RPhS study plan

Map the full RPhS exam content outline for Phlebology Sonography into a one-page checklist of subtopics (venous anatomy, hemodynamics, instrumentation, exam protocols, pathology, reporting) and rate your current confidence on each from 1 to 5

Build a labeled venous anatomy reference sheet from memory, then correct it against a standard anatomy text: deep, superficial, and perforating systems of the lower extremity, plus the saphenofemoral and saphenopopliteal junctions

Define and write out in your own words the core hemodynamic terms you will be tested on: reflux, competence, valvular function, ambulatory venous pressure, venous hypertension, and the calf muscle pump

Set up a study log (spreadsheet or notebook) with columns for date, topic, minutes studied, self-quiz score, and items flagged for review, and log your first three sessions in it

Explain the physics principles behind venous duplex: B-mode, color Doppler, spectral Doppler, Doppler angle and its effect on velocity measurement, sample volume placement, and wall filter settings

Describe how patient positioning, Valsalva maneuver, and distal augmentation are used to provoke and detect venous reflux, and state the typical reflux threshold used in lower-extremity venous evaluation

Practice machine setup on a live model or simulator: optimize gain, scale/PRF, color box, and spectral settings for a deep vein versus a superficial vein, and note the differences

Write a 10-item self-quiz on instrumentation and hemodynamics, answer it closed-book, and score it

Draft a step-by-step lower-extremity venous duplex protocol from patient prep through documentation, including which segments to image, in what order, and with what provocative maneuvers

List the normal and abnormal spectral waveform characteristics for each venous segment and explain what each abnormality suggests physiologically

Identify the criteria sonographers use to document venous insufficiency, including reflux duration, vein diameter, and perforator incompetence

Perform or observe a complete lower-extremity venous duplex exam and annotate the images with the segment imaged and the finding

Classify the major venous pathologies tested on the exam (acute versus chronic DVT, superficial thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, venous ulceration) and state the sonographic findings for each

Differentiate acute from chronic DVT using echogenicity, vein compressibility, vein caliber, and collateralization, and write a comparison table

Explain the CEAP classification system at a conceptual level and describe how sonographic findings map to clinical severity

Complete a 40-question mixed practice set on anatomy, hemodynamics, and pathology and review every wrong answer

Describe the technique and interpretation of venous insufficiency mapping for treatment planning, including great and small saphenous vein assessment and perforator evaluation

Explain how duplex findings guide endovenous ablation, sclerotherapy, and stripping, and what the sonographer must document before and after intervention

Outline the sonographic approach to upper-extremity venous evaluation and central venous assessment, noting how protocols differ from the lower extremity

Review ultrasound artifacts and pitfalls in venous imaging (aliasing, mirror artifact, slow-flow states, non-occlusive thrombus) and describe how to correct each

Interpret a set of de-identified or textbook venous duplex case descriptions and write a structured findings-and-impression report for each

Apply a standard reporting template covering indication, technique, segments visualized, compressibility, augmentation, reflux findings, and conclusion

Practice timed image-review drills: given a waveform or image description, state the finding and the likely diagnosis within 60 seconds

Revisit every item flagged for review in your study log from weeks 1 through 5 and re-test yourself on them

Take a full-length timed mock exam under test-day conditions and record your score by subtopic

Analyze the mock results to rank your three weakest subtopics and build a targeted remediation list for each

Re-study each weak subtopic using your own notes and reference texts, then re-quiz yourself on each until you reach 80 percent or better

Memorize the exam-day logistics: appointment timing, identification requirements, permitted materials, and the score-report process for your credentialing body

Complete a second full-length timed mock exam and compare your subtopic scores against week 7 to confirm improvement

Review only your highest-yield weak spots and the items you missed twice across the plan, using spaced repetition over the final days

Recite the core facts from memory: venous anatomy segments, reflux criteria, acute-versus-chronic DVT features, and standard protocol steps

Finalize test-day preparation: confirm appointment details, plan rest and travel, and write a one-page pre-exam confidence sheet of key facts to review the morning of the exam