Vascular Sonography

Vascular Sonography Training

Continuing Education Course Overview

The Vascular Sonography continuing education (CE) course is designed to introduce participants to the principles and clinical applications of vascular ultrasound. Vascular sonography uses high-frequency sound waves to evaluate the body’s circulatory system, including arteries and veins, and plays a critical role in supporting physicians in the diagnosis of vascular conditions.

This course provides foundational knowledge in vascular imaging and emphasizes the role of the vascular sonographer as an essential member of the healthcare team. Participants will gain an understanding of vascular anatomy, physiology, and the use of ultrasound technology to assess blood flow and identify abnormalities within the circulatory system.

As a continuing education course, participants are enrolled as non-matriculated students. This course does not award academic credit and is not eligible for federal financial aid.

Course Content

The Vascular Sonography CE course provides comprehensive instruction in the evaluation of the vascular system, with a focus on carotid, peripheral venous, and arterial studies. Students are introduced to scanning techniques for these vascular regions, along with basic protocols and procedures used in clinical practice, including pulse volume recording (PVR) testing and assessment of conditions such as renal artery stenosis.

The curriculum includes a review of Doppler physics and hemodynamics, emphasizing the importance of Doppler instrumentation in the detection and analysis of vascular abnormalities. Participants learn to recognize normal and abnormal findings and understand how ultrasound is used to assess blood flow and vascular function.

A structured registry review is incorporated into the course to support preparation for national credentialing exams, including the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI), Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT), and Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS) examinations.

Course Length

The didactic portion of the Vascular Sonography course consists of 80 hours of online, synchronous lectures and on-campus lab training delivered over 10 weeks. Classes meet 2 evenings per week for 4 hours each session.

The optional clinical internship includes 80 clinical hours completed over 5 weeks and is offered upon completion of the didactic and lab portion of the course.

Vascular Sonography CE Course

• Total Duration: 10 weeks
• Total Lecture/Lab Hours: 80 hours

Vascular Sonography CE Course with Clinical Internship

• Total Duration: 15 weeks
• Total Hours: 160 hours
  • 80 hours of online lectures and on-campus labs
  • 80 clinical hours

Vascular Sonography Course Format

The Vascular Sonography CE course is delivered in a hybrid format that combines online instruction with on-campus lab training.

• Online Instruction: Lecture sessions are conducted online in a synchronous format, allowing for real-time, instructor-led learning.
• On-Campus Lab Training: Students attend scheduled lab sessions to practice vascular scanning techniques and develop hands-on skills.
• Optional Clinical Internship: An additional clinical component is available for participants who require hands-on clinical experience. This training takes place at an affiliated healthcare facility following completion of the didactic and lab portion.

Both the online lectures and on-campus lab sessions are required components of the course.

Clinical Experience

An optional clinical internship is available for participants who complete the didactic and lab portion of the Vascular Sonography course and require additional hands-on training. This clinical component provides supervised experience in performing vascular ultrasound procedures in a healthcare setting.

The internship consists of 80 clinical hours, completed over approximately 5 weeks, with a schedule of 16 hours per week. Clinical days are typically scheduled Monday through Thursday, with approximately 4 hours per day, though specific times may vary.

During the clinical internship, students are expected to perform vascular studies and demonstrate competency in accordance with clinical standards. Clinical competencies are documented based on the vascular procedures performed, allowing participants to obtain the necessary clinical verification.

Course Goals/Objectives

Upon successful completion of the Vascular Sonography Continuing Education course, participants will be able to:

• Understand basic vascular anatomy and physiology
• Perform vascular ultrasound scans of carotid, venous, and arterial systems
• Apply Doppler techniques to assess blood flow and identify abnormalities
• Analyze and interpret vascular ultrasound images
• Follow standardized protocols for vascular ultrasound procedures
• Recognize common vascular pathologies
• Demonstrate effective patient interaction while maintaining safety and professional standards

Certification Exam

The Vascular Sonography CE course is designed to prepare participants for national credentialing exams in vascular ultrasound. A structured registry review is included to support exam readiness and reinforce key concepts.

Participants may be eligible to pursue the following credentialing exams, depending on individual qualifications and credentialing requirements:

ARDMS Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI)
ARDMS Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT)
CCI Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS)

Eligibility to sit for certification exams is determined by the respective credentialing organizations. Completion of this course does not guarantee eligibility or certification.