What Is a Vascular Sonographer?

A vascular sonographer is professionally trained to perform diagnostic sonograms, using ultrasonic equipment and techniques for patients with diseases related to the veins and arteries of the vascular system, including Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), atherosclerosis and aneurysms. Diagnosis of these diseases is critical to prevent heart attacks and strokes. In addition to taking the patient's history and performing the test, an analytic report of the procedure is prepared for the physician.

Significance

• Vascular diseases usually affect the elderly. With today's aging population, the role of the vascular sonographer is in high demand.

Training

• Some schools offer a 4-year course leading to a bachelor's degree with full training to work as a vascular sonographer. Rush University in Chicago, Illinois, is an example of one such school.

Benefits

• A 2001 survey from the Society of Vascular Ultrasound showed that 50 percent of vascular sonographers were earning $50,000 annually or more (see link in Resources).

Features

• The vascular sonographer has the opportunity to help provide care to others in addition to having an opportunity to advance into administration or research in this ever-expanding field.

Considerations

• According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the field of vascular sonography is expected to grow much more quickly than most other occupations through 2014 (see link in Resources).