Ultrasound Tech Courses Smithfield NC - Become an Ultrasound Technician

How to Enroll in the Right Ultrasound Tech School near Smithfield North Carolina

Smithfield NC ultrasound technician with patient Since you have made a decision to obtain an ultrasound technician degree near Smithfield NC, the next step is to start the process of selecting a college. To begin with, you need to find the ideal program that will furnish the proper training to become a qualified professional. And because a number of states do require that sonographers be either licensed or certified, depending on where you will practice you may also need to be prepared 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 exactly where does one start? Most individuals will begin by looking for colleges that are within driving distance of their residences and then by comparing tuition. Of course cost and location need to be taken into account when arriving at a decision, but there are other important factors also. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they sponsor internship programs. These and additional qualifiers will be covered more in depth later in this article. But to start with, let’s review what a sonogram tech does and the credentials and online training options that are offered.

Ultrasound Technician Occupation Summary

Smithfield NC sonographer testing pregnant woman There are various acceptable titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also referred to as ultrasound technologists, sonogram techs, and diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers). Regardless of name, they all have the same basic job description, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound testing on patients. Even though a number of techs practice as generalists there are specializations within the field, for example in cardiology and pediatrics. The majority practice in Smithfield NC hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Common daily work duties of an ultrasound tech can consist of:

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 usage and then cleaning and recalibrating them
Transferring patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
Using equipment while limiting patient exposure to sound waves
Assessing results and identifying need for further testing

Sonographers must routinely gauge the performance and safety of their equipment. They also are held to a high ethical standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. So as to maintain that degree of professionalism and stay up to date with medical knowledge, they are mandated to complete continuing education training on a regular basis.

Ultrasound Tech Degrees Available

Smithfield NC ultrasound tech testing pregnant woman Ultrasound tech students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will typically involve around 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at up to four years to finalize. Another alternative for individuals who have already obtained 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 health sector, you can instead choose a certificate program that will take only 12 to 18 months to finish. One thing to bear in mind is that the majority of ultrasound technician programs do have a clinical training element as part of their curriculum. It often may be fulfilled by entering into an internship program which numerous colleges set up through Smithfield NC clinics and hospitals. Once you have graduated from any of the certificate or degree programs, you will then need to fulfill the certification or licensing requirements in North Carolina or whichever state you elect to work in.

Ultrasound Tech Online Colleges

woman attending online sonography school in Smithfield NC As earlier discussed, virtually all ultrasound tech colleges have a clinical component to their programs. So while you can receive a degree or certificate online, a substantial part of the training will be either held in an on campus laboratory or at a sponsored off campus facility. Practical training can often be satisfied through an internship at a local Smithfield NC outpatient clinic, hospital or family practice. However the rest of the training and classes may be accessed online in your Smithfield home. This is particularly convenient for those individuals that keep working while getting their degrees. Plus online colleges are many times more affordable than on campus alternatives. Expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But similarly as with any ultrasound tech program you are reviewing, verify that the online school 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 especially important for certification, licensing and job placement (more on accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn away from the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then online classes could be the right choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Ultrasound Tech Programs

Questions to ask Smithfield NC ultrasound tech schools After you have decided on which certificate or degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of evaluating and comparing sonogram technician schools. You may first want to decide whether you will attend classes online or commute to a school campus in the Smithfield NC area. Naturally location will be critical if you select the latter, and the price of tuition undoubtedly will be an important qualifier also. But there are additional things that you should also take into account, such as if the schools are accredited and if they sponsor internships. Therefore in order to complete your due diligence so that you can make your ultimate selection, below are several questions that you need ask each sonographer program prior to making a decision.

Are the Ultrasound Tech Programs Accredited? The majority of ultrasound tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations 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 rigorous review of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Smithfield NC health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internships Offered? Find out if the sonogram tech schools you are reviewing have associations with Smithfield NC clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Smithfield healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the sonographer programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with North Carolina healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their Smithfield NC home. Those who have chosen 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. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the schools you are reviewing what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound technician program as well.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the ultrasound tech school you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Smithfield NC area, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Smithfield NC?

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

Smithfield, North Carolina

Smithfield is a town in and the county seat of Johnston County[5], North Carolina, United States. As of the 2010 census the population was 10,966,[6] and in 2016 the estimated population was 12,266.[2] Smithfield is home to the Ava Gardner Museum and is situated along the Neuse River, where visitors enjoy the annual Smithfield Ham and Yam Festival, walks along the Buffalo Creek Greenway, and the historic downtown district. The town is located in North Carolina's famed Research Triangle and is approximately 30 miles (48 km) southeast of downtown Raleigh. The Raleigh-Durham-Cary Combined Statistical area has a population of over 2 million residents.

Smithfield is in central Johnston County and is bordered to the northeast by Selma. Interstate 95 runs along the southeastern edge of the town, with access from Exits 93, 95, and 97. I-95 leads northeast 46 miles (74 km) to Rocky Mount and southwest the same distance to Fayetteville. U.S. Route 301 passes through Selma on Brightleaf Boulevard, leading northeast 4 miles (6 km) to the center of Selma and southwest 15 miles (24 km) to Benson. U.S. Route 70 passes just northeast of Smithfield, leading northwest 30 miles (48 km) to Raleigh, and southeast 22 miles (35 km) to Goldsboro. U.S. Route 70 Business passes through the center of Smithfield as Market Street.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 12.1 square miles (31.4 km2), of which 0.02 square miles (0.04 km2), or 0.11%, are water.[6] The Neuse River runs through the town west of the downtown area, separating it from the neighborhood of West Smithfield.

As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 11,510 people, 4,417 households, and 2,676 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,007.6 inhabitants per square mile (389.1/km²). There were 4,674 housing units at an average density of 409.2 per square mile (158.0/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 62.66% White, 30.99% African American, 0.43% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 4.14% from other races, and 1.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.90% of the population.

Find the Right Ultrasound Tech Courses Smithfield NC

Enrolling in the ideal ultrasound tech certificate or degree program is an important first step to starting a rewarding new profession delivering diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound tech programs require that you have earned a high school diploma or a GED. In addition to meeting academic requirements, you need to be in at least fairly good physical condition, capable of standing for prolonged time frames with the ability to regularly lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it often necessary to position patients and move heavy equipment. Additional beneficial skills include technical aptitude, the ability to stay calm when confronted by an angry or anxious patient and the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Ultrasound Tech Courses. However, as we have covered in this article, there are multiple questions that you should ask each college you are considering. This is the case whether you choose an online program or commute to the college campus to attend classes. And by asking the proper questions so that you can assess each program, you can narrow down your alternatives until you are left with the ideal program for your education. And with the right training, dedication and determination to succeed, you can reach your objective to work as an ultrasound tech in Smithfield NC.