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Description of the Profession
The vascular sonographer plays a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with disorders of arteries and veins. These include atherosclerosis which may result in strokes or gangrene of the extremities, blood clots in veins which may break off and travel to the lungs and possibly cause death, aneurysms which may burst, and many other pathologies of the circulatory system. A vascular sonographer is responsible for taking the patient’s history, performing the appropriate test using high tech, noninvasive equipment such as ultrasound, documenting and analyzing the data and images, and preparing a preliminary report for the physician to interpret. The sonographer has extensive direct interaction with patients, physicians, co-workers and other hospital personnel. The work requires physical, intellectual, and communication skills.
Program Description
Students in the Department of Vascular Ultrasound and Technology are taught by vascular sonographers and physicians who are experienced practitioners/teachers in the field. The basic program is full-time and consists of twenty-one months (seven quarters) of study. The first three quarters consist of nine months of classroom, student laboratory work, and observation of patient examinations. The second year students perform the vascular examinations learned during first year on patients under the direction of credentialed and experienced vascular sonographers at two or more vascular laboratories during the year. The clinical sites include the university hospitals in Chicago , as well as some community hospitals and out-of-state sites. During the second year, students also participate in senior lectures, patient case presentations, and vascular conference. Students earn a Bachelor of Science degree and are eligible to take the certification examination in vascular ultrasound after graduation.
Program Accreditation
The Vascular Ultrasound Program is accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Alllied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP) at 1632 Clearwater, FL and www.caahep.org , through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). More information regarding accreditation is located at www.rushu.rush.edu/catalog/aboutrush/accredauthlic.html . |
