirements, you must be in at least fairly good physical health, able to stand for extended periods with the ability to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it often necessary to position patients and maneuver heavy equipment. Other desirable skills include technical proficiency, the ability to keep collected 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 Tech Training and wanting more information on Colleges That Have Ultrasound Tech Programs. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing. This is true whether you choose an online degree or travel to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can evaluate each program, you will be able to narrow down your options until you are left with the ideal program for your education. And with the right training, discipline and determination to succeed, you can realize your objective to work as an sonographer in Portales NM.
More Sonography Locations in New Mexico
Portales, New Mexico
Portales is a city in and the county seat of Roosevelt County, New Mexico, United States.[2] The population was 12,280 at the 2010 census. Portales is located near the larger city of Clovis, as well as Cannon Air Force Base, a major contributor to the economy of the region.
Eastern New Mexico University opened in Portales in 1934, and has grown to become the third-largest university in the state. The area is one of the largest producers of Valencia peanuts in the United States and is the nation's top producer of certified organic peanut butter. Portales is home to over about 40 dairies and a major US dairy solids plant, together producing and exporting hundreds of millions of dollars of local milk products each year. It is the principal city of the Portales Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is part of the larger Clovis-Portales Combined Statistical Area, including Clovis, 19 miles (31 km) away and Cannon Air Force Base, 13 miles (21 km) away.
The city's downtown area is centered around a traditional-style town square, based upon Spanish urban design.[3] The center of the town square includes the 1930s WPA-style Roosevelt County Courthouse, including original architectural details from the era, as well as the adjacent 1930s post office. The Courthouse Square is ringed with retail shops. The Yam Theater, a historic theater located in the downtown area, has recently been renovated. Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) forms a sizable district with its campus and surrounding residential stock catering largely to students. Arts and cultural offerings emanate from ENMU, the third-largest state university in New Mexico. Portales ranks in the top 20% of US cities for racial diversity, percentage of college-educated adults, and percentage of people who walk or bike to work. The city rates in the top 10% of US cities for a short commute, rent affordability, and low taxes.[4]
Business Results 1 - 10 of 2
2 Reviews 
3 Reviews 