If you are contemplating becoming an Ultrasound Technician, there are two different approaches to training. You can either use traditional ultrasound technician schools, or online ultrasound tech schools. But which type of ultrasound technician school is right for you?
To help you to make an informed choice, we’ll take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each type of ultrasound technician training.
Traditional Ultrasound Training Schools
Most people are familiar with classroom based ultrasound technician schools (or sonography schools) These types of ultrasound courses are offered by a variety of universities or colleges, and are campus based. This means that you’ll need to live within easy travelling distance of the education establishment.
Training is provided in a very structured format. Each day, you’ll have to attend classes covering various aspects of the ultrasound syllabus. Some of these ultrasound classes will be theory based, whilst other classes will be more practical (for example, you may learn how to use ultrasound equipment or carry out diagnostic procedures on real patients)
Online Ultrasound Tech Schools
The second route to training as an ultrasound technician is by using online learning. There are many online ultrasound tech schools which now offer distance learning courses for ultrasound technicians, and this is the fastest growing method to become qualified in sonography.
Online ultrasound tech schools use a different training approach to the usual classroom based colleges. This is because a key component of ultrasound training is the practical application of ultrasound skills, which obviously can’t be done online.
So the training provided by online ultrasound tech schools is divided into two elements. The theory based part of the training is delivered by online ultrasound tech schools using a combination of videos, tutorials, exercises, lectures and virtual classroom sessions. In addition to this, the practical clinical training element of the course is carried out in at a local ultrasound facility (for example at a hospital, physician’s practice or a healthcare clinic) Virtually all accredited online ultrasound tech schools will have arrangements in place so you can complete this practical training at a local healthcare location which is convenient to you.
Benefits Of Traditional Ultrasound Training Schools
For some students, one of the major benefits of a traditional training style is that everything is rigidly structured for you. You’ll need to attend classes on the dates and times that they are scheduled. This can be useful if you are not the world’s most organised person, and perhaps need a little structure to your learning?
Another benefit of classroom based universities and colleges is that you’ll spend a large proportion of your time in the company of other students. This can be handy when it comes to sharing ideas and learning as a group.
But classroom based education also has some disadvantages over the training delivered by online ultrasound tech schools. First, traditional ultrasound training courses are a lot more expensive than their online counterparts. The differences in course fees can be substantial, and this is worthwhile taking into account – especially in the current economic climate.
Second, we have the issue of location. You may be fortunate and have some ultrasound technician schools near to where you currently live. However, if you don’t have any training colleges or universities nearby, you’ll usually have to find accommodation which is within easy commuting distance of your chosen school. This can easily add a lot off additional expense to your training bill, especially if your tech school is located in a large city.
Advantages Of Online Ultrasound Tech Schools
More and more people are now using online ultrasound tech schools for their ultrasound technician training – indeed it’s one of the fastest growing ways to become qualified in ultrasound technology. There are a number of reasons why online ultrasound courses are so popular.
First, online ultrasound tech schools can offer ultrasound technician training at a fraction of the rates charged by conventional colleges. This means that when you use online ultrasound tech schools for your education, you’ll usually be able to get qualified for a lot less.
Secondly, the online training provided by online ultrasound tech schools is a lot more flexible than traditional classroom training. You’ll be able to study at a time that’s convenient to you, for example in the evening or at weekends. In fact, this is a major benefit of using online ultrasound tech schools – as you can fit your sonography training around a job or your family.
Third, online ultrasound tech schools are more convenient. You won’t need to relocate, and can study from the comfort of your own home. Not only does this help you to keep the costs down, but it’s also a far better and more comfortable learning environment. This can be especially important if you are completing one of the advanced degree programs such as an associate’s degree.
But Which Is the Right Ultrasound Training Approach For You?
Both varieties of ultrasound technician schools have their own relative merits. If you have some good tech schools in your area, you may choose the traditional classroom based training approach. Or you may prefer the flexibility and lower cost of training with online ultrasound tech schools.
Whichever route you prefer, you’ll ultimately receive the same training and qualifications (provided that your college or online ultrasound tech schools are accredited)
But even if you are initially drawn towards classroom training, it’s still worthwhile looking at some online ultrasound tech schools to see what types of sonography and ultrasound training courses they can offer you. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised at how distance learning courses can fit your own personal needs, so online ultrasound tech schools are definitely worth considering before you make your final choice.