Become a Cardiovascular Technologist

Cardiovascular Technologist Job Description

As a cardiovascular technologist, you'll work under a physician's directions to diagnose heart (cardiac) and blood vessel (peripheral vascular) problems. You may specialize in any of four areas of practice:

• Cardiology – Known as "cardiology technologists," specialists in this discipline help doctors implant cardiac catheters.
• Echocardiography – Cardiovascular technologists who choose this specialty perform ultrasound procedures on patients' hearts.
• Electrocardiography – Called "EKG technicians," these professionals perform electrocardiograms (EKGs), run stress tests and equip patients with Holter monitors.
• Vascular technology – These cardiovascular technologists evaluate blood flow abnormalities.

Whichever specialty you choose, you'll likely be responsible for talking with patients to explain procedures and to record medical histories.

Cardiovascular Technologist Salary

According to the American Medical Association, cardiovascular technologists earned between about $36,000 and $75,000 in 2006.

Cardiovascular Technologist Work Environment

Approximately 75 percent of cardiovascular technologists work in hospitals. While you'll likely work a five-day, 40-hour week as a cardiovascular technologist, weekend shifts may be included in your weekly schedule. In addition, you should be prepared to meet the following challenges:

• Spending a lot of time on your feet
• Lifting heavy equipment and physically assisting patients in moving from place to place
• Wearing a heavy protective apron during certain procedures
• Performing procedures that may directly impact patients' heart function

Cardiovascular Technologist Education & Training

The amount of training you'll require depends upon your individual qualifications and the fields in which you are interested. If you would like to be trained in both invasive and noninvasive cardiology, it may take longer than focusing on one specific area.

Most cardiovascular technologists complete 2-year programs and receive associate degrees. A 2-year program begins with general education requirements like biology and finishes with specialized classes in your field of interest.

The first year is dedicated to core courses and is followed by a year of specialized instruction in either invasive, noninvasive cardiovascular, or noninvasive vascular technology. Those who are qualified in an allied health profession need to complete only one year of specialized instruction.

Cardiovascular Technologist Licensing & Certification

Graduates of the 33 programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology are eligible to obtain professional certification in cardiac catheterization, echocardiography, vascular ultrasound and cardiographic techniques from Cardiovascular Credentialing International.

Cardiac sonographers and vascular technologists also may obtain certification from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.