You can pursue training in peripheral vascular ultrasound.
Also called vascular sonography, peripheral vascular ultrasound refers to the use of high frequency sound waves to create visual images of arteries, veins and blood flow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor projects that jobs for well-trained diagnostic medical sonographers will grow by 24 percent between 2008 and 2018.
Programs
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredits vascular ultrasound training programs. There are currently 52 programs in 24 states, including California, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Texas. Training is typically in the form of an associate degree or post-graduate certificate. Some schools, such as Nova Southeastern University and Rush University, provide Bachelor of Science programs.
Admission
Candidates must hold a high school diploma or GED diploma for admission consideration. High school or college-level courses in math, biology, chemistry and medical terminology are required.
Curriculum
Vascular ultrasound training combines theoretical classroom instruction with hands-on clinical applications. Course topics include vascular anatomy and physiology, ultrasound physics, patient care, medical ethics, arterial and venous procedures, cerebrovascular procedures, transcranial Doppler techniques, abdominal vascular procedures and clinical skills.
Certification
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is a national regulatory association that provides professional certification. Two examinations are required: the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) examination and the Vascular Technology (VT) examination. The designation Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) follows the successful completion of these tests.
Tags: peripheral vascular, ultrasound training, vascular ultrasound
