|
Description of the Profession
The vascular sonographer plays a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with disorders of the arteries and veins including 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 of the data and images for the physician to interpret. The vascular sonographer has extensive, direct interaction with patients, physicians, co-workers, and other hospital personnel.
Program Description
Students in the Department of Vascular Ultrasound and Technology are taught by vascular sonographers and physicians who are experienced practitioners/teachers in the field. This is a full-time program that consists of twenty-one months (seven quarters) of study. The first three quarters consist of nine months of classroom, student laboratory work, and observation of patient examinations. The second year students perform the vascular examinations learned during junior year on patients under the direction of credentialed and experienced vascular sonographers at two or more vascular laboratories during the year. The clinical sites include the university hospitals in Chicago, as well as some community hospitals and out-of-state sites. During the second year, students also participate in senior lectures, patient case presentations, and vascular conference. Students earn a Bachelor of Science degree and are eligible to take the certification examination in vascular ultrasound after graduation.
Program Accreditation
The Department of Vascular Ultrasound and Technology is accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Alllied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP) through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). More information regarding accreditation is located at www.rushu.rush.edu/catalog/aboutrush/accredauthlic.html
|
