Scan and Deliver
Behind every vascular image is the sonographer’s skill, precision and expertise.
Stand on the front lines of medical diagnostics with the Vascular Sonography Major, AAS at Owens. Master advanced medical imaging using high-frequency sound waves to help detect and monitor critical conditions in blood vessels. You will gain the expertise to make a real difference in patient care, improving outcomes with every scan.
Important traits for standout vascular sonographers:
- Attention to Detail: Capture precise images and detect even the most subtle abnormalities.
- Compassion: Ensure every patient feels comfortable and informed during each procedure.
- Technical Dexterity: Develop expertise in producing diagnostic-quality vascular images that physicians rely upon.
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
At Owens, you have a team of dedicated, experienced professionals guiding you. In turn, your faculty will be supported by an Advisory Committee of local professionals.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
Award Type
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Department
Department of Sonography
Required Credit Hours
63-65
Real Results
18+
Partner hospitals/clinics within 75 miles for clinical rotations
1,150
Clinical hours gained of patient imaging experience, spread across 18–20 sites
10
Students per cohort—smaller class sizes for close mentoring
Sonographic Scans, From Lab to Bedside
Start by building a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology and ultrasound principles while developing critical skills in composition, quantitative reasoning and medical physics. Through hands-on laboratory experience and real-world clinical applications, you’ll explore vascular ultrasound techniques, medical imaging anatomy and medical terminology.
By the third semester, master the interpersonal communication and ethical decision-making skills essential for patient care alongside the core foundations of clinical ultrasound. Throughout the first year, you’ll apply classroom learning in a fully functional sonography lab.
In your second year, continue coursework while gaining 1,150 hours of clinical experience at regional healthcare facilities. Through directed clinical practicums, you’ll perform advanced vascular imaging under expert supervision, working directly with patients alongside experienced professionals.
You will also complete a capstone seminar that synthesizes your knowledge and prepares you for certification and professional practice.
Read our Student Highlights to see how our students are excelling in Vascular Sonography.
Program Outcomes
The primary goal of the Vascular Sonography Program is to prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
Review this important information about the Vascular Sonography, AAS Program:
Career Outcomes
Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to sit for the national certification exam through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). After passing the exam, you’ll become a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT), working alongside physicians to diagnose vascular conditions and assess blood flow abnormalities.
You’ll be prepared to make an immediate impact in hospitals, clinics and diagnostic imaging centers. Career opportunities are vast, extending into education, administration, research, advanced practice, and commercial roles as application specialists or sales representatives.
Explore the employment data to understand trends in our area.
In Their Words
“I didn’t know what vascular sonography was. I don’t know that most people do until they get in the program. I found out I loved it. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Emily Burhart, Vascular Sonography, ’25
Selective Admission
Vascular Sonography Major, AAS is a “Selective Health” program—meaning we can only admit a limited number of students each year. Prospective students should apply to Owens first, then to the Vascular Sonography Major, AAS program. Class admission uses a point-based system based on your academic record.
First, we look at your grade point average (GPA). Next, bonus points are awarded for most vascular sonography general education courses earning a C or better. If you haven’t taken enough of those courses, we look only at your high school GPA. General education courses can be taken before you’re admitted to the program.
If you choose a different program at Owens, these general education courses may also count toward it. Work with your advisor early and often if you are considering multiple programs. See how the points work.
For clinical placement, you are required to submit documentation of a completed health exam, background check and additional requirements.
Accreditation
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Owens Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) through 2034.
For more information regarding accreditation standards:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 – 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: (727) 210-2350 | Web: caahep.org
Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS)
6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: (443) 973-3251 | Web: jrcdms.org
Contact Us
Julie Posey, MEd, RDMS, RVT
Sonography Department Chair, Program Director
Healthcare Education Center 132 F
Toledo-area Campus
Phone: (567) 661-7560
Email
Mary Sizemore, BS, RDCS, RVT
Faculty, Clinical Coordinator
Healthcare Education Center 133 W
Toledo-area Campus
Phone: (567) 661-7344
Email
New Owens Students
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Current Owens Students
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