Tag Archives: Accredited Local Sonography Programs near Southport CT 06490

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate Program Southport CT

How to Select the Right Ultrasound Technician Training Program near Southport Connecticut

Southport CT ultrasound technician with patientSince you have made a decision to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Southport CT, the next step is to begin the procedure of choosing a school. First, you have to find the ideal program that will provide the necessary education to become a skilled professional. And because some states do mandate that sonographers be either licensed or certified, depending on where you will practice you may also need to be prepared to pass a certification or licensing exam. So it’s extremely important that you research each school so that you can evaluate and compare your choices. But just where does one start? Many individuals will begin by looking for schools that are within travelling distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Certainly location and cost need to be considered when arriving at a decision, but there are other significant factors also. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they offer internships. These and other qualifications will be covered more in detail later in this article. But to start with, let’s go over what a sonogram tech does and the degrees and online education options that are available.

Ultrasound Tech Job Summary

Southport CT sonographer testing pregnant womanThere are several professional titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also referred to as sonogram techs, diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers) and ultrasound technologists. No matter what their title is, they all have the same primary job description, which is to perform diagnostic ultrasound testing on patients. Even though many work as generalists there are specializations within the profession, for instance in pediatrics and cardiology. The majority work in Southport CT hospitals, clinics, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Standard daily work duties of a sonogram tech may consist of:

  • Keeping records of patient medical histories and details of each procedure
  • Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
  • Preparing the ultrasound machines for usage and then cleaning and recalibrating them
  • Transferring patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
  • Utilizing equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
  • Evaluating results and identifying need for further testing

Ultrasound techs must frequently evaluate the performance and safety of their machines. They also must adhere to a high professional standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. In order to sustain that degree of professionalism and stay up to date with medical knowledge, they are required to enroll in continuing education programs on a regular basis.

Ultrasound Technician Degrees Available

Southport CT ultrasound tech testing pregnant womanUltrasound technician students have the choice to acquire either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will typically involve around 18 months to 2 years to finish dependent on the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finalize. Another alternative for those who have previously obtained 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 sector, you can instead choose a certificate program that will require only 12 to 18 months to complete. Something to keep in mind is that almost all ultrasound technician programs do have a clinical training element as a portion of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by entering into an internship program which numerous colleges set up with Southport CT clinics and hospitals. When you have graduated from any of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to satisfy the licensing or certification requirements in Connecticut or whatever state you choose to practice in.

Ultrasound Tech Online Classes

woman attending online sonography school in Southport CTAs earlier discussed, virtually all sonogram technician colleges have a clinical component to their programs. So while you can earn a certificate or degree online, a significant part of the training will be either held in an on campus lab or at an authorized off campus medical care provider. Clinical training can often be fulfilled through an internship at a local Southport CT hospital, outpatient clinic or family practice. But the remainder of the classes and training may be attended online in your Southport home. This is especially convenient for those individuals that continue working while getting their degrees. Plus online programs are often less expensive than traditional options. Expenses for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But similarly as with any ultrasound tech college you are looking at, confirm that the online school you enroll in is accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially crucial for licensing, certification and finding employment (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 could be the ideal option for you.

Points to Ask Ultrasound Tech Programs

Questions to ask Southport CT ultrasound tech schoolsWhen you have determined the type of degree or certificate that you would like to earn, you can initiate the procedure of assessing and comparing sonogram technician schools. You may first want to choose whether you would rather attend classes online or commute to a school campus in the Southport CT area. Certainly location will be critical if you select the latter, and the cost of tuition no doubt will be an important qualifier as well. But there are other factors 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 arrive at your ultimate selection, below are some questions that you need ask each sonography school prior to making a decision.

Are the Sonogram Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of ultrasound tech colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to make sure that the school and program 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 a detailed review of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Southport CT health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the sonogram technician programs you are assessing have partnerships with Southport CT hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to obtain practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also 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 connections in the Southport medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the ultrasound tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Southport CT residence. Those who have decided to attend online classes 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 school 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 commonly 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 student that likes to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the sonogram technician program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the ultrasound tech  college you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Southport CT area, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, learn what the procedure 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 Southport CT?

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

Southport, Connecticut

Southport is a former borough in the town of Fairfield, Connecticut, and also a census-designated place. It is located along Long Island Sound between Mill River and Sasco Brook, where it borders Westport. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 1,585.[1] Settled in 1639, Southport center has been designated a local historic district since 1967, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 as the Southport Historic District.

The earliest recorded event in Southport's history was "The Great Swamp Fight" or "Fairfield Swamp Fight" of July 1637 (not to be confused with the later Great Swamp Fight of King Philip's War), an episode of the Pequot War in which English colonial forces led by John Mason and Roger Ludlow vanquished a band of about 80 to 100 Pequot Indians who had earlier fled from their home territory in the Mystic area and had taken refuge with about 200 Sasqua Indians who inhabited the area that is now Fairfield. The exact location of the battle is not known, but it is known to have been in the vicinity of Southport.[2]

In the eighteenth century, Mill River village, a part of Fairfield, was a small hamlet of a few houses and a wharf at the mouth of Fairfield's Mill River. Farm products from the surrounding area were shipped from Mill River's small harbor to ports in New York and beyond.[3]

By 1831 the village had changed its name to Southport and was a bustling commercial area with warehouses, churches, schools, stores and elegant houses. Before 1853, Southport had its own local government as a borough within the town of Fairfield.[4] Southport became a leading coastal port on Long Island Sound, its ships carrying produce and goods back and forth to New York City. A measure of Southport's success is the fact that throughout the 1800s it possessed the only two banks in town. However, competition from steamboats and the railroad took its toll on prosperity. Resourceful shippers teamed with local farmers and businessmen to keep the port going; the Southport onion, a high quality onion, was developed and grown on Fairfield's hills and shipped in Southport market boats, keeping the harbor profitable until the end of the century. In the 1890s, 100,000 barrels of locally grown onions, carrots, potatoes, and other goods were shipped annually from Southport harbor.[3]

Find the Right Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate Program Southport CT

Picking the right ultrasound tech degree or certificate program is a crucial first step to commencing a rewarding new career providing diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer programs require that you have earned a high school diploma or a GED. Along with satisfying academic requirements, you should be in at least reasonably good physical health, able to stand for prolonged durations and able to regularly lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to adjust patients and move heavy equipment. Other beneficial skills include technical aptitude, 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 Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate Program.  However, as we have covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are considering. This holds true whether you enroll in an online degree or travel to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can evaluate each college, you can narrow down your options until you are left with the best program for your education. And with the right training, dedication and motivation to succeed, you can reach your objective to practice as an ultrasound technologist in Southport CT.

Other Ultrasound Locations in Connecticut

  • Online Sonography School Oxford CT
  • Ultrasound Technician Associate’s Degree Sterling CT
  • Sonogram Tech Programs Thompson CT
  • Online Ultrasound Tech Programs Pawcatuck CT
  • Medical Sonographer Training West Hartland CT
  • Schools That Offer Ultrasound Technician Woodstock Valley CT
  • Sonographer Education North Franklin CT
  • Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools Near Me Uncasville CT
  • College Courses For Ultrasound Technician Glastonbury CT
  • Sonogram Technician Education Durham CT
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