How To Become A Vascular Sonographer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a vascular sonographer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Ted Whitten

If you've ever had to take an ultrasound, then you've come across a Vascular Sonographer. Vascular Sonographers specialize in operating ultrasound machines and transducers. Because of the complexity of their equipment and the importance of their work, anyone who wants to become a Vascular Sonographer must go through a rigorous training process. The Alliance for Physician Certification and Advancement (ACPA) screens all potential Vascular Sonographers. Vascular Sonographers must pass the ACPA's exams before becoming certified Registered Vascular Technologists or RVTs.

Besides having the medical knowledge and technical expertise, Vascular Sonographers must also practice the same bedside manners expected of any medical professional. Since they interact so closely with vulnerable patients, it helps to have a warm and comforting personality.

The average Vascular Sonographer in the US earns $70,000 every year. However, skilled and experienced Vascular Sonographers, especially those living in Alaska, New Hampshire, and California, can earn as much as $105,000.

What general advice would you give to a vascular sonographer?

Ted Whitten

President, Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

According to the U.S. Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics, "employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to grow 17 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists, is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations." https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm#tab-6

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted sonography like it has many other professions. At the beginning of the pandemic, some sonographers were furloughed due to temporary closures of outpatient imaging centers or offices, as well as cancellation of most non-urgent sonography exams in the hospital setting as hospitals planned for expected inpatient surges. While many sonography departments have returned to near normal workflows and volumes, the impact of the renewed surges of COVID-19 patients across the country remains to be seen. Some sonographers have also reported inadequate access to personal protective equipment (PPE) in some parts of the country.

ScoreVascular SonographerUS Average

Salary

6.6

Avg. Salary $84,915

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.0

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.26%

Asian 8.77%

Black or African American 4.17%

Hispanic or Latino 10.39%

Unknown 4.43%

White 71.98%

Gender

female 73.84%

male 26.16%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

8.0

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

8.2

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a vascular sonographer

Explore vascular sonographer education requirements

Most common vascular sonographer degrees

Associate

46.4 %

Bachelor's

32.2 %

Certificate

7.7 %

Start to develop specific vascular sonographer skills

Skills	Percentages
Patients	25.12%
RVT	11.40%
Patient Care	8.73%
Doppler	8.20%
Vascular Ultrasound	7.88%

Complete relevant vascular sonographer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New vascular sonographers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a vascular sonographer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real vascular sonographer resumes.

Gain additional vascular sonographer certifications

Vascular sonographer certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific vascular sonographer certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for vascular sonographers include Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer - Abdomen (RDMS) and Registered Vascular Technologist - Vascular Technology.

More About Certifications

Research vascular sonographer duties and responsibilities

Manage and operate the daily operations and supervision of the radiology ultrasound departments.
Perform ABI, segmental pressure and oxygen tension studies.
Work independently providing quality images for radiologists while maintaining a high level of care and compassion for the patient.
Perform abdomen, obstetrics and gynecology, and small parts ultrasound examinations.

Prepare your vascular sonographer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your vascular sonographer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a vascular sonographer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable vascular sonographer resume templates

Build a professional vascular sonographer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your vascular sonographer resume.