Michigan Archives - Become an Ultrasound Technician

How to Find the Right Ultrasound Tech Degree Program near West Bloomfield Michigan

West Bloomfield MI ultrasound technician with patient Now that you have decided to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near West Bloomfield MI, it’s time to begin the procedure of selecting a college. To begin with, you need to find the right program that will furnish the appropriate training to become a skilled professional. And because some states do require that sonographers be either certified or licensed, depending on your residence you may also need to be prepared to pass a certification or licensing exam. So it’s very important that you research each school so that you can evaluate and compare your alternatives. But exactly where does one begin? Many students will start by looking for schools that are within driving distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Of course location and cost need to be considered when arriving at a decision, but there are additional important factors also. Such as, if the ultrasound technician schools are accredited or if they offer internships. These and other qualifications will be addressed more in detail later in this post. But to start with, let’s discuss what a sonogram tech does and the degrees and online training programs that are available.

Ultrasound Tech Occupation Description

West Bloomfield MI sonographer testing pregnant woman There are more than one 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 function, which is to carry out diagnostic ultrasound testing on patients. Even though a number of techs practice as generalists there are specialties within the profession, for example in pediatrics and cardiology. Most work in West Bloomfield MI clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Typical daily work functions of a sonogram tech may consist of:

Keeping records of patient medical histories and specifics of each procedure
Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
Preparing the ultrasound machines for testing and then sterilizing and re-calibrating them
Transferring patients to treatment rooms and making them comfortable
Using equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
Assessing results and identifying necessity for supplemental testing

Sonographers must routinely gauge the safety and performance of their machines. They also must adhere to a high professional standard and code of conduct as health practitioners. In order to sustain that degree of professionalism and remain current with medical knowledge, they are required to enroll in continuing education programs on an ongoing basis.

Sonogram Technician Degrees Offered

West Bloomfield MI ultrasound tech testing pregnant woman Sonogram tech students have the choice to acquire either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will usually require around 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at up to four years to complete. Another alternative for individuals who have already 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 only 12 to 18 months to complete. One thing to keep in mind is that almost all ultrasound technician colleges do have a clinical training element as a portion of their course of study. It often may be fulfilled by taking part in an internship program which numerous schools set up with West Bloomfield MI hospitals and clinics. When you have graduated from any of the degree or certificate programs, you will then have to comply with the certification or licensing requirements in Michigan or whatever state you decide to work in.

Ultrasound Technician Online Degrees

woman attending online sonography school in West Bloomfield MI As aforementioned, almost all sonogram technician schools have a practical component to their programs. So while you can receive a degree or certificate online, a significant portion of the training will be either held in an on campus lab or at an authorized off campus facility. Clinical training can typically be satisfied through an internship at a local West Bloomfield MI hospital, outpatient clinic or family practice. However the rest of the classes and training may be attended online in your West Bloomfield home. This is particularly convenient for those students that keep working while earning their degrees. Plus online colleges are frequently more affordable than on campus alternatives. Expenses for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just as with any sonographer college you are considering, make sure that the online program you choose is accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is especially important for licensing, certification and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn outside of the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then an online degree could be the ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask Ultrasound Tech Programs

Questions to ask West Bloomfield MI ultrasound tech schools Once you have determined which degree or certificate that you would like to earn, you can initiate the procedure of reviewing and comparing sonogram tech schools. You may first want to decide whether you would rather attend classes online or travel to a school campus in the West Bloomfield MI area. Obviously location will be important if you decide on the latter, and the cost of tuition no doubt will be an initial qualification also. But there are other variables that you must also take into account, such as if the schools are accredited and if they offer internships. So in order to complete your due diligence so that you can arrive at your final selection, below are several questions that you need ask each sonography college before deciding.

Are the Ultrasound Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of sonogram technician schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of sonography is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone a detailed assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of West Bloomfield MI health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the ultrasound tech colleges you are evaluating have associations with West Bloomfield MI hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to receive hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the West Bloomfield medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the ultrasound tech programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Michigan healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their West Bloomfield MI residence. Those who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are reviewing 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 ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the ultrasound tech program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the ultrasound tech college you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the West Bloomfield MI area, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near West Bloomfield MI?

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

West Bloomfield Township, Michigan

West Bloomfield Township, officially the Charter Township of West Bloomfield, is a charter township in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan, within the Detroit metropolitan area. It is one of the most expensive places to live in Oakland County. As of the 2010 census, the township had a population of 64,690.[3]

West Bloomfield is sometimes referred to by its residents as the "lake township of Oakland County",[5] being heavily dotted with small and medium-sized lakes. Cass Lake, the largest lake in the county, is in part of West Bloomfield, and Pine Lake, which has a private country club on its shore, is only a few miles away from Cass and lies completely within West Bloomfield. In addition, directly west of Pine Lake is Orchard Lake, which also has a private country club on its shore. Orchard Lake is surrounded by the city of Orchard Lake Village. Several smaller lakes are scattered around these larger ones.

Orchard Lake Road runs north-south through the middle of the township and is the main artery of West Bloomfield's economy along with West Maple Road (15 Mile Rd.), flanked on each side by long strip malls and shopping complexes. There are many high-end boutique stores and expensive restaurants to visit. Most of the township's population growth has occurred since the 1960s, as many residents moved there from the inner ring Detroit suburbs. West Bloomfield is located in south-central Oakland County about 10 miles (20 km) to the northwest from the Detroit city limits and has borders with Bloomfield Township to its east, Farmington Hills to its south, Commerce Township to its west, and four communities to its north: Waterford Township, Orchard Lake Village, Keego Harbor, and Sylvan Lake. The communities of West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake Village, Keego Harbor, and Sylvan Lake make up what is known as Greater West Bloomfield.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 31.2 square miles (81 km2), of which 27.3 square miles (71 km2) is land and 3.9 square miles (10 km2), or 12.49%, is water.

Find the Right Diagnostic Medical Sonography Schools Near Me West Bloomfield MI

Choosing the right ultrasound technician certificate or degree program is a crucial first step to initiating a gratifying new career delivering diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound technician colleges require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent. Along with meeting academic standards, you need to be in at least reasonably good physical health, able to stand for lengthy time frames with the ability to regularly lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to position patients and maneuver heavy equipment. Other beneficial skills include technical aptitude, the ability to stay collected when faced with an anxious or angry patient and the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Schools Near Me. However, as we have covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are considering. This is the case whether you choose an online program or commute to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the appropriate questions so that you can compare each program, you can narrow down your choices until you are left with the best program for your education. And with the proper training, discipline and determination to succeed, you can reach your objective to work as an ultrasound tech in West Bloomfield MI.