Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Advanced Vascular Scanning

This program covers the basic and advanced positioning and scanning protocols for the vascular system. Terminology specific for hemodynamics for the vascular system including arterial, venous,cerebrovascular, and physiology non-invasive testing. Pathologies of the vascular system will be presented as well as interpretations of medical reports. This program is available to students who have previously completed the DMS program with CRC and to other active RDMS approved sonographers seeking the certificate and training to meet the requirements for the National Registry Testing (RVT) offered through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Students must earn a letter grade with a "C" or better in all courses to receive the Certificate of Achievement. This program will give the individuals the ability to perform the specific advanced vascular sonography that is required for higher level of care in the health care industry. It meets the prerequisites for applying for and sitting the vascular board test offered through ARDMS.

It is estimated that approximately 10 students will earn the certificate annually during the first year of the program. Growth will continue relative to the availability of mentors who are ARDMS vascular scanning approved in order to supervise students through their clinical experience coursework. There is substantial demand for this program.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• Identify and evaluate vascular structures in the arterial and venous systems of the human body for comparison of normal and abnormal structures.
• Advanced vascular scanning for special evaluation that include bypass mapping, pre and post graft evaluations, and specific advanced vascular scans that need a higher level of interpretation and treatment.
• Evaluate the vascular system as it is imaged with Cat Scan, MRI, and Angiography for locating and comparing vascular imaging for proper care.
• Compare normal and abnormal scans as they present themselves with pathology and treatment.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify the correct protocol for the orders presented to care for the patient, with correct positioning and preparation for the exams ordered
• Relate symptoms and clinical history for a more complete evaluation of the vascular system to help care for the patient
• Interpret the prior imaging on the Picture Archive devices (PACS) used in the industry for record keeping. Compare them to the current case for pathology analogy
• Demonstrate knowledge and demonstrate competency in the vascular system to help in order to take and pass the Registered Vascular technology licensing offered through the ARDMS
• Incorporate the clinical symptoms with the appropriate vascular study needed to determine normal versus abnormal vascular flow and structural disease

This program will complete the request that was given to CRC by the Imaging Advisory Board Committee concerning advanced vascular scanning, how the area hospitals can benefit their current employees with continuing education, and gives the individual student the ability to takeand pass the RVT test required to perform the advanced vascular studies needed in this geographic area. The Program’s courses will be offered over a 12-monthperiod, with the first two courses offered together in the Fall, the third course offered during the first 8 weeks of Spring, followed by the fourth course in the second 8 weeks of spring. The final course of the program will be offered in the summer.