Vascular sonographers use ultrasound to diagnose vein and artery problems, requiring a two-year academic program and credentials from CCI or ARDMS. Accredited schools teach general sonography and blood flow identification, with advancement opportunities available in administration or education.
A vascular sonographer is a vascular technologist who uses ultrasound as a diagnostic tool to assist physicians in detecting and evaluating problems with veins and arteries. Problems with either of these could indicate cardiac or peripheral vascular disorders. To become a vascular sonographer, one must complete an academic program of approximately two years. While other credentials are not required, most employers in the United States look for credentials from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Credentials are typically awarded upon completion of a specific academic program and a passing score on the agency exam.
Most applicants who want to become vascular sonographers enter an associate’s degree program at a community college or technical school. It is becoming more common to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program to become a vascular sonographer; therefore, those looking to pursue promotions and advanced positions may want to consider these longer options. Regardless of the program selected, applicants can expect to spend a good portion of the first year completing general education courses, with more technical classes required in the second year and beyond. For those who have prior experience in the healthcare field, it may be possible to complete a vascular sonographer degree in one year.
Candidates who wish to become a vascular sonographer should choose a school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Professionals (CAAHEP). This will ensure that a program offers appropriate courses that will be accepted for certification if you wish to pursue credentials upon completion of an academic program. Classes will teach prospective vascular sonographers how to operate medical machines that use sound waves to produce images of internal parts of the human body. Students will learn to identify organs and tissues with an emphasis on blood flow.
Students will not only learn the specialized specifics needed to become a vascular sonographer, they will also be trained in general sonography. Classes may include information about obstetrics, gynecology, and other medical areas that require a high number of ultrasound or ultrasound scans. Vascular sonographers spend a great deal of time working with patients, so the ability to relax with others and communicate is essential. Candidates must also have an aptitude for medicine and the ability to closely follow detailed instructions. Advancement is available for those who wish to continue their education and acquire extra certifications, so ambitious vascular sonographers can look for positions in administration or education.
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