2026 Volume 7 Issue 1 Pages 1-6
In 2006, the Clinical Vascular Technologist（CVT）certification was established with the aim of fostering non-physician medical professionals who are experts in vascular care. The CVT is expected to serve as a comprehensive qualification encompassing both diagnosis and treatment. The number of certified individuals has steadily increased, now exceeding 1,600. However, over 80% of CVTs are clinical laboratory technologists, while nurses and physical therapists together account for only about 5%, resulting in a significant bias toward diagnostic roles. As a result, there is a risk that CVTs may be perceived merely as “technologists for diagnostics” rather than as “clinical technologists” involved in both diagnosis and treatment. The participation of the Japanese Society of Foot Care and Podiatric Medicine－a society primarily focused on treatment－is expected to increase the number of treatment-oriented CVTs, thereby playing a key role in restoring the original purpose of the CVT certification.
