Program Description
Vascular Technology is an allied health profession that focuses on diagnosing vascular disease. The vascular technologist uses sonography, pressure-measuring devices and plethysmography to document venous and arterial disease. The exams are interpreted by vascular surgeons and neurologists. The term "noninvasive" is used because the methods do not involve a surgical procedure. The vascular technologist is required to have in-depth knowledge of vascular anatomy, disease and treatment. The information he or she provides assists the vascular surgeon and neurologist in identifying and quantifying the extent of vascular disease. The exams are performed in a vascular lab, at a patient's bedside or in an operating room. The vascular technologist can examine the veins and arteries of extremities and cranial and abdominal vessels. These vessels may have a buildup of chronic arteriosclerosis or a sudden blockage caused by trauma or embolism.
Earnings
 Median annual wages of cardiovascular technologists and technicians were $47,010 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $32,800 and $61,580. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,510, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,760. Median annual wages of cardiovascular technologists and technicians in 2008 were $48,590 in offices of physicians and $46,670 in general medical and surgical hospitals.
Job Outlook
Employment of cardiovascular technologists and technicians is expected to increase 24 percent through the year 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand will stem from the prevalence of heart disease and the aging population, because older people have a higher incidence of heart disease and other complications of the heart and vascular system. Procedures such as ultrasound imaging and radiology are being performed more often as a replacement for more expensive and more invasive procedures. Due to advances in medicine and greater public awareness, signs of vascular disease can be detected earlier, creating demand for cardiovascular technologists and technicians to perform various procedures.
Employment of vascular technologists and cardiovascular will grow as advances in vascular technology and sonography reduce the need for more costly and invasive procedures. However, fewer EKG technicians will be needed, as hospitals train nursing aides and others to perform basic EKG procedures. Individuals trained in Holter monitoring and stress testing are expected to have more favorable job prospects than those who can perform only a basic EKG.
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