Vascular Ultrasound Technology

Vascular Ultrasound Technology, AAS Degree

Vascular Technologists perform various diagnostic medical procedures through the use of high frequency sound waves to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body that are used by physicians to make a medical diagnosis. Evaluation and analysis of the hemodynamics (blood flow) of peripheral and abdominal blood vessels will be evaluated through the use of high-tech, non-imaging and imaging instrumentation. The Vascular Technologist must be able to obtain accurate patient history, perform high-tech diagnostic procedures, analyze technical information and summarize technical findings to the physician, provide quality patient care and collaborating with physicians and other members of the health team.

Clinical Affiliation: Students will be placed in a clinical affiliation for 7 months in medical centers throughout the United States. If a student does not complete specialty Cardiovascular classes in three consecutive semesters, faculty and administration will determine whether courses must be repeated before enrolling in clinical.Clinical placement is determined only after the student has been observed safely and consistently performing all required procedures in specified time frames.

Background checks and drug screenings are required for this program. For more information please see Additional Program Requirements.

Semester	Course Title	Credits
This course must be completed prior to taking PHYS 100. These credits will be tabulated into the total credit hours required for this program.
MATH 102T	College Algebra	3
Summer & Fall (Core)- Prerequisites to Cardiovascular
CHEM 106T CHEM 106T	Chemistry Survey	4
Students who have had some chemistry and those who have had no chemistry background will acquire a basic understanding of the makeup of matter and the changes that it undergoes. Going from simple elements to complex compounds, this course will be concentrating on some observational facts and theoretical concepts involving problem solving, scientific reasoning, thinking and "wondering why".
CHEM 106L	Chemistry Survey Lab
CIS 101 CIS 101	Computer Essentials	2
Designed to enable students with little or no computer experience to acquire a basic understanding of the personal computer. This course involves the study of computer basics such as hardware, operating systems, and file management, using the Internet for research, word processing, and spreadsheets.
CV 101 CV 101	Intro to Cardiovascular Ultrasound	1
An introduction into the field of cardiovascular ultrasound will look at the history of ultrasound and the role a sonographer plays in the diagnosis of cardiovascular problems. A basic knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, terminology, ultrasound principles, and ethics will be covered.
CVP 102 CVP 102	Vascular History & Physical	1
This is a comprehensive study of the role of the Vascular Ultrasound Technologist in obtaining a patient history and physical exam. This will include understanding risk factors, signs and symptoms, and physical examination for the various diseases associated with the vascular systems. The student could be exposed to speakers presenting on cardiovascular technology and Vascular Ultrasound. Some of these may be by attending outside activities such as: cardiovascular in-service by local hospitals
ENGL 101T ENGL 101T	Composition	3
English Composition will help develop proficiency in writing concise, coherent essays, and in using correct English. Several modes of discourse will be explored and good grammar skills are required. This course will improve the student's critical thinking skills as it provides students with practice in all stages of the writing process: planning, supporting, rewriting, analyzing, proofreading, and editing. This course will also require critical reading and writing. Prerequisite: Placement Assessment
HC 119 HC 119	Anatomy/Physiology	5
The study of the structure and function of the human body forms the foundation for course work in health-related professions. Students will be prepared to recognize normal anatomy and physiology while noting anatomical as well as physiologic deviations in patients. This course includes a rigorous study of medical terms/abbreviations, correlating with each body system, thus assisting the development of a vocabulary which is necessary for a successful career in allied health.
HC 119L	Anatomy/Physiology Lab
HC 117	Medical Terminology	1
HC 121 HC 121	Patient Care Techniques I	3
Designed to assist students in developing the necessary skills to directly deal with patients. Skills acquired will help protect themselves, as well as the patient, and includes infection control, body mechanics, vital signs, CPR/First Aid, dealing with tubes and equipment, safety and security as well as other topics.
HC 121L	Patient Care Techniques I Lab
*PHYS 100	Applied Physics	3
A foundation to understanding physical processes in technical applications. A thorough overview of measurement systems, practices, and notations is presented. Energy transformation and transfer processes are developed using a "systems model." Physical processes are then described using the systems approach in a "micro-to-macro" sequence, including atomic/nuclear, molecular, electrical/magnetic, mechanical, thermal, fluid, wave/radiating, and optional astronomic/cosmic effects. Definitions and descriptions of the mass/energy interactions involved are given for each type of system, leading toward diagnosis and troubleshooting methods in technical applications.
23
Spring
CV 123 CV 123	Ultrasound Physics	3
Students will be introduced to the principles of ultrasound physics and instrumentation. Emphasis will be placed on parameters of sound waves, interaction of sound and media, transducers, artifacts, safety, and quality assurance. Students will also become familiar with metric units, sound beams, types of resolution, display modes and scan converters. Prerequisite: PHYS 100
CVP 124 CVP 124	Vascular Hemodynamics	3
Class focuses on the physiology and hemodynamics of blood flow within the arterial and venous systems throughout the body. Characteristics of flow to be discussed will consist of: potential and kinetic energy, resistance, pressure, velocity, volumetric flow, energy gradients, Poiseuille’s Law, Bernoulli’s Equation, types of flow characteristics, and Reynolds Number. (Prerequisites: Core, CV 101, CVP 102)
CVP 123L CVP 123L	Vascular Hemodynamics Lab	1
Lab focuses on the physiology and hemodynamics of blood flow within the arterial and venous systems throughout the body. The student will be introduced to spectral and color Doppler instrumentation while scanning the vascular anatomy and how it is used to evaluate blood flow. Students will practice on fellow students during and outside of lab for assigned lab projects. (Corequisite: CVP 124)
CVP 136 CVP 136	Vascular Anatomy	2
This is a comprehensive study of the role of the Vascular Ultrasound Technologist. A thorough knowledge of vascular anatomy to include the heart, central, peripheral, and cerebral arterial system, venous system, and microscopic anatomy will be covered. The student will also look at perspective anatomy by the use of ultrasound and identify anatomy in both sagittal and transverse planes. The student may also be exposed to speakers presenting on cardiovascular technology and Vascular Ultrasound. Some of these may be by attending outside activities such as: cardiovascular in-service at local hospitals. (Prerequisite: Core, CV 101, CVP 102)
CVP 137L CVP 137L	Vascular Anatomy Lab	1
This course will assess vascular anatomy as seen on ultrasound. This will include anatomy and surrounding structures of the peripheral arterial and venous anatomy of upper and lower extremities and cerebrovascular anatomy. Anatomy will be viewed on both transverse and sagittal planes During the Vascular Ultrasound Lab the student will be offered hands on experience practicing on fellow students. Emphasis will be placed on ultrasound imaging and the identification of vascular anatomy. The student will also be exposed to other non-invasive techniques in evaluating vascular system such as, taking blood pressures, plethysmography; directional and hand held Doppler's. The student may also be exposed to speakers presenting on cardiovascular technology and Vascular Ultrasound. This could include going to local hospitals. (Corequisite: CVP 136)
HC 114 HC 114	Health Care/Human Relations	3
Discussions and activities will center around the topic of respect. This course introduces students to health care issues and assists them in developing personal and employability success skills. Topics include, but are not limited to: accountability, professionalism, communication, confidentiality, patient rights, cultural bias and discrimination, effective interpersonal skills, dealing with difficult patients of all ages, and death and dying issues.
HC 124 HC 124	Basic Pharmacology	2
Observing, testing, treating and administering to the countless requirements and demands that constitute effective and responsible patient care; this course introduces pharmaceuticals according to their therapeutic applications and pertinent physiology, and related diseases. Emphasis is placed on pharmaceutical classification concentrating on the mechanism of action, main therapeutic effects, and the adverse reactions produced. Prerequisite: HC 111
CV 125	EKG Analysis and Interpretation	2
17
Summer
CVP 210 CVP 210	Vascular Pathophysiology I	3
This is a comprehensive, critical thinking course that entails cerebrovascular pathophysiology and how it affects the physiology of blood flow. A variety of cerebrovascular pathologies will be discussed and how it affects patient H&P, which type of vascular testing needs to be performed, hemodynamics, and imaging. A look at non-invasive and invasive treatments will also be discussed. Critical thinking skills will be used to put information together from all CVP classes. The student may also be exposed to speakers presenting on cardiovascular technology and Vascular Ultrasound. Some of these may be by attending outside activities such as: cardiovascular in-service at local hospitals. (Prerequisite: CV 123, CVP 120, 124, 123, 136, 137)
CVP 211L CVP 211L	Vascular Pathophysiology I Lab	1
During this lab course, students will continue to perfect their scanning skills in various cerebrovascular tests. This lab will continue to further their skills in preparing themselves for their clinical rotation by completing full exams, with accuracy, and time limitation in which to complete exam. Students will practice on fellow students during and outside of lab for assigned lab projects. (Corequisite: CVP 210)
SOC SOC	Social Science Elective	3
Social Science Electives Include: ECON 201T - Economics; SOC 150T - Social Problems; or SOC 250T - Marriage and the Family
SPCM 101T SPCM 101T	Fundamentals of Speech	3
Based on the study of communication theory as applied to public speaking. The goals are to improve the student's public speaking and listening skills. Experiences in the class range from developing speech outlines, researching topics, and practicing delivery techniques for an informative, persuasive, interviewing techniques and panel discussion assignment.
10
Fall
CV 131 CV 131	Cardiovascular Physiology	3
Provides the core of information and concepts necessary to develop a firm understanding of how the cardiovascular system operates. Emphasis is placed on cardiac structure, cardiac electrical activity, cardiac pumping action and the clinical indices of ventricular function. Students will be introduced to coronary blood flow, fetal circulation, and pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease states. Prerequisites: CV 122, CVP 124 , CVN 124 or CVI 210
CV 202 CV 202	Cardiac Pathologies	3
An introduction to pathological, clinical and investigative aspects of heart disease. Students will be introduced to the following topics; heart sounds, diagnostic imaging and invasive procedures, electrocardiogram, atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, acute MI, valvular heart disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathies, hypertension, pericardial disease, peripheral vascular disease, congenital heart disease, and cardiovascular drugs. Prerequisites: CV 122, CVP 124, CVN 124 or CVI 210
CVP 125 CVP 125	Applied Vascular Ultrasound Physics	1
Applied vascular ultrasound physics will focus on the preparation for the vascular ultrasound physics portion of the national certification examination. Activities are designed to review ultrasound physic principles, vascular hemodynamics as they relate to vascular physics and other vascular physical principles. Prerequisite: CVP124 & CVP124L
CVP 126L CVP 126L	Applied Vascular Ultrasound Physics Lab	1
Applied vascular ultrasound physics lab covers vascular testing involving the use of a variety of plethysmography techniques such as air plethysmography and photo plethysmography. Students will practice on fellow students during and outside of lab for assigned lab projects. Corequisite: CVP125
CVP 214 CVP 214	Vascular Pathophysiology II	3
This is a comprehensive, critical thinking course that entails peripheral arterial and venous pathophysiology and how it affects the physiology of blood flow. A variety of arterial and venous pathologies will be discussed and how it affects patient H&P, which type of vascular testing needs to be performed, hemodynamics, and imaging/nonimaging. A look at non-invasive and invasive treatments will also be discussed. Critical thinking skills will be used to put information together from all CVP classes. The student may also be exposed to speakers presenting on cardiovascular technology and Vascular Ultrasound. Some of these may be by attending outside activities such as: cardiovascular in-service at local hospitals. (Prerequisites: CVP 210, CVP 211)
CVP 215L CVP 215L	Vascular Pathophysiology II Lab	1
During this lab course, students will continue to perfect their scanning skills in various peripheral arterial and venous tests. This lab will continue to further their skills in preparing themselves for their clinical rotation by completing full exams, with proficiency, and time limitation in which to complete exam. Students will practice on fellow students during and outside of lab for assigned lab projects. (Corequisite: CVP 214)
CVP 220 CVP 220	Abdominal Vascular Ultrasound	2
Study of anatomy, physiology, pathology and pathophysiology of the abdominal cavity, peritoneal cavity to include: Aorta, Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair, Iliac, IVC, Mesenteric vasculature, renal vessels and allografts, portal and hepatic vasculature as visualized by ultrasound. Doppler and color Doppler application will be applied to the anatomy. Prerequisite: (CVP 210, CVP 211L)
CVP 221L CVP 221L	Abdominal Vascular Ultrasound Lab	1
Applying knowledge and scanning skills of anatomy, physiology, pathology and pathophysiology of the abdominal cavity to include: aorta, endovascular aortic aneurysm repair, iliac, IVC, mesenteric vasculature, renal vessels and allografts, hepatic vasculature, and male genitalia as visualized by ultrasound. Doppler and color Doppler application will be applied to the anatomy. (Corequisite: CVP 220)
PSYC 101T PSYC 101T	General Psychology	3
Provides the student with an introduction to the basic psychological processes underlying human behavior. Topics include the functions of the brain amd nervous system, the characteristics of sensation, perception and altered states of consciousness, learning and memory, the nature of thinking skills and intelligence, theories of motivation, emotion and personality, a survey of psychological disorders and approaches to therapy, social/interpersonal relations, and practical applications.
18
Spring
CVP 233 CVP 233	Vascular Ultrasound Clinical I	14
A full-time clinical internship completed at an affiliated local or out-of-town hospital or clinic. Students will broaden and perfect their peripheral vascular skills through active hands-on participation in a noninvasive cardiovascular laboratory. They will be exposed to and receive intensive training in many of the various procedures performed in the vascular lab. Prerequisites: All CV, HC, CVP, General Courses and Permission of Program Chair
CVP 255 CVP 255	Vascular Registry Review	2
This course is conducted on the STI campus during the week of spring graduation. Students will participate in review of program course content, clinical findings and expectations, and registry preparation testing and activities. Students will present current clinical case studies and share clinical experience summaries. Student clinical portfolio review and analysis will also be conducted. (Corequisite: CVP 233)
16
Summer
CVP 243 CVP 243	Vascular Ultrasound Clinical II	12
This course is a continuation of CVP 233 which is a full time clinical internship (40 hours / week) and will be completed at the same location. Students will broaden and perfect their vascular ultrasound skills. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills as related to exam performance and patient care settings. The student will also complete coursework and portfolios during the clinical internship. (Prerequisite: CVP 233, CVP 255 and permission of the Program Chair)
12
Total Credits: 99

Requirements: Achievement of a grade of "C" or higher for PHYS 100 & all HC, CV and CVN courses. Clinical placement by Program Chair.

Registry Requirement: In order to maintain CAAHEP accreditation, all Cardio-vascular graduates must take a registry examination at the earliest possible date after completion of the Cardiovascular program.

Students entering a program in any semester other than outlined may not graduate in the expected amount of time.