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 Ultrasound
is the primary instrument used by the vascular sonographer to
record images of arteries and veins, as well as blood flow characteristics
that can be seen and heard in real time on a monitor. All of the
equipment used by the vascular sonographer is noninvasive, it
does not invade the body by needle insertion, x-ray or any other
invasive method. In addition to ultrasound, the technology used
in the vascular laboratory also includes equipment to measure
blood pressure and volume changes related to blood flow.
(*NOTE: The traditional name for this field is
“vascular technology,” and the professional is traditionally
called a “vascular technologist.” In August, 2002,
the Society of Vascular Technology voted to change its name to
the Society of Vascular Ultrasound to better represent the profession.
This Web site uses the new terminology, although the responsibilities
and qualifications of the vascular professional remain the same.)
 What
does a vascular sonographer do?
A vascular sonographer plays a vital role in the diagnosis and
treatment of patients with disorders of the arteries and veins,
including diabetic, atherosclerotic (plaque and cholesterol buildup),
clotting and aneurysm problems. A vascular sonographer is responsible
for taking the patient’s history, performing the appropriate
test on the patient using ultrasound and other technology, acquiring
and analyzing the pertinent data, and preparing a report for the physician to interpret.
- There are approximately 15,000 vascular sonographers in the
United States.
- Approximately 2/3 of all vascular technologists work in a
hospital setting, while the others are employed in clinics,
physician’s offices and independent laboratories.
- Most vascular sonographers work a 5-day, 40-hour week, and
approximately half of these are on-call during limited evening
and/or weekend hours.
- The vascular sonographer has direct interaction with the patient.
Most patients are elderly and mobile, but some need assistance
around and during the time of testing. Others may have leg ulcers,
amputations, or may be critically ill.
- Some patients need bedside examinations that may require moving
large ultrasound equipment to the bedside.
- Some laboratories provide vascular exams in the operating
room to assess surgical procedures.
- Great job opportunities are available for vascular
sonographers after graduation due to the high demand that exists
in this profession today.
- According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment is expected
to “grow much faster than the average” of all occupations
through 2014.
Advancement
Experienced vascular sonographers may expand their career opportunities
to become laboratory technical directors, educators, researchers,
or to take positions in vascular equipment companies.
Salaries
In a national survey conducted by the Society of Vascular Ultrasound in 2006, the middle two-thirds of the yearly salary ranges were as follows:
| $50,000 - $59,000 |
25% |
| $60,000 - $69,000 |
27% |
| $70,000 - $79,000 |
15% |
Credentials and Accreditation
- Vascular sonographers who qualify through education and experience
standards may take the certification exam offered by the ARDMS
(American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers www.ardms.org).
- Vascular laboratories may become accredited through the ICAVL
(Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular
Laboratories).
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