OB GYN Sonography Schools Annapolis MD - Become an Ultrasound Technician

How to Enroll in the Right Ultrasound Technician School near Annapolis Maryland

Annapolis MD ultrasound technician with patient Now that you have decided to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Annapolis MD, it’s time to begin the process of picking a school. To begin with, you have to find the ideal program that will provide the necessary education to become a skilled professional. And since a number of states do mandate that ultrasound techs be either licensed or certified, depending on your residence you may also need preparation 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 choices. But exactly where does one start? Many prospective students will start by looking for colleges that are within driving distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Naturally location and cost should be taken into account when making a decision, but there are other critical factors also. For instance, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they offer 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 education programs that are available.

Ultrasound Tech Work Description

Annapolis MD sonographer testing pregnant woman There are several professional 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 description, which is to perform diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. Although many work as generalists there are specialties within the profession, for example in pediatrics and cardiology. Most practice in Annapolis MD clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Standard daily job tasks of a sonogram tech can involve:

Maintaining records of patient medical histories and details of each procedure
Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
Readying the ultrasound machines for testing and then cleaning and recalibrating them
Moving patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
Using equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
Reviewing the results and identifying need for additional testing

Ultrasound techs must frequently assess the performance and safety of their equipment. They also are held 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 mandated to complete continuing education training on a regular basis.

Ultrasound Technician Degree Programs Available

Annapolis MD ultrasound tech testing pregnant woman Sonogram tech enrollees have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will normally involve around 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finalize. Another option for those who have previously earned 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 related health field, you can enroll in a certificate program that will require just 12 to 18 months to finish. One thing to bear in mind is that almost all sonographer schools do have a practical training component as part of their course of study. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an internship program which numerous colleges set up through Annapolis MD clinics and hospitals. When you have graduated from one of the degree or certificate programs, you will then need to fulfill the licensing or certification requirements in Maryland or whichever state you elect to work in.

Ultrasound Technician Online Classes

woman attending online sonography school in Annapolis MD As aforementioned, nearly all sonogram tech schools have a clinical component to their programs. So although you can receive a certificate or degree online, a substantial part of the training will be either held in an on-campus lab or at an approved off campus medical care provider. Practical training can typically be fulfilled by means of an internship at a local Annapolis MD hospital, outpatient clinic or private practice. But the remainder of the training and classes may be attended online in your Annapolis home. This is especially beneficial for those students that continue working while earning their degrees. Plus online programs are many times less expensive than on campus options. Expenses for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But similarly as with every ultrasound tech program you are considering, verify that the online program you ultimately pick is accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly crucial for certification, licensing and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to attend classes away from the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then an online school could be the right option for you.

Points to Ask Ultrasound Technician Colleges

Questions to ask Annapolis MD ultrasound tech schools As soon as you have determined the type of degree or certificate that you would like to earn, you can begin the procedure of evaluating and comparing ultrasound tech colleges. You will first probably want to choose whether you will attend classes online or commute to a school campus in the Annapolis MD area. Clearly location will be critical if you select the latter, and the cost of tuition no doubt will be an important qualification as well. But there are additional factors that you must also take into account, such as if the schools are accredited and if they offer internships. Therefore in order to carry out your due diligence so that you can make your final selection, following are a few questions that you need ask each ultrasound tech college before deciding.

Are the Ultrasound Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of sonogram technician colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations 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 gone through an extensive evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Annapolis MD employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the ultrasound technician programs you are reviewing have relationships with Annapolis MD clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to receive hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Annapolis health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the sonographer programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Maryland healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Annapolis MD residence. Those who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the colleges you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the sonogram tech program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the ultrasound tech program you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Annapolis MD area, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Annapolis MD?

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

Annapolis, Maryland

Annapolis (/əˈnæpəlɪs/) is the capital of the U.S. state of Maryland, as well as the county seat of Anne Arundel County. Situated on the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Severn River, 25 miles (40 km) south of Baltimore and about 30 miles (50 km) east of Washington, D.C., Annapolis is part of the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area. Its population was measured at 38,394 by the 2010 census.

This city served as the seat of the Confederation Congress (former Second Continental Congress) and temporary national capital of the United States in 1783–1784. At that time, General George Washington came before the body convened in the new Maryland State House and resigned his commission as commander of the Continental Army. A month later, the Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris of 1783, ending the American Revolutionary War, with Great Britain recognizing the independence of the United States. The city and state capitol was also the site of the 1786 Annapolis Convention, which issued a call to the states to send delegates for the Constitutional Convention to be held the following year in Philadelphia. Over 220 years later, the Annapolis Peace Conference, was held in 2007. Annapolis is the home of St. John's College, founded 1696; the United States Naval Academy, established 1845, is adjacent to the city limits.

A settlement in the Province of Maryland named "Providence" was founded on the north shore of the Severn River on the middle Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay in 1649 by Puritan exiles from the Province/Dominion of Virginia led by third Proprietary Governor William Stone (1603–1660). The settlers later moved to a better-protected harbor on the south shore. The settlement on the south shore was initially named "Town at Proctor's," then "Town at the Severn," and later "Anne Arundel's Towne" (after Lady Ann Arundell (1616-1649), the wife of Cecilus Calvert, second Lord Baltimore, who died soon afterwards).[6]

In 1654, after the Third English Civil War, Parliamentary forces assumed control of the Maryland colony and Stone went into exile further south across the Potomac River in Virginia. Per orders from Charles Calvert, fifth Lord Baltimore, Stone returned the following spring at the head of a Cavalier royalist force, loyal to the King of England. On March 25, 1655, in what is known as the Battle of the Severn (first colonial naval battle in North America), Stone was defeated, taken prisoner, and replaced by Lt. Gen. Josias Fendall (1628–1687) as fifth Proprietary Governor. Fendall governed Maryland during the latter half of the Commonwealth period in England. In 1660, he was replaced by Phillip Calvert (1626–1682) as fifth/sixth Governor of Maryland, after the restoration of Charles II (1630–1685) as King in England.

Find the Right OB GYN Sonography Schools Annapolis MD

Enrolling in the ideal sonographer certificate or degree program is a vital first step to commencing a rewarding new profession providing diagnostic services to patients. Sonographer schools require that you have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Along with meeting academic requirements, you need to be in at least reasonably good physical health, capable of standing for prolonged durations and able to routinely lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it typically necessary to position patients and move heavy machinery. Additional desirable skills include technical aptitude, the ability to stay calm when confronted by 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 OB GYN Sonography Schools. However, as we have addressed in this post, there are multiple questions that you need to ask each program you are considering. This is the case whether you choose an online degree or drive to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can compare each program, you will be able to narrow down your options until you are left with the best program for your education. And with the right training, dedication and determination to succeed, you can accomplish your objective to practice as an sonographer in Annapolis MD.