Career Definition for a Vascular Technician
It is the responsibility of a vascular technician to schedule and prepare patients for exams and assist in their prescribed treatments by applying modalities such as ultrasound and x-ray. Vascular technicians may also be required to care for diagnostic equipment. Vascular technicians work in settings such as mobile laboratories, doctors' offices, and clinics. They are sometimes expected to be available outside their normal working hours.
| Education | Bachelor's degree in vascular technology |
| Job Skills | Strong communication skills and a desire to continue learning |
| Mean Salary (2021)* | $62,020 (for cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists) |
| Job Growth (2021-2031)* | 5% (for cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
A 4-year degree from an accredited institution in vascular technology is required for a career as a vascular technician; however, some people working as vascular technicians were trained in complementary areas of healthcare and received on-the-job training to become vascular technicians. Coursework may include medical record-keeping, ultrasound technology, and anatomy. Many employers seek candidates who are also credentialed or registered in addition to holding a 4-year degree. To become credentialed or registered, vascular technicians must meet specific educational prerequisites and pass state or national exams.
Skills Required
A career as a vascular technician requires strong communication skills since vascular technicians work with patients of all ages in a variety of mental and physical conditions. A desire to continue learning is also valuable as new medical technologies are consistently introduced into the field.
Career and Economic Outlook
In May 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov) reported the mean annual income for all types of cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists, to be $62,020. The BLS also projects employment opportunities in this field to grow by 5% between 2021 and 2031.
Alternative Career Options
Careers that are similar to a vascular technician include:
Radiologic Technologist
A radiologic technologist performs diagnostic imaging exams on patients using x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) technology. They provide patient care during exams, operate imaging instruments, and forward images to radiologists for examination. Aspiring radiologic technologists can complete a certificate, associate's degree or bachelor's degree program; licensing and American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (AART)-certification are required by most states. The BLS reports that jobs for radiologic technologists will increase 6% from 2021-2031. In 2021, the mean salary of radiologic technologists was $66,490, per the BLS.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Diagnostic medical sonographers use instruments that employ sound waves to obtain images of internal organs and other structures that can be evaluated by a physician. Some specialize in specific areas of the body, like the abdomen, the breast, the musculoskeletal system, or the female reproductive system (which includes obstetrical sonograms). Completion of an accredited associate's or bachelor's degree program in sonography is a common path to employment; professional certification is also available, and some states require a license, too. According to the BLS, jobs for diagnostic medical sonographers are expected to increase by 10% from 2021-2031. The BLS also reports that in 2021, diagnostic medical sonographers earned an average salary of $80,680.
