The VIR course has been designed as a review of the topics included on the certification examination conducted by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, satisfies the new ARRT 16 hour didactic requirement for post primary eligibility and has been approved by the ASRT for 40 category “A” continuing education credits. All of the major topics and outlined areas listed in the exam specifications will be covered making this program a very good preparation for this examination. This 10 week review will be scheduled 1 day a week, 4 hours per day, making this an effective way to review and prepare for the examination without an overload of information to absorb.

About the Modality

Interventional radiology (abbreviated IR or sometimes VIR) is a field of medicine in which minimally invasive procedures are performed using image guidance (e.g., CT, fluoroscopy, ultrasound). Some of these procedures are done to diagnose illness while others are done for treatment purposes. Different imaging modalities available to interventional radiologists enable them to manipulate and guide tiny instruments throughout the body, which in many instances avoids more invasive open surgery. Vascular and Interventional Radiology is one of the most rapidly expanding areas in medicine and has led the current movement toward minimally invasive therapy.

About the Profession

As a vascular interventional radiographer, you’ll assist physicians with minimally invasive, image-guided vascular procedures, including angioplasty, stenting, thrombolysis, and more. Using sophisticated fluoroscopic equipment, you’ll be responsible for capturing images of the blood vessels. Working in a hospital, clinic, lab, or outpatient center, you’ll have a rewarding job and be an important part of a medical team caring for patients.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will have an understanding of:

Introduction to Vascular Imaging and Patient Communication

• History of Vascular Imaging
• Imaging modalities used in VI
• Disorders
• Procedures
• Tools

Asepsis and Sterile Technique

• Sterile Technique
• Sterile fields
• Surgical Scrub Technique
• Infection Control
• CDC Standard Precautions
• Transmission-based precaution
• Handling and Disposal of Hazardous Materials

Patient Assessment & Monitoring

• Physiologic Monitoring
• Access Assessment
• Lab Values
• Maintaining Accessory Medical Devices
• Cardiac Life Support Basics * not for certification

Equipment & Radiation Safety

• Equipment – Data Acquisition and Processing
• Radiation Protection
• Patient
• Staff

Contrast Administration

• Types and Properties of Contrast Agents
• Indications and Contraindications

Implantable Devices

• Caval Filters
• Central Venous Catheters
• Embolic Materials
• Stents
• Stent Grafts

Medications

• Types and Administration Routes
• Indications and Contraindications
• Preparation and Dosage
• Complications

Emergency Care

• Contrast Reactions and Complications
• Treatment and Medications
• Symptoms and Treatment of Medical Emergencies

Dialysis Management Procedures

• Hemodialysis Graft/Fistula Study
• Thrombolysis
• Thrombectomy
• Angioplasty
• Stent Placement

Automatic Pressure Injectors

• Parts
• Function
• Operation

Procedural Supplies

• Types
• Construction
• Indications for Use

Peripheral Procedures

• Arteriography
• Venography
• Interventional Procedures

Venous Access Procedures

• PICC Lines
• Temporary Dialysis Catheter
• Tunneled Dialysis Catheter
• Port Placement
• Central Lines
• Peripheral IV

Abdominal Procedures

• Arteriography
• Venography
• Interventional Procedures

GU and GI, non-vascular

• GU Interventional Procedures
• GI Interventional Procedures

Thoracic Procedures

• Angiography
• Interventional Procedures

Neurologic Procedures

• Angiography
• Interventional