How to Choose the Right Ultrasound Tech College near Piedmont South Carolina
Now that you have decided to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Piedmont SC, the next step is to start the procedure of selecting a college. First, you must find the right program that will furnish the necessary training to become a skilled professional. And because some states do require that ultrasound techs be either licensed or certified, depending on your residence you may also need preparation to pass a licensing or certification exam. So it’s very important that you investigate each college so that you can evaluate and compare your options. But just where does one begin? Many prospective students will begin by searching for colleges that are within driving distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Naturally cost and location must be taken into account when arriving at a decision, but there are additional significant factors as well. For instance, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they sponsor internship programs. These and additional qualifications will be covered more in detail later in this article. But to start with, let’s review what an ultrasound tech does and the degrees and online education options that are available.
Sonographer Job Description
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. No matter what their title is, they all have the same primary job description, which is to perform diagnostic ultrasound testing on patients. While many work as generalists there are specializations within the profession, for example in pediatrics and cardiology. Most practice in Piedmont SC clinics, hospitals, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Common daily work functions 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 recalibrating them
- Transferring patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
- Using equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
- Assessing results and identifying need for further testing
Ultrasound techs must routinely 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 degree of professionalism and stay current with medical knowledge, they are required to enroll in continuing education training on an ongoing basis.
Sonogram Tech Degrees Available
Ultrasound technician students have the option to acquire either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally involve about 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish. Another alternative for those 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 sector, you can enroll in a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to finish. Something to keep in mind is that the majority of sonographer programs do have a practical training component as a portion of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship program which numerous schools sponsor through Piedmont SC clinics and hospitals. After you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to satisfy the licensing or certification requirements in South Carolina or whatever state you choose to work in.
Online Ultrasound Technician Programs
As earlier discussed, almost all ultrasound tech colleges have a practical component to their programs. So although you can obtain a certificate or degree online, a significant part of the training will be either conducted in an on campus lab or at a sponsored off campus medical care provider. Practical training can often be fulfilled through an internship at a local Piedmont SC hospital, outpatient clinic or private practice. However the balance of the training and classes can be accessed online in your Piedmont home. This is particularly convenient for those students that continue working while getting their degrees. Plus online schools are often more affordable than on campus alternatives. Expenditures for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But similarly as with every ultrasound tech college you are considering, verify that the online school you ultimately pick is accredited. Among the most highly regarded 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 disciplined enough to attend classes outside of the classroom in the convenience of your own home, then an online degree could be the ideal choice for you.
Topics to Ask Sonography Programs
When you have decided on which degree or certificate that you would like to earn, you can initiate the procedure of reviewing and comparing ultrasound technician schools. You may first want to decide whether you will access classes online or commute to a college campus in the Piedmont SC area. Naturally location will be critical if you select the latter, and the cost of tuition undoubtedly will be an initial qualification also. But there are other factors that you must also take into account, such as if the colleges are accredited and if they offer internships. Therefore in order to complete your due diligence so that you can make your final selection, following are a few questions that you need ask each sonographer program before deciding.
Are the Sonogram Tech Colleges Accredited? Most ultrasound technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program 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). Programs earning accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone a detailed examination of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations 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 assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Piedmont SC employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level positions.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the ultrasound tech schools you are evaluating have partnerships with Piedmont SC hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help students and graduates form professional relationships in the Piedmont healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the ultrasound tech programs 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 great relationships with South Carolina healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they decide on will need to be within commuting distance of their Piedmont SC residence. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the colleges you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the ultrasound technician program also.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the sonographer program you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Piedmont SC area, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Piedmont SC?
If you are considering a Sonography Tech School near Piedmont South Carolina, following is some interesting background information about the location of your new school campus.
Piedmont, South Carolina
Native Americans and early settlers of Piedmont called the area "Big Shoals of the Saluda" after the Saluda River. The Native Americans used the shoals as a crossing. David Garrison established a grist mill around 1850 upon the shoals changing the name of the area to Garrison Shoals. Henry Pinckney Hammett bought this property for his cotton mill that used water power of the shoals. The name of the area changed again to Piedmont, "Foot of the Mountains" and became a mill town. The American Civil War disrupted Hammett's project until 1876 when his plant began operations. Piedmont was added to Hammett's charter for Piedmont Manufacturing Company and a railroad station. Water power from the Saluda River was also used to produce electricity to run the machinery from the 1880s to the 1920s. The machinery of the Piedmont Manufacturing Company was from Saco Lowell and Whitin Machine Works that helped finance Hammett's company.[4] In 1946 the mills were sold to J.P. Stevens and Company where it then was updated with modern features. Manufacturing continued until 1977 and in 1983 most of Piedmont Manufacturing Company burned down.[5]
Piedmont is located in northern Anderson County and southwestern Greenville County at 34°42′15″N 82°27′41″W / 34.70417°N 82.46139°W / 34.70417; -82.46139 (34.704140, -82.461427).[6] It is 12 miles (19 km) south of the center of Greenville. Exit 35 on Interstate 85 is 2 miles (3 km) to the west of the center of Piedmont. South Carolina state road 86 cuts through the small town also, connecting with Interstate 85 at Exit 35. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 8.8 square miles (22.7 km2), of which 8.6 square miles (22.3 km2) is land and 0.15 square miles (0.4 km2), or 1.93%, is water.[3] The Saluda River flows southwards over a dam through the center of town.
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 4,684 people, 1,829 households, and 1,349 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 545.6 people per square mile (210.8/km²). There were 1,992 housing units at an average density of 232.0 per square mile (89.6/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 92.08% White, 5.85% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.11% from other races, and 1.52% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.20% of the population.
There were 1,829 households out of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.4% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.2% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.95.
Find the Right Diagnostic Medical Sonography Online Piedmont SC
Enrolling in the right ultrasound tech degree or certificate program is a vital first step to launching a gratifying new profession delivering diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech colleges require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent. Apart from satisfying academic requirements, you need to be in at least fairly good physical condition, capable of standing for prolonged durations and able to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it often necessary to position patients and move heavy equipment. Other preferred skills include technical proficiency, the ability to remain collected when confronted by an angry or anxious patient and the ability to converse in a clear and compassionate manner. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Online. However, as we have addressed in this post, there are multiple questions that you should ask each college you are considering. This is true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate questions so that you can compare each school, you can narrow down your options until you are left with the ideal school for your education. And with the right training, discipline and determination to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as an ultrasound tech in Piedmont SC.
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