College of Health Science and Human Service : Career Information

The cardiovascular technologist performs diagnostic and therapeutic examinations at the request or direction of a physician in one or more of the following areas:

1. Noninvasive cardiology
2. Noninvasive peripheral vascular, and
3. Invasive cardiology

The University of Toledo offers options in the noninvasive cardiology (echocardiography) and noninvasive peripheral vascular tracks.  Through subjective sampling and/or recording, the technologist creates an easily definable foundation of data from which a correct anatomic and physiologic diagnosis may be established for each client/patient.  

Noninvasive cardiology - Typically called an "echo tech" is qualified to perform an echocardiogram.  This exam is an ultrasound image of the heart, including hemodynamic information about the function of the valves and ventricles.

Noninvasive peripheral vascular - Typically called a "vascular tech" is qualified to perform arterial and venous diagnostic procedures using ultrasound as well as other diagnostic instrumentation.  Vascular techs perform carotic duplex imaging, upper and lower extremity arterial exams, and venous duplex scans.

The role of the echo tech and vascular tech is becoming more complex and demanding.  These individuals are required to know approved protocols for each type of exam they perform, as well as be able to analyze the client's history, in order to identify the purpose of the exam, frame the clinical question/s that the exam is intended to answer, and expand the exam as necessary to answer the clinical question/s.  A sonographer must demonstrate and document technical competence in the performance of those types of diagnostic examinations that the sonographer performs. 

To this end, the technologist must have a comprehensive understanding of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular anatomy, vascular pathophysiology and hemodynamics, to recognize normal and abnormal structure, function and abnormalities of blood flow.  Sonographers must also demonstrate knowledge and understanding of ultrasound physics, instrumentation, tissue characteristics, and measurements of blood flow, including the biological effects of ultrasound. 

The role of the cardiovascular technologist may include but is not limited to:

• Perform patient assessments,
• Reviewing and/or recording pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data,
• Properly display cardiac and/or vascular structures and blood flow in each imaging view,
• Acquire and analyze data obtained using ultrasound and related diagnostic technologies,
• Performing appropriate procedures and obtaining a record of anatomical, pathological, and/or physiological data for interpretation by a physician,
• Provide a summary of findings to the physician to aid in patient diagnosis and management, and
• Exercising discretion and judgment in the performance of cardiovascular diagnostic and therapeutic services. 

Sonographers must:  

• Adhere to the scope of practice for diagnostic ultrasound professionals
• Adhere to the code of ethics
• Fulfill continuing medical education requirements as required by the applicable credentialing organization
• Participate in peer review and quality assurance activities as required by the employing institution that operates the lab

Cardiovascular Technologists must comply with the TECHNICAL STANDARDS in the field:

Speech, Hearing and Vision

• Be able to interact and communicate effectively - both orally and in writing with patients, physicians and other health care professionals
• Be able to read and accurately complete reports
• Be well versed in medical terminology
• Be able to differentiate shades of gray and color
• Possess sufficient vision to delineate ill-defined structures, borders, anatomical structures and pathological abnormalities
• Possess hearing to differentiate Doppler signals

Physical Demands - Performance of echo and vascular studies involves standing, walking, and moving of heavy ultrasound equipment

• Be able to participate in all demonstrations, laboratory and clinical rotations
• Possess physical coordination to perform scanning with manipulation of the probe and changing of the knobs (eye-hand coordination)
• Possess a full range of body motion including handling, lifting and transfer of patients
• Possess fine motor functions (manual dexterity)
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time (7-8 hours) per day
• Be aware of proper infection control, including precautionary procedures (all clinical settings) 
• Recognize and respond to emergency situations (CPR, ACLS)
• Be familiar with, and in compliance with relevant laws regarding patient confidentiality and privacy

Mental Demands - Must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of intellectual abilities (appropriate medical judgement)

• Be able to solve daily operational problems related to performing exams, including troubleshooting equipment malfunctions
• Recognize any condition, in the echo or patient behavior that may pose an immediate threat to health or life (act appropriately)
• Be ready for the unpredictable (technical quality, unexpected findings) and exhibit flexibility, independent judgement and critical thinking  

The cardiovascular program at the University of Toledo is a CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) accredited program, designed to provide its graduates with detailed training in EKG interpretation, ambulatory monitoring and scanning, exercise stress testing, echocardiography and peripheral vascular exams.  Laboratory and clinical experience is provided on-site and off campus. 

The University of Toledo offers an Associate Degree or a Bachelor of Science - Applied and Clinical Physiology with a Cardiovascular Option for those interested in this field.   Students completing an Associate Degree also have the opportunity of completing a Bachelor Degree through optional programs in University College. 

Since the University of Toledo's echocardiography and peripheral vascular program programs are CAAHEP accredited, degree recipients qualify to take a National Registry exam, through either the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

See: http://www.ardms.org
       http://www.cci-online.org

CARDIOVASCULAR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

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