Vascular technologists use non-invasive ultrasound and Doppler technology to assess the circulatory system. They require an associate’s degree and certification, and job growth is predicted to be 20% over the next decade.
A vascular technologist is a clinical healthcare professional who performs non-invasive assessments on the arteries and veins of a patient’s peripheral circulatory system. These healthcare professionals are also sometimes referred to as vascular sonographers because of the primary type of technology—ultrasound—that they often use to perform their duties. A vascular technologist measures blood flow through veins and arteries using ultrasound and Doppler technology to assess for clots in the extremities, perfusion of internal organs, and carotid artery blockages, among other assessments. It can take pictures, movies and sound recordings of the test results for the attending physician to study and use in diagnosis. A vascular technologist may also receive partial or full cross-training as a cardiovascular technologist.
Nearly 60% of medical sonographers are employed by hospitals for inpatient care and evaluation. The technology is generally very portable, and therefore most assessments by vascular technologists are performed at the patient side. For this reason, it is particularly helpful if a vascular technologist can help a patient relax during the assessment. Education provided by the technologist about the need for the test, how it works, and that it is non-invasive often helps reassure the patient.
A minimum of an associate’s degree in the field is required to become a vascular technologist, and most US states also require certification through examination by the state’s Board of Health Professions. Some institutions, usually affiliated with university medical schools, offer a four-year bachelor’s degree in the field. Both degrees require a core curriculum that includes human anatomy and physiology and the basics of the technology on which the specialty is based. Upon graduation from an approved program, a vascular technologist earns certification through tests administered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Depending on state or country requirements, a minimum number of continuing education (CE) credits may be required to maintain continuing certification.
Job growth appears to be positive for a career in vascular technology. Some resources predict very rapid 20 percent growth over the next decade for the US. Part of this growth is secondary to the increasing sophistication of vascular technology and its preferred status over radiographic assessment, which exposes patients to potentially dangerous radiation. Another reason for growth in this career is the general aging of the population and its anticipated health needs.
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