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.
Vascular Ultrasound and Technology (BS): Overview
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 (five terms) of study.
The first two terms consist of classroom instruction, student laboratory practice with models and observation of patient examinations. 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 and patient case presentations. Students earn a Bachelor of Science degree and are eligible to take the certification examination to become a registered vascular technologist, or RVT, before graduation due to the program’s status as an accredited ultrasound program through the 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), through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). CAAHEP information: 9355 - 13the St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775, www.caahep. org or (727) 210-2350.
Vascular Ultrasound and Technology (BS): Admission Requirements
- A minimum of 60 semester (90 quarter) hours earned at an accredited college or university is required.
- The minimum cumulative GPA is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- 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 of Science degree awarded by RUSH University.
- Required courses must be completed within the last 10 years.
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Applicants who have taken their prerequisite coursework at a university outside the United States must have their coursework evaluated by the Education Credential Evaluators.
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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).
Please email the College of Health Sciences 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 Credit Hours |
Quarter Credit Hours |
Two courses in communications
English composition is required.
The second course may be in composition, speech or another communication topic. |
6 |
9 |
One course in mathematics
College algebra or higher-level math is required. Additional 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
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 |
Advanced Placement
Admitted students who have passed the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, or ARDMS, Sonography Principles and Instrumentation, or SPI, exam or earned the Registered Vascular Technologist, or RVT, 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 webpage: www.rushu.rush.edu/vastech.
Vascular Ultrasound and Technology (BS): Technical Standards
RUSH University is committed to diversity and to attracting and educating students who will serve diverse communities locally and nationally.
Our core values-I CARE (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 and data retrieval)
- Identify information presented in accessible images from paper, slides, videos with audio description 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 health care 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 the 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 they require reasonable accommodation to fully engage in the program, should contact the Office of Student Accessibility 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. Contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services to learn more about accommodations at RUSH University:
Marie Lusk, MBA, MSW, LSW
Director, Office of Student Accessibility Services
600 S. Paulina St., Suite 901
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 942-5237
Marie_Lusk@rush.edu
Vascular Ultrasound and Technology (BS): 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 term grade-point average below 2.0, or whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.0. Students placed on probation have one term 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.
Residency Requirement
Students in the Bachelor of Science in Vascular Ultrasound and Technology must complete their final 36 credit hours of course work in-residence at RUSH University in order to graduate.
Vascular Ultrasound and Technology (BS): Curriculum
1 credit hour compared to contact hours
1 class credit hour = 1 hour/week = 50 minutes
1 lab credit hour = 2 hours/week = 100 minutes
1 clinical credit hour = 40 hours/week
Program Total: 69 Credit Hours
Students must also complete 16 hours of community service and Professional Roadmaps to Opportunities (PRO) Seminar series as outlined in the student’s program handbook.
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