Vascular Sonography FAQs

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of Vascular Technologists will grow 14 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

Yes, to become credentialed and practice as a Vascular Technologist, graduates must take and pass a national certification examination administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). To maintain this credential registrants must submit 30 hours of continuing education every three years.

Students in the program have found that having a part-time job is manageable, but does require excellent time management skills. The student must consider that during the second year of the program, clinical education consists of 32 hours per week. Clinical Education is usually conducted on four weekdays, from approximately 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., so it is important to take that into consideration when making a decision about working.

Courses are offered during the day and evening hours may be required in those courses that offer a laboratory component. There are no weekend course offerings. Sonography courses are sequenced to provide one annual offering of each course.

Student Financial Services is the place for you to ask questions related to financial aid.

Contact info:

• Call (567) 661-2387
• Email Student Financial Services
• Get more information about financial services

Scholarships may be available through the college or professional organizations.

Get more information:

• Scholarships
• The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
• The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS)
• The Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU)

All students entering or enrolled in the Vascular Sonography Program must achieve a “C” or better in all program and general education courses within the plan of study to progress through the program. A student who fails to achieve a grade of “C” or better in any course within the plan of study must see the Program Director. The Vascular Sonography Program must be completed within three years from the date enrollment in the first program technical course.

All program courses listed for each semester must be taken in the semester listed. General education courses listed for each semester must be taken in the semester listed or prior, as many program courses have pre-requisites.

The grading scale for the program is:

• 93-100% A
• 85-92% B
• 76-84% C
• 60-75% D
• 59% and below F

In addition to excellent career opportunities, salaries for sonographers are competitive with or higher than other professionals with similar levels of education. According to the SDMS Salary and Benefits Survey report, the median salary for vascular technologists is $73,133. This income includes hourly salary, overtime and on-call pay.

The typical hourly pay rate is $35. The typical sonographer is on-call 15 hours per week with the on-call pay rate of $3.00 per hour and the call-in rate of pay of $50 per hour.

Salaries vary depending on years of experience, number of specialties practiced, as well geographic location. There are opportunities for full-time, part-time and PRN employment.

While it may decrease the number of general education courses you would need to complete, the program is set up in sequenced courses by semester. Regardless of previous degrees or experience, the Vascular Sonography program still takes two years to complete.

Yes, there are bachelor degree opportunities offered at Bowling Green State University, Ohio University, Lourdes College and Siena Heights University.

No, the Vascular Sonography Program does not maintain a waiting list. Each year the top students are offered admission based on admissions points. If a student is not accepted, they may apply in subsequent years. However, no preference is given to previous applicants. For further information about admissions points, please contact the Admissions Office at (567) 661-7777 to request an appointment with an Admission Representative.

Full time students can complete the program in two years (six semesters). Students are required to complete the program in three years from when they enter the program. The program begins in June of each calendar year.

A vascular technologist is a highly-skilled professional who uses a transducer to image vessels within the body. The transducer works like a loudspeaker and microphone because it can transmit sound and receive sound. The transducer detects sound waves as they bounce off the internal structures. Different structures in the body reflect these sound waves differently and are used to make an image on a screen.

Vascular technologists evaluate the arteries and veins in nearly any part of the body. The images they obtain help to aid the physician in a medical diagnosis. Three main exams are performed by the vascular technologist:

• Lower extremity venous: Performed if a clot in the vein (deep venous thrombosis or DVT) is suspected.
• Lower extremity arterial: Performed in patients to check for peripheral vascular disease (PVD).
• Carotid arteries: Performed to check for blockages that may lead to a stroke.

Sonography is a dynamic profession that has grown significantly over the past 20 years. Vascular Technologists can choose to work in clinics, hospitals, private practice physician offices, public health facilities, laboratories and other medical settings performing examinations in their areas of specialization. Career advancement opportunities exist in education, administration, research and in commercial companies as education/application specialists, sales representatives, etc.