Diagnostic Medical Imaging Vascular Sonography
is a medical imaging modality that specializes in the use of high-frequency
sound waves (Ultrasound) to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of
patients with disorders of the arteries and veins, including diabetic,
atherosclerotic and aneurysm problems.
Job responsibilities for someone in this
field might include obtaining medical histories; performing diagnostic
procedures and obtaining diagnostic images; analyzing technical information;
providing summaries of findings to physicians for medical diagnosis;
and collaborating with physicians and other members of a health care
team to ensure the best possible patient care.
Being able to communicate with patients
and having compassion for patients who are sick or in pain is very
important. In addition, technologists must be able to “think
on their feet” to obtain the highest-quality exam because of
the variances in every patient’s anatomy. Lastly, people interested
in sonography should enjoy being challenged, be able to stand for
several hours a day, and be willing to complete required continuing
education classes during the course of their career.
Imaging procedures are generally done in
hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices and independent laboratories.
There are also opportunities for technologists to become commercial
application specialists, educators and hospital administrators.
This advanced certificate program is designed
to further enhance the careers of current registered technologists
in sonography in the areas of abdominal, OB/GYN and/or echocardiography.
According to a survey of Chicago-based
hospitals in 2002, nearly 50 percent of laboratories had an open position
for a vascular sonographer, attesting to the high demand for qualified
professionals. In addition, according to the U.S. Department of Labor,
employment for this careers is expected to “grow faster than
the average” of all occupations through 2010.
A national survey of vascular technologists
in 2002 by the Society of Vascular Technology revealed salaries that
range from $40,000 to $59,900 for 63 percent of full-time employees,
with an additional 23 percent of workers above this range, based on
experience.
