Apr 25, 2024  
2017-2018 University Catalog 
    
2017-2018 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Vascular Ultrasound and Technology, BS


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Mission
The mission of the Vascular Ultrasound and Technology Program is to improve the quality and availability of diagnostic vascular ultrasound examinations for patients by educating students in the knowledge, skills and behavior necessary to competently perform vascular ultrasound examinations.

Goals
The primary goal of the program is to prepare competent entry-level vascular technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) competencies necessary to perform vascular ultrasound examinations. A secondary goal is to offer a broader understanding of the profession to the students through basic education in professional practices.

Vascular Ultrasound and Technology: Overview


Description of the Profession


The vascular sonographer plays a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with disorders of arteries and veins. These include atherosclerosis that may result in strokes or gangrene of the extremities, blood clots in veins that may break off and travel to the lungs and possibly cause death, aneurysms that may burst and many other pathologies of the circulatory system. A vascular sonographer is responsible for taking the patient’s history; performing the appropriate test using high-tech, noninvasive equipment such as ultrasound; documenting and analyzing the data and images; and preparing a preliminary report for the physician to interpret. The sonographer has extensive direct interaction with patients, physicians, coworkers and other hospital personnel. The work requires physical, intellectual and communication skills.

Program Description


Students in the Vascular Ultrasound and Technology Program are taught by vascular sonographers and physicians who are experienced practitioner-teachers in the field. The basic program is full time and consists of 20 months (5 semesters) of study. The first two semesters consist of classroom instruction, student laboratory practice with models and observation of patient examinations. The second-year students primarily perform the vascular examinations learned during the first 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 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 lab conference. Students earn a Bachelor of Science degree and are eligible to take the certification examination to become a registered vascular technologist (RVT) before graduation due to the program’s status as an accredited ultrasound program through CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs).

Program Accreditation


The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP) at 25400 U.S.Highway 19 North, suite 158, Clearwater, Florida 33763, or www.caahep.org, (727) 210-2350, through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).

Vascular Ultrasound and Technology: Admission Requirements


  • A minimum of 60 semester (90 quarter)hours earned at an accredited college or university is required.
  • The minimum cumulative GPA is 2.50 on a 4.0 scale.However, 100% of students admitted in the previous two years had a cumulative incoming GPA over 2.75.
  • Effective Jan.1, 2009, all entering students must complete the core general education requirements below with a minimum grade of C in order to be eligible for the Bachelor in Science degree awarded by Rush University:

Required  courses must be completed within the last 10 years. Please email the CHS admissions office at chs_admissions@rush.edu if you have a question about which particular courses from your college will cover these prerequisites.

 

 

Requirements Semester Credits Hours/Quarter Credit Hours

 

Requirements Semester Credit Hours Quarter Credit Hours
Two courses in COMMUNICATIONS
English composition is required.
The second course may be in composition, speech, or other communication topic.
6 9
One course in MATHEMATICS
College algebra or higher-level math is required. More math courses are highly recommended.
3 4
Two courses in LIFE SCIENCES
Human anatomy and physiology is required. (Two semesters are highly recommended.) The second course may be in anatomy, biology, microbiology, pathophysiology, physiology or other life science topic.
6 9
One course in PHYSICAL SCIENCES
General physics is required. Chemistry is highly recommended. Please be sure to fulfill this requirement by taking a physics course that is for science majors.
3 4
One course in SOCIAL SCIENCES
(i.e., government, history, political science, psychology, sociology)
3 4
One course in HUMANITIES
(i.e. ethics, fine arts, literature, philosophy)
Ethics is highly recommended. Performance courses do not meet this requirement.
3 4
Elective courses in communications, computer science, ethics, fine arts, humanities, life sciences, literature, philosophy, physical sciences or social sciences to total 36 semester (56 quarter) hours. 36 56
Total 60 90
  • Applicants who have taken their prerequisite coursework at a university outside the United States must have their coursework evaluated by the Education Credential Evaluators (ECE).
  • Three recommendations are required on the recommendation forms provided in the application. These recommendations should be from previous instructors and employers (preferably from two instructors and one employer).

Vascular Ultrasound and Technology: Technical Standards


Rush University is committed to diversity and to attracting and educating students who will make the population of health care professionals representative of the national population.

Our core values - ICARE - Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence translate into our work with all students, including those with disabilities. Rush actively collaborates with students to develop innovative ways to ensure accessibility and creates a respectful accountable culture through our confidential and specialized disability support. Rush is committed to excellence in accessibility; we encourage students with disabilities to disclose and seek accommodations.

The following technical functions are required of all students enrolled in the Vascular Ultrasound and Technology program:

Acquire Information

  • Acquire information from demonstrations and experiences in courses such as lecture, group, and physical demonstrations.
  • Acquire information from written documents and computer systems (e.g., literature searches & data retrieval).
  • Identify information presented in accessible images from paper, slides, videos with audio description, and transparencies.
  • Identify information presented in images from paper, slides, videos, and transparencies.
  • Recognize and assess patient changes in mood, activity, cognition, verbal, and non-verbal communication.

Use and Interpret

  • Use and interpret information from assessment techniques/maneuvers. Use and interpret information related to physiologic phenomena generated from diagnostic tools.

Motor

  • Possess psychomotor skills necessary to provide or assist in holistic Vascular Ultrasound and Technology care and perform or assist with procedures and treatments.
  • Practice in a safe manner and appropriately provide Vascular Ultrasound and Technology care and assessment in emergencies and life support procedures and perform universal precautions against contamination.

Communication

  • Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and families.
  • Communicate effectively with faculty, preceptors, and all members of the healthcare team during practicum and other learning experiences.
  • Accurately elicit information including a medical history and other information to adequately and effectively evaluate a population’s, client’s or patient’s condition.

Intellectual Ability

  • Measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and synthesize data related to diagnosis and treatment of patients and populations.
  • Exercise proper judgment and complete responsibilities in a timely and accurate manner according to the Vascular Ultrasound and Technology role.
  • Synthesize information, problem solve, and think critically to judge the most appropriate theory, assessment, or treatment strategy.

Behavioral

  • Maintain mature, sensitive, effective relationships with clients/patients, families, students, faculty, staff, preceptors and other professionals under all circumstances.
  • Exercise skills of diplomacy to advocate for patients in need.
  • Possess emotional stability to function under stress and adapt to rapidly changing environments inherent to the classroom and practice settings.

Character

  • Demonstrate concern for others.
  • Integrity, accountability, interest, and motivation are necessary personal qualities.
  • Demonstrate intent and desire to follow the Rush University and Vascular Ultrasound and Technology Code of Ethics.

The technical standards delineated above must be met with or without accommodation. Students who, after review of the technical standards, determine that they require reasonable accommodation to fully engage in the program, should contact the Office of Student Disability Services to confidentially discuss their accommodations needs. Given the clinical nature of our programs time may be needed to implement the accommodations. Accommodations are never retroactive; therefore, timely requests are essential and encouraged. To learn more about accommodations at Rush University please contact:

Marie Ferro-Lusk, MBA, MSW, LSW
Manager, Office of Student Disability Services
Rush University
600 S. Paulina St. AAC 440
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 942-5237
Marie_S_Ferro-Lusk@rush.edu

 

Vascular Ultrasound and Technology: Academic Policies


Good Academic Standing


High academic performance is expected in required courses. Students will be considered in good standing unless placed on academic probation. An annual cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 is required to be eligible to continue in the program. A grade of C or higher in the required courses is necessary to be eligible to continue in the program; a grade of D or F may result in dismissal from the program. The faculty reserves the right to request the withdrawal of a student whose conduct, health or performance demonstrates lack of fitness for continuance in a health profession. Any such student not voluntarily withdrawing will be dismissed from the University.

Academic Probation


Academic probation is assigned to any student who receives a semester grade point average below 2.0, or whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.0.Students placed on probation have one semester in which to regain good standing. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the University.

Clinical Work


A student may not be paid as an employee during clinical credit hours. Also, a student may not count any paid work as an employee for clinical credit hours in the program.

Blood-Borne Pathogen and Communicable Disease Policy


If a student is exposed to a blood-borne pathogen or communicable disease, he or she should report to the emergency room for care.

Student Academic Appeals and Grievance Procedure


A student wishing to appeal an academic decision should follow the College of Health Sciences appeal process in the College of Health Sciences policies section of the University catalog.

College of Health Sciences/Rush University Academic Policies


Please see the College of Health Sciences academic policies section of the University catalog. In addition, the Academic Resources and Policies section of this catalog contains Rush University academic policies.

Vascular Ultrasound and Technology: Curriculum


1 CREDIT HOUR vs CONTACT HOURS
1 CLASS = 1 HR/WK = 50 minutes
1 LAB CLASS = 2 HR/WK = 100 minutes
1 CLINICAL CLASS = 40 HRS/WK

 

Fall Semester Year 1
Course Number Course Name Semester Credit Hours
VAS 305 Vascular Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology 2
VAS 310 Patient Care Class & Lab 2
VAS 320 Ultrasound Physics, Physical Principles and Instrumentation I 2
VAS 320L Physics and Instrumentation LAB 1
VAS 330 Venous Procedures 2
VAS 330L Venous Procedures LAB 1
VAS 340 Arterial Physiologic and Duplex Procedures 3
VAS 340L Arterial Physiologic Procedures LAB 1
IPE IPE Interprofessional Education  
    16
Spring Semester Year 1
Course Number Course Name Semester Credit Hours
VAS 325 Ultrasound Physics, Physical Principles and Instrumentation II 2
VAS 345L Advanced Duplex Ultrasound Procedures Lab 1
VAS 350 Cerebrovascular Procedures (Car and TCD) 2
VAS 350L Cerebrovascular Procedures LAB (Car & TCD) 1
VAS 360 Abdominal Vascular Procedures Class and LAB 2
VAS 370 General Pathophysiology (online) 3
VAS 380 Professional Practices 3
VAS 390 Intro to Research Class and LAB 2
IPE IPE Interprofessional Education  
    16
Clinical Year, Summer Semester Year 1
Course Number Course Name Semester Credit Hours
VAS 411 Clinical Skills I 10
VAS 421 Professional Skills I 1
VAS 441 Senior Cases/Lectures I 1
    12
Clinical Year, Fall Semester Year 2
Course Number Course Name Semester Credit Hours
VAS 412 Clinical Skills II 6
VAS 422 Professional Skills II 1
VAS 451 Cumulative Clinical Skills I 4
VAS 442 Senior Cases/Lectures II 1
    12
Clinical Year, Spring Semester Year 2
Course Name Course Number Semester Credit Hours
VAS 413 Clinical Skills III 7
VAS 423 Professional Skills III 1
VAS 452 Cumulative Clinical Skills II 4
VAS 443 Senior Cases/Lectures III/Comprehensive Review and Exam 2
    14
Total Semester Credit Hours 69           

 

Advanced Placement


Admitted students who have passed the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam or earned the RVT (Registered Vascular Technologist) credential may request advanced placement status after acceptance in the program. With proof of passing these credentialing exams, students can qualify to receive credits according to the advanced placement description on the Vascular Ultrasound Program website: www.rushu.rush.edu/vastech.

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