September 2006 | Vol. 24, No. 9

SVU Member Profile

Bruce Mashburn

Student Representative on SVU Board of Directors

Where do you go to ultrasound school and why did you pick that school?

I attend ultrasound school (Vascular Technology) at Coosa Valley Technical College in Rome, Georgia. After researching the ultrasound programs in and around the Atlanta area, Coosa Valley Technical College stood out as the leader in Vascular Technology education. The college has a reputation of producing well trained students, and their ultrasound programs are well respected throughout the nation.

When do you expect to graduate and what degree will you receive?

I will graduate in March of 2007 with an Associates of Applied Technology Degree in Vascular Technology. At that time, I will be eligible to sit for the Registered Vascular Technologist examination. It is my goal to become registered immediately following graduation.

What is your current title and employer for your externship?

I am currently in training three days a week at the Piedmont Hospital Vascular Lab in Atlanta, Georgia. Throughout the remainder of my education, I will be spending three or four days a week training as a Vascular Technologist in either a hospital or outpatient clinic.

Where do you plan to look for your first professional position in vascular technology?

While currently living near Atlanta, Georgia, I plan to evaluate the job market in this area following my education. However, the majority of my family resides in Washington State, so the Pacific Northwest is of great interest to me as well.

What made you decide to enter vascular technology as a career?

Realizing the ever-increasing demand for well qualified health care professionals drew me to the health care industry. Having spent 20 years as an aviation mechanic, I was interested in a new career that would provide me and my family a stable future for many years to come, and one that would keep me involved with the latest technology. Vascular Technology is a highly technical field that presents continual challenges and a solid future to those who have learned the skill. Having only scratched the surface of the vast knowledge one must learn in becoming a respected vascular technologist, I honestly cannot think of another trade that I would prefer to be studying.

What do you like best about being a vascular technologist?

The thing I enjoy most about becoming a vascular technologist is the challenges presented to me on a daily basis. From the challenges of learning new skills, to those presented by the variety of patients, I am constantly reminded that there are no two people or cases alike. An effective vascular technologist must remain flexible and creative at all times in order to provide the same high quality health care to all patients regardless of their situation.

When did you join SVU?

One of the first discussions my instructor (Leif Penrose) had with my class was in regard to “the importance of belonging to a professional vascular organization”. Mr. Penrose provided information about several such organizations, and left it up to the students to decide which organization or organizations they felt would benefit them the most. After researching the SVU, I determined the benefits provided to me as a student member were numerous. I then joined the SVU near the beginning of 2006.

What motivated you to apply for the Student Representative position on the SVU Board of Directors?

When I decided to change careers and move into the field of Vascular Technology, I set my personal goals high. While always eager to learn more about vascular ultrasound, the opportunity of becoming the Student Representative on the SVU Board of Directors seemed like a great way to improve my vascular ultrasound knowledge base.

What do you hope to accomplish while being on the SVU Board?

I’m hoping that my presence on the Board will inspire other students to seek out the benefits the SVU has to offer. Though most students are continually bombarded with new information that may seem overwhelming, I’m hoping many will take the time to realize the importance of the SVU to the future of the Vascular Technologist’s professional career. Also, I hope to join in the SVU’s efforts of advocating the importance of the RVT credential in an effort to ensure top quality health care to all vascular patients across the nation.

What do you like best so far about serving on the SVU Board?

I truly enjoyed the time I spent at this year’s SVU Annual Conference in Philadelphia. I was surrounded by hundreds of professionals who are passionate about their careers in the vascular community. I walked away from the conference proud to be a part of the SVU and what it stands for!

What do you feel are the biggest issues facing the vascular students today?

The lack of well trained vascular technologists across the nation is providing great opportunities for many students. However, I feel the industry must demand that new students acquire their RVT credential in order to continue working in the profession. A trend of students immersing themselves in the work environment and not taking the time to become registered will inevitably have negative effects on the industry as a whole. The vascular ultrasound profession will continue to grow at a great pace over the coming years. However, it must grow with a solid foundation of well trained and “registered” technologists in order to remain successful.

What tips would you give to today's ultrasound students about their career in the vascular ultrasound profession?

The best advice I could give today’s ultrasound students with regard to a career in the vascular ultrasound profession would be to “set your sights high”. The industry is in need of many well trained technologists. Though some students will do only what is necessary in order to complete their education, those who put in some extra effort and go the extra mile in an effort to become “one of the best” can expect a very rewarding future.

How can SVU better serve its student members in the future?

I feel the SVU is currently a fabulous resource for its student members. Most notably, the online Student Profile Directory allows students the ability to provide potential employers with some information about themselves, the school they attend, and their projected graduation date. An added benefit to this already wonderful resource would be to additionally highlight those students who are approaching their date of graduation. This would allow potential employers the ability to see who specifically is hirable now or in the very near future without having to sift through the entire Student Directory. Perhaps a bold text or something similar for students who are graduating “this month” would help employers better understand who is truly in the market for employment.

What do you do for fun and relaxation when not working?

When I am not working, I prefer to spend my time outdoors. I enjoy hunting, fishing, snow and water skiing, and of course, many nights and weekends at the ballpark with my ten year old son. My family enjoys traveling as well, and we are always looking for new places to explore.

Any other comments you would like to add about your personal life, such as spouse and family?

Alexandra is my wife of 15 years, and our son Derek recently turned 10. The past two years has been challenge for our family, as we have moved into a different home and changed jobs in order to facilitate my vascular technology education. We are looking forward to graduation and being able to settle back into our normal family lifestyle. Though we have had to cut back on some of the extras we are accustomed to during my return to school, my education experience has been nothing less than wonderful! We are very eager to turn the page to the next chapter in our lives, and begin again as a family within the health care provider community.