Vascular Sonography draft

Program Overview

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The Career Studies Certificate in Vascular Sonography at Piedmont Virginia Community College prepares students to become entry-level vascular technologists. The program offers potential free tuition, fees, and books to eligible students and provides a comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Graduates are prepared to take the national registry exam and have a high success rate in securing employment in the field.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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The Career Studies Certificate in Vascular Sonography

prepares students to become competent entry-level vascular technologists.

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This G3 program offers potential free tuition, fees, and books to eligible students.

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Program Objectives:

• Equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical values required for competent practice in vascular technology.
• Prepare graduates to excel in entry-level positions as vascular technologists and contribute to the healthcare field.
• Emphasize the importance of providing patient-centered care with compassion and respect.

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Program Description:

The program provides a comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Students gain expertise in vascular ultrasound techniques, anatomy, physiology, and pathology. They develop critical thinking skills for evaluating patient conditions and creating accurate diagnostic reports. Additionally, they gain experience in professional communication, ethics, and legal aspects of healthcare.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• Vascular anatomy and physiology
• Ultrasound physics and instrumentation
• Vascular pathology and disease processes
• Non-invasive vascular studies
• Arterial and venous imaging
• Intraoperative vascular imaging
• Vascular laboratory operations
• Patient care and communication
• Professional ethics and legal aspects

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Program Structure:

• The program spans four semesters, encompassing 29 credit hours.
• Students attend classes twice a week.
• Hands-on training in the vascular laboratory takes place every other week.
• Students participate in clinical rotations during the final semester.

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Course Schedule:

• Available upon request.

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Individual Modules:

• Each module focuses on a specific aspect of vascular technology.
• Modules include lectures, laboratory exercises, and clinical rotations.
• Module descriptions are available upon request.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Performance on written exams and quizzes.
• Practical skills assessments in the vascular laboratory.
• Case studies and presentations.
• Clinical evaluation by faculty and preceptors.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Competency in vascular ultrasound techniques.
• Accurate interpretation of vascular studies.
• Effective communication and patient care skills.
• Adherence to ethical and legal principles.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Interactive lectures and discussions.
• Hands-on skills training in the vascular laboratory.
• Case-based learning and problem-solving exercises.
• Clinical rotations under the supervision of experienced professionals.

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Faculty:

• Faculty members hold advanced degrees in vascular technology and related fields.
• They possess extensive clinical experience and expertise in vascular ultrasound.
• Faculty are committed to providing a supportive and challenging learning environment.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Vascular technologist
• Vascular sonographer
• Diagnostic medical sonographer with vascular specialty
• Vascular laboratory supervisor
• Research associate in vascular imaging

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Job Opportunities:

• Hospitals and clinics
• Vascular laboratories
• Imaging centers
• Physician practices
• Research institutions

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Career Outcomes:

• Graduates are prepared to take the national registry exam for vascular technologists.
• Program graduates have a high success rate in securing employment in the field.
• According to the U.S. Department of Labor and EMSI data, the employment of vascular sonographers is projected to grow faster than average for other occupations through 2024.
• In Virginia, vascular sonographers earn an estimated salary of $24.31 per hour ($50,564 annually).
Experienced vascular technicians can earn an average of $34 per hour ($70,720).

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Other:

• The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
• Graduates are eligible to apply for membership in the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
• The program emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and professional development.