Top 10 Vascular Technologist Certifications

Certifications are important for vascular technologists in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has obtained a certain level of proficiency and expertise in their field. Certified vascular technologists have the education and experience to perform complex tasks related to vascular technology, such as ultrasound imaging, vascular access procedures, and Doppler studies. This certification distinguishes them from other candidates who may not have achieved the same level of knowledge or skill set. Certifications also provide employers with assurance that the vascular technologist is competent in their job and can be trusted to accurately diagnose and treat patients. Certification programs also help ensure that practitioners are up-to-date on new advances in the field, which is particularly important given the rapidly changing nature of medical technology.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Vascular Technologists and explain how they can help to advance a career in the field.

What are Vascular Technologist Certifications?

Vascular technologist certification is a specialized certification that provides recognition for individuals who have completed formal postsecondary training in vascular technology. Vascular technologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the assessment and treatment of diseases related to the circulatory system, including veins, arteries, and lymphatic vessels. Certification requires passing an exam administered by a certifying agency such as the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). This certification indicates that an individual has demonstrated mastery of the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this field.

The benefits of becoming certified as a vascular technologist include improved job opportunities and higher wages. Employers often prefer to hire certified vascular technologists because they have demonstrated knowledge and experience in using specialized equipment for diagnosing, monitoring, and treating diseases related to the circulatory system. With a certification, vascular technologists can also increase their chances of being promoted or taking on more complex roles within their organization. In addition, many employers offer additional pay incentives for certified vascular technologists as it is seen as evidence that they are dedicated to their profession and committed to providing quality care.

Pro Tip: Make sure to stay up-to-date with the latest vascular technologist certification requirements and guidelines. Certification renewals may require additional continuing education credits, so make sure to plan ahead and keep track of any necessary requirements.

Related: What does a Vascular Technologist do?

Top 10 Vascular Technologist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Vascular Technologists today.

1. Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)

Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of vascular technology. To become certified, applicants must meet certain qualifications and pass an examination.

The RVT certification requires applicants to have completed an accredited vascular technology program or a minimum of two years of full-time experience as a vascular technologist. Applicants must also demonstrate continuing medical education credits in the past three years, as well as complete an application form and pay the applicable fees.

The RVT exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, physics, instrumentation, scanning techniques, and pathology related to vascular technology. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to apply for the RVT certification exam, applicants must submit an application form with all required documentation and fees which vary depending on where you live. In the United States, the fee is $400 USD while in Canada it is $450 CAD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) certification from ARDMS which is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

2. Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) certification from the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)

The Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) certification from the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to perform echocardiography, vascular ultrasound, and other related cardiac sonographic procedures. This certification is designed to ensure that certified personnel are qualified to provide quality care in these areas.

To obtain an RCS certification, individuals must complete a minimum of two years of full-time clinical experience in echocardiography or vascular ultrasound within the previous five years. They must also pass a written examination administered by CCI. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, instrumentation, imaging techniques, patient care, and ethics.

The cost for the RCS examination is $400 USD for members of CCI and $450 USD for non-members. The cost includes all exam fees and materials needed to take the test. Additionally, applicants must pay an additional fee for any retakes of the exam if they do not pass on their first attempt.

Once an individual passes the exam, they will receive their RCS certification from CCI which is valid for five years before needing to be renewed. To renew their certification, individuals must demonstrate continued competence in cardiac sonography by completing continuing education activities every two years or passing a recertification examination every five years.

3. Certified Vascular Specialist (CVS) certification from the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)

The Certified Vascular Specialist (CVS) certification from the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) is a professional certification for those who specialize in echocardiography. It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in the field of cardiovascular imaging. The CVS certification requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and experience in echocardiography through a comprehensive examination.

To become certified as a CVS, candidates must have at least two years of full-time experience in echocardiography and complete an approved educational program. Candidates must also pass the ASE’s CVS Examination, which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, ultrasound physics, clinical applications, instrumentation, and quality assurance. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost of the CVS certification process varies depending on the candidate's location and other factors. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 USD. This includes the cost of registration fees for the exam as well as any additional materials or courses that may be required for completion.

Once certified, CVS professionals are expected to maintain their credentials by participating in continuing education activities related to echocardiography every two years.

4. Registered Vascular Ultrasound Technician (RVUT) certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

The Registered Vascular Ultrasound Technician (RVUT) certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in performing vascular ultrasound examinations. To be eligible for this certification, individuals must have completed an ARRT-approved vascular ultrasound program and have current ARRT registration in radiography, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy or sonography.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the requirements for RVUT certification. This includes completing a minimum of 12 months of clinical experience in vascular ultrasound under the supervision of a qualified physician and passing the ARRT’s Vascular Ultrasound Examination. The examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, instrumentation, physics, safety and ethics.

To apply for RVUT certification, individuals must submit an application form along with all required documentation to the ARRT. The application fee is $200 and must be paid when submitting the application. After all requirements are met and approved by the ARRT Board of Directors, individuals will receive their RVUT certification.

Once certified, individuals must maintain their credential by meeting continuing education requirements every two years. These include completing at least 24 hours of continuing education credits related to vascular ultrasound during each two-year period and passing the re-certification exam every four years.

5. Registered Vascular Interventional Technologist (RVIT) certification from the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SDMS)

The Registered Vascular Interventional Technologist (RVIT) certification is a credential offered by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SDMS). This credential is designed to recognize the professional achievements of sonographers who specialize in vascular interventional technology. The RVIT certification requires that applicants have a minimum of two years of full-time experience in performing and/or supervising vascular interventional procedures, have completed at least 50 hours of continuing education in vascular interventional technology, and pass an examination.

It typically takes between 6-9 months to complete all the requirements for the RVIT certification. To get certified, applicants must first submit an application to SDMS, which includes documentation of their experience and continuing education credits. After the application is approved, applicants can then register for the computer-based exam. The cost for the RVIT certification is $400 USD ($200 for SDMS members).

6. Certified Phlebology Sonographer (CPS) certification from the American Venous Forum (AVF)

The Certified Phlebology Sonographer (CPS) certification from the American Venous Forum (AVF) is a professional certification program that recognizes the highest level of competency in ultrasound imaging of veins. The certification is designed to ensure the highest quality of care for patients with venous disorders.

To become certified, an individual must have at least two years of experience in ultrasound imaging and pass an examination administered by the AVF. The exam consists of a written portion and an oral portion, both of which must be passed with a score of 75% or higher. The written portion covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, and sonographic techniques related to venous disorders. The oral portion consists of case studies and questions about patient management and treatment options.

In order to maintain certification, individuals must complete continuing education credits every two years. These credits can be earned through attending conferences or completing online courses offered by AVF-approved providers.

The cost for the CPS certification program varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of the AVF. For members, it costs $250 for the application fee and $400 for the exam fee; for non-members it costs $500 for the application fee and $600 for the exam fee.

7. Certified Peripheral Vascular Ultrasound Technician (CPVUT) certification from the American College of Phlebology

The Certified Peripheral Vascular Ultrasound Technician (CPVUT) certification from the American College of Phlebology (ACP) is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in performing peripheral vascular ultrasound examinations. The CPVUT certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of peripheral vascular ultrasound.

To be eligible for the CPVUT certification, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having at least two years of experience as a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT), completing at least 50 peripheral vascular ultrasound studies within the past two years, and passing an ACP-administered examination.

The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. It covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, patient assessment and preparation, instrumentation and techniques, image interpretation, safety protocols, quality assurance/control procedures, and documentation.

The cost for the CPVUT certification exam is $400 USD. Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your CPVUT certificate which is valid for three years. You will also be listed on the ACP website as a certified technician. To maintain your certification status you must complete 24 hours of continuing education credits every three years.

8. Certified Peripheral Vascular Interventionalist (CPVI) certification from the Society for Vascular Ultrasound

The Certified Peripheral Vascular Interventionalist (CPVI) certification from the Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU) is a voluntary, non-accredited certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of peripheral vascular interventional procedures. The CPVI certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to excellence in their practice and to provide a benchmark of competency for other healthcare professionals.

To obtain the CPVI certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass a written examination. Eligibility requirements include holding an unrestricted license to practice medicine or osteopathy in one of the United States or its territories, having at least two years of experience as an interventional cardiologist or vascular surgeon, and completing at least 200 peripheral vascular interventional procedures within the past three years.

The written examination consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, imaging techniques, endovascular interventions and patient management. The exam must be completed within three hours and is administered by Prometric Testing Centers throughout the United States.

The cost for taking the CPVI examination is $750 USD plus any applicable taxes. The fee includes all materials needed to take the exam as well as a certificate upon successful completion of the exam.

9. Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI) certification from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission

Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI) certification is a credential awarded by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). This certification is intended to recognize physicians who demonstrate knowledge and skill in the interpretation of vascular ultrasound studies. It is designed to promote quality patient care and safety through the use of standardized testing and evaluation processes.

The RPVI certification process includes an educational component, a written examination, and a practical exam. The educational component consists of completing an approved course in vascular ultrasound interpretation. The written exam tests knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, imaging techniques, and clinical applications related to vascular ultrasound interpretation. The practical exam requires demonstration of skills related to image acquisition and interpretation.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the RPVI certification process depending on when you start and how quickly you complete each step. To get started with the RPVI certification process, you must first apply for eligibility through IAC's website. After your application has been reviewed and accepted, you will be able to register for the exams.

The cost of getting RPVI certified varies depending on which courses you take and which exams you register for. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500-$2,000 USD for all fees associated with becoming certified as a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI).

10. Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician/Technologist Certification from Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission

The Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician/Technologist (CCHT) Certification from Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) is a nationally recognized certification for dialysis technicians and technologists. It is designed to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a qualified hemodialysis technician or technologist.

To become certified, individuals must meet the eligibility requirements set by the NNCC. These include being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or equivalent, completing an approved hemodialysis training program, and passing the CCHT exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient assessment, dialyzer reprocessing, water treatment systems, vascular access management and troubleshooting techniques.

It typically takes about six months to complete all of the requirements for certification. During this time period, applicants should review study materials and practice test questions to prepare for the exam.

The cost of the CCHT certification varies depending on whether you are taking the exam for the first time or renewing your certification every three years. The initial fee is $180 while renewal fees are $150. Additional fees may apply if you need to retake an exam or if you need to transfer your certification from another organization.

Do You Really Need a Vascular Technologist Certificate?

The short answer to this question is, it depends. If you are interested in working as a vascular technologist, then the answer is yes; you do need a vascular technologist certificate. Vascular technologists are medical professionals who specialize in imaging and diagnosing diseases of the vascular system. In order to become certified as a vascular technologist, you must complete an accredited program and pass the certification exam administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

Having a certificate demonstrates that you have achieved the necessary training and education required to practice as a vascular technologist. It also serves as proof that you possess the skills and knowledge needed to perform your job duties safely and effectively. Furthermore, it can help open up more job opportunities and give you an edge over other applicants who don’t possess such credentials.

In addition, having a certificate shows dedication to your profession and can provide employers with peace of mind when hiring—they know they are bringing on someone who has taken the time to advance their career in the field. Lastly, having such credentials may even result in higher pay since many employers offer salary incentives for those who have completed additional training beyond what is typically required.

In conclusion, if you want to work as a vascular technologist then having a certificate is essential if you want to be successful in this field. It will help demonstrate your commitment to your profession while also opening up more job opportunities and potentially increasing your salary potential.

Related: Vascular Technologist Resume Examples

FAQs About Vascular Technologist Certifications

Q1. What is a vascular technologist certification?

A1. A vascular technologist certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of vascular technology. It is awarded by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) after passing an exam.

Q2. How do I become certified as a vascular technologist?

A2. To become certified as a vascular technologist, you must complete an accredited educational program and pass the ARDMS exam. You must also maintain your certification by completing continuing education courses every two years.

Q3. What types of jobs can I get with a vascular technologist certification?

A3. With a vascular technologist certification, you can work in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, and other healthcare settings performing diagnostic ultrasound tests on patients to assess their blood vessels and circulatory system. You may also be responsible for interpreting images and providing patient care as directed by physicians or other healthcare professionals.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified as a vascular technologist?

A4: The amount of time it takes to get certified as a vascular technologist depends on how quickly you complete your required educational program and pass the ARDMS exam. Generally, it takes at least one year to complete the necessary training and pass the exam.

Q5: Is there any additional training required after becoming certified as a vascular technologist?

A5: Yes, after becoming certified as a vascular technologist you must complete continuing education courses every two years in order to maintain your certification status with ARDMS.