How to become a cardiovascular technologist

Did you know?

• States with the highest concentration of cardiovascular technologists include Florida, Alabama and Michigan.
• Top-paying metropolitan areas for cardiovascular technologists are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA; Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ; Salinas, CA; and McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX.
• Cardiovascular technologists typically earn more at medical and diagnostic laboratories than they do at hospitals.
• Successful cardiovascular technologists are known for their skills in gaining a patient's confidence by working consistently in a pleasant, kind manner.

Day-to-day roles of a cardiovascular technologist

Cardiovascular technologists may choose a specialization in the field: invasive or non-invasive practice. Non-invasive cardiovascular technologists work with echocardiography. These non-invasive procedures take images of internal arteries and organs that are captured in videotape for physicians to review. Invasive technologists assist physicians in the process of inserting catheters used to treat blockages of heart valves or arteries.

Cardiovascular professionals may also conduct stress testing to record patient heart performance on a treadmill, or take measurements with electrocardiograph (or EKG) apparatus for evaluation by heart surgeons.

Employment typically involves a five-day work schedule, although 18 percent of cardiovascular technologist jobs involve on-call or night work.

Inside look at cardiovascular technologist education

The majority of workers in the field complete their associate or bachelor's degree programs, building the necessary skills and theoretical knowledge for the range of possible careers. There are 12-month certificate programs offered by some schools and colleges that offer basic training in EKG or stress testing. At degree programs, first-year students typically focus on core courses of cell biology, genetics, coronary anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, cardiovascular pharmacology and organic chemistry.

In their second year (or beyond), students gain practical experience in the technical expertise in ECG device operations, radiation safety and protection, and cardiac ultrasound. Following graduation, cardiovascular technologists may receive additional on-the-job training by their employers, especially those who work in hospital settings.

Credentialing is voluntary, however technologists with credentials may increase options for advanced responsibilities and corresponding wages. Two organizations have been established to offer credentials: Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

Outlook for cardiovascular technologist jobs

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 24 percent increase in jobs for cardiovascular technologists between 2008 and 2018. The best opportunities will most likely be for technologists with multiple professional credentials. With EKG procedures increasingly handed over to hospital nursing aides, employment may favor technologists with Holter monitoring and stress testing skills.

Cardiovascular technologist careers can be advanced by earning multiple credentials in more than one cardiovascular specialty. Some choose to become staff administrators after years of experience.