Cardiovascular Technician
Ask a Question
Cardiovascular technicians are health support professionals who are trained to assist physicians in diagnosing problems of the heart and blood vessels. To help the office run smoothly, techs may set up and calibrate equipment, take patients' vital signs, and schedule appointments. From the clinical side, cardiovascular technicians and technologists may assist doctors with invasive heart tests, such as inserting a cardiac catheter; they may also create sonogram images of a patient's heart and surrounding vessels. Some administer stress tests and EKG tests. Others monitor vascular blood flow and metrics surrounding a patient's circulation.
Like many healthcare support professions, a two-year associate program is the most common way to enter this career. During these degrees, students take a year of basic medical course work followed by a clinical specialization in a certain cardiovascular technology area. Four-year programs are also available for those who want to learn more than one type of procedure. Certificate programs are geared toward current healthcare workers who would like to learn cardiovascular techniques. Professional certification is required by most employers in this industry and is offered by industry trade groups.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for cardiovascular technicians is predicted to grow much faster than average, in the 2008-2018 period. The prevalence of heart disease, along with the aging Baby Boom population, will increase the need for cardiovascular diagnosis and treatment. Technicians who are proficient and certified in multiple procedures will have better job opportunities, as will those who are willing to relocate to areas with growing populations. The middle 50 percent of cardiovascular technicians earn $33,000-62,000 a year.
Answers to Your Questions
Accredited Schools Offering Cardiovascular Technician Degrees by Location
Online
Learn more about University of Nebraska School of Allied Health Professions
Arizona
Florida
Illinois
Indiana
Kentucky
Maryland
Massachusetts
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Wisconsin
Canada
Career Specializations
- Noninvasive Technologists: These cardiovascular technicians help physicians perform tests that do not require putting instruments inside a patient's body. One common procedure involves using Doppler ultrasound waves to create images of a patient's heart and organs.
- Ethocardiographers: These specialists use ultrasound waves to generate images of a patient's valves and heart chambers.
- Vascular Technologists: These cardiovascular techs assist doctors in helping patients who have issues with blood circulation. They may record blood flow and perform other tests before or after heart surgery.
- Cardiographic Technicians: Cardiographic techs perform EKG tests, monitor procedures, and administer stress tests.
Degree Levels
- Certificate: 1 year to complete
- Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
Education & Certification Requirements
The most common way to become a cardiovascular technician is to complete a two-year associate degree program through a community college or vocational school. Students in these programs learn about the anatomy of the cardiovascular system, medical terminology, and basic medical science; they also complete clinical requirements at a local healthcare center under the guidance of a trained nurse or cardiovascular technologist.
Bachelor's programs can be a good option for individuals who would like a more in-depth introduction to cardiovascular technology and who would like to specialize in a particular procedural area, such as invasive cardiovascular or vascular technology. These longer programs also give students the opportunity to take a wider breadth of general liberal arts courses. The one-year certificate in cardiovascular technology is aimed at current allied health professionals, such as nurses or radiographers, who would like to learn cardiovascular techniques. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the most important accrediting body for cardiovascular technology programs.
While professional certification is voluntary, most employers in the field require it, and it is considered a professional standard. Two respected credentials are offered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Credentialing International. To obtain certification, applicants must graduate from a recognized program, pass a credentialing exam, and complete continuing education requirements every few years. (BLS)
Salary Information
Cardiovascular technicians just entering the field can expect initial job offers of around $33,000, depending on their professional credentials and education. Those with work experience can expect salaries around $47,000 a year; those who specialize in more complex procedures and have more training can earn $62,000 a year and up. Most cardiovascular techs are employed in hospitals, but large numbers also work in physician offices and diagnostic medical labs. Alaska; Massachusetts; Washington, D.C.; and New Jersey are high-paying areas for cardiovascular technicians and technologists, with wages ranging from $64,000-81,000 a year. (BLS)
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for cardiovascular technicians and technologists is predicted to grow 24 percent by 2018, which is much faster than the national average growth rate. The aging Baby Boom population will increase the demand for nearly all healthcare services, but especially diagnostic tests. Furthermore, the high rate of heart disease in the United States will also mean an increasing demand for cardiovascular medical professionals. More cardiovascular technicians and technologists will be hired, as the noninvasive procedures they offer grow in favor over more costly and uncomfortable techniques.
While the overall job opportunities should be good in this field, certain individuals will have better prospects. Cardiovascular techs who are trained in more than one procedure will have more job offers; EKG technicians will actually see a decline in jobs as other health support personnel learn to perform their duties. Earning more than one professional certification can also be helpful in landing a job. (BLS)
Related Careers
Also known as ultrasound technicians, sonographers use sound waves to create images of a person's internal organs. In fact, some sonographers specialize in cardiovascular areas. Other sonographers work specifically in abdominal imaging, obstetrics, and neurology. Sonography tends to be a highly paid medical support profession.
X-ray technicians also perform tests that are important in diagnosing disease and injury. X-ray techs are trained to use radiation to create images of a person's bones and tissues. Like cardiovascular technicians, X-rays techs commonly learn their skills through a two-year associate degree program.
Registered nurses work alongside doctors to provide patient care and develop patient care plans. Nurses may administer medication, insert IV lines, and discuss with physicians the changes they monitor in a patient. Registered nurses must complete a two- or four-year training program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam before they can practice nursing.
