A vascular sonographer is a vascular technologist who uses ultrasound as a diagnostic tool to help doctors detect and assess vein and artery problems. If you have problems with either of these, it could be a sign of a heart or peripheral vascular problem. To become a vascular sonographer, one must complete a two-year academic program. Most employers in the United States look for credentials from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, though other credentials are not required (ARDMS). Credentials are usually awarded after successful completion of a specific academic program and passing the agency’s exam.
The majority of vascular sonographer candidates enroll in an associate’s degree program at a community college or technical school. Obtaining a four-year bachelor’s degree to become a vascular sonographer is becoming more common, so those seeking promotions and advanced positions may want to consider these longer options. Candidates 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, regardless of the program they choose. A vascular sonographer degree can be completed in one year for those who have prior experience in the health care field.
Those interested in becoming a vascular sonographer should enroll in a school that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Professionals (CAAHEP). If one wishes to pursue credentials after completing an academic program, this will ensure that a program offers appropriate courses that will be accepted toward certification. Classes will teach aspiring vascular sonographers how to operate medical equipment that uses sound waves to create images of the human body’s internal organs. Students will learn how to recognize organs and tissues, with a focus on blood flow.
Students will not only learn the specialized skills required to become a vascular sonographer, but they will also receive general sonography training. Obstetrics, gynecology, and other medical fields requiring a large number of sonographic or ultrasound tests may be covered in class. Vascular sonographers spend a lot of time with patients, so the ability to relax and communicate with them is crucial. Candidates should also have a natural aptitude for medicine and the ability to follow instructions to the letter. Those willing to continue their education and obtain additional certifications can advance their careers, allowing ambitious vascular sonographers to pursue positions in management or education.