Vascular Sonography

Vascular Sonography – Associate in Applied Science

A highly-skilled allied health professional, a vascular sonographer performs arterial and venous diagnostic procedures using high-frequency sound waves. A vascular sonographer operates a variety of complex diagnostic and monitoring equipment and numerous ancillary devices.

The vascular sonographer performs carotid duplex scanning, lower and upper extremity Doppler examinations, venous duplex scans, abdominal vascular exams, evaluates test results, monitors physiological states of the patient, conducts patient education, and maintains accurate records and protocols during and after procedures. A thorough understanding of hemodynamics and pathophysiology is required.

The vascular sonography program is a hybrid program (online course work plus ground-based clinical component) accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in the United States. It is a program leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree. The program is outcome-based, and the curriculum consists of integrated educational and clinical coursework with a maximum of 1,000 supervised clinical hours with an approved clinical education affiliate. The mastery and performance proficiency level are assessed in the final clinical semester. Learners will be eligible for early completion during the last clinical semester.

The program is designed to prepare the student for employment in vascular sonography. Vascular positions are located within hospitals, medical clinics, and other diagnostic imaging health institutions. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to apply for certification exams through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography and, if successful, use the credentials RVT (Registered Vascular Technologist).

There are special admission requirements to the sonography programs, and it is the student’s responsibility to understand and adhere to them. Entry into a program is competitive and based on a “point system.” Point values are based on grades earned in prerequisite coursework and the interview process.

Applications are processed according to the following:

• Applications must be received by the Allied Health Office by January 31.
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography Admission Committee conducts consultations.
• Students are notified by mail of application consultation results.
• Accepted students begin fall semester.

General education prerequisites and related requirement courses must be completed before admission to the program.