What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound (also called sonography) is a diagnostic medical procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues or blood flow inside the body. The high-frequency sound waves are transmitted to the area of interest and the returning echoes recorded. This type of procedure is often referred to as a sonogram or ultrasound scan. The Cardiac & Vascular Institute of Ultrasound specializes in:

Echocardiography - evaluation of the anatomy, physiology, and hemodynamics (blood flow) of the heart, its valves and related blood vessels.

Vascular Technology - evaluation of the anatomy, physiology, and hemodynamics (blood flow) of all the blood vessels in the body excluding the heart.

What does a cardiovascular sonographer do?

Cardiovascular sonographers are highly-skilled professionals who use specialized equipment to create images of structures inside the human body that are used by physicians to make a medical diagnosis.

The professional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• talking with the patients to identify their symptoms
• performing the sonogram and obtaining diagnostic images
• analyzing images and patient information
• using independent judgment in recognizing the need to make adjustments to the sonogram
• providing an oral or written summary of the technical findings to the physician for medical diagnosis
• working with physicians and other health care providers
• providing quality patient care

Many sonographers also assist in electronic record keeping, and computerized image storage. Sonographers may also have managerial or supervisory responsibilities.

What are the career opportunities?

With rapidly changing computer enhanced technologies, miniaturization, and increased use of cardiovascular sonography, growth is projected to continue in the future with employment opportunities for qualified sonographers in both urban and rural areas.

Sonographers can choose to work in clinics, hospitals, private practice physician offices, public health facilities, laboratories, and other medical settings performing examinations in their areas of specialization.

Career advancement opportunities exist in education, administration, research, and in commercial companies as education/application specialists, sales representatives, and technical advisors.

How much does it pay?

In addition to excellent career opportunities, income for cardiac and vascular sonographers is competitive with or higher than Registered Nurses. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages report (2006), the median salary for sonographers is $57,160.

Salaries vary depending on years of experience, credentials/certifications held, number of specialties practiced, as well as geographic location. There are abundant opportunities for full-time and part-time employment.

How long does it take?

The Cardiac & Vascular Institute offers a one-year certificate program in either Cardiac or Vascular ultrasound. A two-year Cardiac and Vascular certificate program is also offered.

Once the program is completed, the sonographer takes the national credentialing exam, the registry, before beginning their career as a sonographer. CVIU graduates are eligible to apply for the registry with one or both of the two registry associations; Cardiovascular Credentialing International or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.