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Vascular Ultrasound Program

18 Months Training*
Associate Degree (A.O.S.)

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Key Dates
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Application Deadline Mar 13, 2026
Start Date Jul 6, 2026
Program Highlights
  • Accredited by CAAHEP
  • Hands-On Scan Lab Training
  • Clinical Rotations Provided
  • Job Placement Assistance

*72 Approved Instructional Weeks

About the Program

Program Mission

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts aims to offer high-quality allied health and nursing programs that integrate professional skills, career-focused education, and hands-on practical experience, empowering students to develop and achieve their personal and career goals.

 

Program Description 

Our Vascular Ultrasound Technology program prepares competent entry-level vascular sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. Graduates may work in hospitals, imaging centers, physicians’ offices, or clinics.

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Goals and Objectives

Train students to be professional and competent vascular sonographers within the medical imaging community by developing their visual, oral, and written communication skills, as well as their critical thinking abilities.

Develop interpersonal skills in communicating and interacting with patients of all generations, cultures, and medical conditions.

Develop interpersonal skills in communicating and interacting with medical and administrative personnel in the medical imaging setting to be effective team players.

Teach students knowledge and understanding of human physiology, pathology, and pathophysiology.

Teach students knowledge and understanding of ultrasound physical principles and instrumentation.

Teach students about the biological effects of sonography and the proper application of sonographic instrumentation in relation to imaging and image quality.

Teach students knowledge and understanding of human gross and sectional anatomy relative to normal and abnormal sonographic imaging.

Teach students how to produce high-quality diagnostic images of the heart, utilizing the required information that contributes to the diagnostic process.

Teach students the necessary skills for providing proper patient care while adhering to ethical, professional, and HIPAA guidelines.

 Provide students with the knowledge, clinical skills, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal skills to practice in the sonography profession.

Emphasize the importance and need of becoming credentialed in vascular sonography.

Prepare students to pass the CCI (RVS) or the ARDMS (RVT) certification exams.

Emphasize the appropriate ergonomic scanning applications for the well-being of the vascular sonographer.

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Program Effectiveness Outcome Templates

 

The data above is provided as required by CAAHEP.

Length and Schedule

Program Length, Months
18*
Total Program Hours
2,032
Quarter Credit Hours
116
Clinical Externship Hours
960

*72 Approved instruction Weeks

San Jose Campus A.O.S. in Vascular Ultrasound Technology Sonography Lab Skills Practice

The program information, length, and schedule are subject to change. Read the accompanying Addendum for changes and updates, and check in with an Admission Advisor for more details.

The A.O.S. in Vascular Ultrasound Technology program has a library and classrooms with audiovisual teaching aids, textbooks, journals, anatomical charts, models, and e-library resources. The scan laboratory is equipped with ultrasound machines and other cardiology equipment.

San Jose Campus A.O.S. in Vascular Ultrasound Technology Sonography Lab Skills Practice

The Vascular Ultrasound Technology Program is an Associate of Occupational Science Degree program. The student will receive didactic, laboratory, and clinical education on vascular ultrasound covering vascular anatomy and physiology, 2D imaging, PW, color flow Doppler, and vascular pathology. Methods of interpretation will be combined with General Education courses. The Instructor-to-Student ratio is 1:25 during lectures, 1:10 in the laboratory, and 1:1 during the externship.

The program comprises six (6) quarters of twelve (12) weeks each. During the program’s first quarter (12 weeks), students will take General Education courses up to 24 hours per week via online delivery. During the second quarter (12 weeks), students will continue to take General Education courses online up to twenty-four (24) hours per week for the first twelve (12) weeks.

San Jose Campus A.O.S. in Vascular Ultrasound Technology Sonography Lab Skills Practice

The next two (2) quarters (Quarters 3 and 4) consist of didactic/lab sessions, which include three (3) to five (5) days per week of up to eight (8) hours per day of didactic and lab instruction. In addition, students are expected to start attending externships two (2) days a week.

After completing four (4) quarters, students will begin attending externships three (3) days a week.

Master Scanning Labs (MSL) are scheduled monthly on days to be announced on a separate schedule and in no particular order.

San Jose Campus A.O.S. in Vascular Ultrasound Technology Sonography Lab Skills Practice

The student receives one thousand seventy-two (1,072) didactic and laboratory instruction and nine hundred sixty (960) hours of clinical education, allowing them to apply the lecture topics to practical use. The curriculum equips students with the technical, clinical, and interpersonal skills required to excel in this field. In addition, the program prepares students to take their RVS/RVT examinations.

An Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Vascular Ultrasound Technology is awarded upon program completion. The normal completion time for this program is seventy-two (72) weeks, excluding any holidays and vacation times. Class times can and may be rescheduled on an alternate day of the week (i.e., Sunday through Saturday) to ensure program completion is on time and the required program hours are fulfilled.

 

San Jose Campus A.O.S. in Vascular Ultrasound Technology Sonography Lab Skills Practice

 

Voluntary and Prudent Use Statement for Ultrasound Technology

The program ensures the voluntary and prudent use of students or other human subjects for non-clinical scanning. Students’ grades and evaluations are not affected by participation.

Requirements

  • Please review the following General Admission Requirements for all programs.

    Applicants must:

    1. Attend or view a live or recorded information session.
    2. Submit original transcripts from the Registrar at an educational institution for applicants requesting credit granting for some/all General Education courses. Copies are not accepted. All coursework must be completed and given a grade of at least a “C.” Anatomy and Physiology I with Laboratory must be completed within the last five (5) years. All credit granting is subject to the approval of the Program Director or Program Coordinator. Please allow seven (7) days for review.
    3. Complete an admission interview with the Program Director and designees.

    Get more Info

  • Please review the following General Performance Requirements for all programs.

    Each program has both physical and non-physical requirements to ensure the safety and welfare of students and patients. 

    A.O.S. in Vascular Ultrasound Technology program students must be in good health and able to:

    • Lift over 50 pounds (22.68 kg) and push and pull routinely.
    • Hear sufficiently to assess patient needs and communicate verbally with other healthcare providers.
    • Have full use of arms, hands, and wrists.
    • Possess adequate visual acuity to review sonograms, including color distinctions.
    • Stand and walk on your feet 80% of the time.
    • Reach at or above shoulder level intermittently for 90% of work time.
    • Work compassionately and effectively with patients who are ill.

     

    A.O.S. in Vascular Ultrasound Technology program students must have sufficient strength, motor coordination, and manual dexterity to:

    • Transport, move, lift, and transfer patients from a wheelchair or cart to a sonography table or a patient bed.
    • Move, adjust, and manipulate various sonographic equipment, including the physical transportation of mobile sonographic machines, to complete patient examinations according to established procedures and standards of speed and accuracy.

     

    A.O.S. in Vascular Ultrasound Technology program students must also be capable of:

    • Handling stressful situations related to technical and procedural standards and patient care situations.
    • Providing physical and emotional support to the patient during sonographic procedures, responding to situations requiring first aid, and providing emergency care to the patient until the physician arrives.
    • Communicating verbally in an effective manner to direct patients during sonographic examinations.
    • Visually recognizing anatomy on the CRT screen.
    • Reading and interpreting patient charts and requisitions for sonographic examinations.

     

    A.O.S. in Vascular Ultrasound Technology program students must have the mental and intellectual capacity to:

    • Calculate and select proper technical factors according to the patient’s individual needs and the requirements of the procedure’s standards of speed and accuracy.
    • Review and evaluate the recorded images on a CRT and archiving system to identify patient pathology, if present, accurate procedural sequencing, completion of a diagnostic examination, and other appropriate and pertinent technical qualities.

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  • The following requirements must be met for a student to graduate from the Vascular Ultrasound Technology program at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts:

    • The successful completion of all program courses and hours.
    • All financial obligations have been met, including tuition and textbook charges.
    • The student must complete and verify the minimum clinical competencies defined by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

    Get more Info

Admissions Point System

Applicants are deemed qualified on a point system. The highest-ranked candidates (above a minimum threshold) will be offered seats in the program. The following point system evaluates each applicant, showing the maximum score achievable. 

San Jose Campus A.O.S. in Vascular Ultrasound Technology Sonography Lab Skills Practice

If an accepted applicant chooses to decline their seat in the upcoming term, they must reapply for admission in any future term. The applicant must reapply through the application process, including meeting all current admission requirements and deadlines. 

Vascular Ultrasound Technology ProgramPoints Possible
I. CCAT50
II. Post-Secondary Education50
➢ Associate Degree25
➢ Bachelor's Degree and Higher50
III. Credit Granted Courses110
➢ College Algebra30
➢ Anatomy & Physiology30
➢ Physics30
➢ Written & Oral Communication10
➢ Critical Thinking10
IV. One-Page Resume10
V. Healthcare Background30
➢ One to Three (1-3) Years20
➢ More Than Three (3) Years30
VI. Imaging Background50
➢ Background as a registered RT, Sonographer, MRI Technologist, or Radiation Therapist
VII. Clinical Affiliate Background20
VIII. Personal Interview
Please Note: The Top Scoring Candidates will be Invited in for the Interview Process		150
➢ Professionalism
➢ Communication
➢ Motivation
➢ Overall Impression
Total Points Possible470

Career Services

We help to create a resume and portfolio
Creating a portfolio resume is a powerful way to showcase your skills and experiences to potential employers. At Gurnick Academy, we help you create a professional and polished resume to set you apart from the competition.
Mock Interviews
Mock interviews are a valuable tool to prepare you for the real thing. Gurnick Academy offers mock interviews to help you build confidence and practice your interviewing skills before meeting with potential employers.
Support you after graduation
Your success doesn't end at graduation, that's why we offer support for our graduates even after they leave our institution. From career counseling to networking opportunities, we're here to help you take the next step in your career journey.
Gurnick Edge
Gurnick Edge is a website geared to professionally enhancing nurses. There are multiple professional building segments with easy to use tutorials. Along with the professional development, Gurnick Edge offers professional profiles that the student creates while in their respective programs.
Professional Development Workshops
Continuous learning is key to professional growth and success, that's why we offer professional development workshops to help our students and alumni stay current in their field. From soft skills to industry-specific training, our workshops provide valuable insights and skills to advance your career.
One-on-One and Interview Coaching
Achieving your career goals can be challenging, but with our one-on-one and interview coaching services you'll have the support you need to succeed. Our expert coaches will work with you to develop your skills, confidence and prepare you for success in job interviews.

Program Outline

Course NumberTitleClock HoursQuarter Credit Hours
GE 002Principles of Physics45.04.5
GE 021Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology66.06.5
GE 112Algebra I45.04.5
GE 110Critical Thinking45.04.5
GE 230Written & Oral Communication45.04.5
UT 200Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation62.06.0
UT 201Sectional Anatomy48.04.5
UT 301Patient Care for Ultrasound Professionals12.01.0
UT 620AMaster Scanning Lab Extracranial Vascular Duplex Exam8.00.5
UT 720BMaster Scanning Lab Lower Extremity Venous Exam8.00.5
UT 720CMaster Scanning Lab Lower Extremity Arterial Exam8.00.5
UT 720DMaster Scanning Lab Upper Extremity Venous Exam8.00.5
UT 820EMaster Scanning Lab Duplex Evaluation of the Portal Venous System for Portal Hypertension8.00.5
UT 820FMaster Scanning Lab Lower Extremity Venous Valve Insufficiency Duplex Exam8.00.5
VU 200Introduction to Vascular Sonography48.04.5
VU 200LIntroduction to Vascular Sonography Lab48.02.0
VU 300Cerebrovascular Sonography48.04.5
VU 300LCerebrovascular Sonography Lab48.02.0
VU 301Abdominal Vascular Sonography84.08.0
VU 301LAbdominal Vascular Sonography Lab84.04.0
VU 400Lower Extremity Venous System48.04.5
VU 400LLower Extremity Venous System Lab40.02.0
VU 401Lower Extremity Arterial System40.04.0
VU 401LLower Extremity Arterial System Lab40.02.0
VU 402Upper Extremity Venous System36.03.5
VU 402LUpper Extremity Venous System Lab36.01.5
VU 403Upper Extremity Arterial System28.02.5
VU 403LUpper Extremity Arterial System Lab28.01.0
VU X01Clinical 1192.06.0
VU X02Clinical 2192.06.0
VU X03Clinical 3288.09.5
VU X04Clinical 4288.09.5
Total2,032.0116.0

Read the A.O.S. in Vascular Ultrasound Technology Program Course Descriptions.

Clinical Training

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts considers clinical experience an essential part of medical education.

San Jose Campus A.O.S. in Vascular Ultrasound Technology Sonography Lab Skills Practice

Students must be rotated throughout our affiliated medical facilities while attending our vascular ultrasound technician school.

Job Outlook and Salary for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

View the O*Net Online 29-2032.00 Diagnostic Medical Sonographer job profile for general information about the profession. Find information about the salary data in California and the major cities near the campus where the program is offered.

San Jose Campus A.O.S. in Vascular Ultrasound Technology Sonography Lab Skills Practice

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Accreditation and Approval

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts holds national institutional accreditation by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). ABHES accreditation does not include continuing education courses.

ABHES Mailing Address:
6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730
North Bethesda, MD 20852

ABHES Phone: (301) 291-7550
ABHES Email: Info
ABHES Website: abhes.org

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Approval to operate means the institution is compliant with the minimum standards in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act (CPPEA) of 2009 (as amended) and Division 7.5 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. CPPEA governs the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

The Office of Student Assistance and Relief is available to support prospective students, current students, or past students of private postsecondary educational institutions in making informed decisions, understanding their rights, and navigating available services and relief options. The office may be reached by calling (888) 370- 7589, option #5, or by visiting  osar.bppe.ca.gov.

BPPE Mailing Address:
1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 225
Sacramento, CA 95834

BPPE Phone: (888) 370-7589
BPPE Email: General
BPPE Website: bppe.ca.gov

The Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts Associate of Occupational Science in Ultrasound Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (https://www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).

CAAHEP Mailing Address:
9355 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775

CAAHEP Phone: (727) 210-2350
CAAHEP Website: caahep.org

Tuition and Fees

The tables below reflect the upcoming future starts only.

A.O.S. IN VASCULAR ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGY TUITION & FEES*COST
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (Non-Refundable)$0.00
Registration Fee (Non-Refundable)$100.00
Books (Non-Refundable, if accessed)$300.00
Tuition Fee$55,100.00
TOTAL PROGRAM COST$55,500.00

Tuition fees are subject to change.*

Certification for Sonography Professionals

The law does not require ultrasonographers to be registered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) to work. However, such credentials may increase hiring chances.

Graduates accepted into the program with an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in an allied health field focused on human patient care may sit for the ARDMS examination immediately after completing the program, provided they meet ARDMS prerequisite 1. Meanwhile, graduates with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree are eligible to sit for the ARDMS examination immediately after completing the program under the ARDMS prerequisite 3A or for the ARRT® (VS)® examination.

San Jose Campus A.O.S. in Vascular Ultrasound Technology Sonography Lab Skills Practice

Graduates accepted to the program with an associate degree in any field or High School Diploma (HSD) or GED are eligible to sit for the ARRT® (VS)®, ARDMS (RVT), and CCI (RVS) examinations immediately after completing the program.

For more information about the ARDMS registry and examination, please visit www.ardms.org or contact them at the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, 51 Monroe Street, Plaza East One, Rockville, MD 20850; Telephone: (301) 738-8401; Toll-Free: (800) 541-9754; Fax: (301) 738-0312 or (301) 738-0313.

San Jose Campus A.O.S. in Vascular Ultrasound Technology Sonography Lab Skills Practice

For more information about ARRT®  certification and examinations, please visit www.arrt.org or contact the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® at 1255 Northland Drive, St. Paul, MN 55120; telephone: (651) 687-0048.

For more information about CCI certification and examination, please visit https://cci-online.org or contact Cardiovascular Credentialing International at 3739 National Drive, Suite 202, Raleigh, NC 27612; Telephone: (919) 861-4539.

San Jose Campus A.O.S. in Vascular Ultrasound Technology Sonography Lab Skills Practice

State Authorization
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts provides information on whether its programs meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in each state. Students are encouraged to review the Curriculum and Licensure Requirements by State available on the Academy’s website here to determine if a specific program fulfills the requirements in their intended state of residence or employment.

Financial Aid

Federal Pell Grant Sallie Mae Loans Campus Door Loans Cal Grant FSEOG Direct PLUS Loans Veteran Benefits Explore All Options

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts aims to help every student obtain Financial Aid* to attend their chosen program. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs.

The financial aid programs are designed to assist students with inadequate financial resources to meet their education’s total cost. Each campus has a Financial Aid Advisor who can help students with any financial aid questions.

For more information, please visit our Financial Aid page.

*for those who qualify

Contact Admissions Department

Catalog and Addendum
2024-2025
Download

Frequently Asked Questions

Please choose from the dropdown to review a category of FAQs

  • You can fill out our online contact form to have information mailed to you, or a school representative can contact you.

  • Please click on the link for more info about Admission Requirements.

  • Click on the link for more info about Admission Requirements.

  • Please find more information about the process for evaluating foreign transcripts and diplomas.

  • Please click on the link for more info about start dates and application deadlines.

  • The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) is an aptitude test that measures an individual’s aptitude or ability to solve problems. Please click on the link for more info about the CCAT exam.

  • Yes. Regardless of degree or background, all applicants must pass the entrance exam to be admitted into the program.

  • No. You don’t need to take any prerequisite courses.

  • Check the Program Length and Schedule section.

  • Click on the link to learn more about Accreditation.

  • Yes, this is a full-time program.

  • No, we currently do not offer night classes.

  • View the Addendum to learn about breaks during the school year.

  • Please find more info about Remediation in our Catalog and Addendum.

  • For more information, please get in touch with the Admissions Department.

  • An externship will be provided for all of our students.

  • The externships are not paid positions.

  • For a detailed cost breakdown, please refer to the Program Fees section.

  • Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs.

    Financial Aid is available for those who qualify.

  • The A.O.S. in VUT program is an Associate of Science degree program.

  • Please find more info about Licensure, Certification, and Registry Disclaimer policy in our Catalog and Addendum.

  • One of the program goals is to prepare students to pass the ARDMS and RVT certification exams upon graduation. ARDMS test preparation is strongly emphasized throughout the curriculum.

  • We may assist with job placements for all students who complete the program. However, we cannot guarantee employment.

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