Vascular Technologists are important members of the vascular team. They work closely with radiologists, cardiologists and surgeons. Vascular Technologists assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of disorders affecting the vascular system.
Responsibilities
Vascular Technologists perform non-invasive vascular exams in order to assess for vascular disease or disorders.
Vascular Technologists are unique in the medical imaging profession because they work with a high level of independence. One of the biggest responsibilities of a Vascular Technologist is to compile information that is gathered on an exam to give a preliminary impression. To do this, the Vascular Technologist must have adequate training in vascular scanning techniques as well as have knowledge about vascular disease. A thorough patient history must be taken to correlate the findings of the exam. Once the exam is finished, they will report directly to a physician with the results.
The Technologist is also responsible for providing patient care and safety throughout the exam. They should know how to respond appropriately in emergency situations.
How do I become a Vascular Sonography Technologist?
There are schools that offer an Associate degree. These programs gives students an opportunity to learn many different fields of ultrasound and then decide which they want to go into. The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) also offers different pathways for individuals who hold a bachelors degree, medical degree, or are already registered in general sonography.
Your goal will be to earn credentials as a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) through the ARDMS and/or a Registered Vascular Sonographer through the ARRT. Options for exam eligibility are outlined below but please refer to the credentialing body for any recent changes. (ARDMS or ARRT)
Salary Range
$32,800 and $61,580
US Department of Labor
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Outlook Handbook,
2010-2011 Edition
(Middle 50%)
(http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco1002.htm#diag)
$54,233 and $68,046
Salary.Com
(Middle 50%)
(http://www.salary.com/salary/index.asp)
Meet a Professional: Sandra
What interested you in becoming a Technologist?
A guidance counselor at LCCC suggested I take a career test. A career test takes into account your personality and interests then applies that information to various professional jobs. The counselor said if I choose a profession that I score high in that I will be happy with my job. One of the professions where I received a high score in was technology. The counselor had suggested Ultrasound Technologist. I shadowed the profession and found it very fascinating.
What physical and/or soft skills do you need to have to succeed?
Physical skills a Technologist needs are strength, stamina, and flexibility.
Soft skills a Technologist needs in order to succeed are motivation, proactive attitude, leadership abilities, and ability to teach others.
What advice would you give interested high school students?
I would advise a student to shadow an Ultrasound Technologist/Sonographer for a day preferably at a large institution where they have both inpatients and outpatients.
What interested you in working at Cleveland Clinic?
The vascular laboratory at Cleveland Clinic is one of the largest in the country. Being able to train and work with the best is an opportunity of a lifetime. I also have family and friends that work here on main campus so it is nice to see a familiar face in the hallways.
What excites you about working as a Technologist?
I enjoy helping others whether it is a student learning how to scan, mentoring colleagues to help them achieve their goals, or helping out a coworker with a difficult exam.
What has been your most gratifying experience as a Technologist?
I have two gratifying experiences that stand out in my mind. The first is when I received my first publication in a national journal. The other experience is when my superiors nominated me for the Cleveland Clinic Allied Health Educator’s Award in 2009. There were 23 nominations and I was 1 of the 5 people that won!
What career options do you have as a Technologist?
As in many medical fields, there are various career opportunities available. Our department offers positions such as a Lead Technologist, Research Technologist, and supervisory positions. Other career options include working for company that sells ultrasound equipment or working at a college that teaches ultrasound.
