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What is Diagnostic Ultrasound and Vascular Technology?

Prepare for your career in the field of ultrasound technology at the University of Kansas.

As a diagnostic ultrasonography tech, you'll use ultrasonic imaging devices to apply high-frequency sound waves (diagnostic ultrasound), color and spectral Doppler to assist in the diagnosis of conditions and diseases. Ultrasonography produces dynamic visual images of internal structures and organs to assist with the analysis of blood flow dynamics (hemodynamics) of blood vessels throughout the body.

In your practice of ultrasonic sonography, you are certified to scan different areas of the body using diagnostic ultrasound.

  • Abdominal sonography produces images of the abdominal cavity
  • OB/GYN sonography focuses on women's health issues, including pregnancy
  • Musculoskeletal sonography concentrates on muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints
  • Cardiovascular sonography evaluates the heart and its blood flow
  • Vascular sonography assesses the bloodflow of peripheral and abdominal blood vessels
  • Breast sonography confirms the presence of cysts and tumors

To become a registered diagnostic sonographer and vascular technologist, you must successfully pass the Sonography Principles & Instrumentation national board exam administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). Career projections in this field remain strong.

  • Nuclear medicine employment projected to grow 14% 2018 to 2028
  • Employment opportunities in hospitals, physician offices and medical and diagnostic laboratories
  • Median salary of $31 per hour
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Explore Our Program

Students in KU's diagnostic ultrasound and vascular technology certificate program train in a world-class academic medical center with state-of-the-art facilities.
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KU School of Health Professions

University of Kansas Medical Center
Department of Respiratory Care and Diagnostic Science
3901 Rainbow Boulevard
Mailstop 1013
Kansas City, KS 66160
913-588-4630 • 711 TTY