Career and School Info for Cardiovascular Techs

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How to Choose the Best Cardiovascular Technician School

What makes for a top cardiovascular tech program? Of course that answer will be different for each student -- but factors that all students should consider in choosing their "best" school and program include:

• Accreditation - Is the program accredited through the CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs)? As of 2009 there were 34 cardiovascular technician/technology programs that were CAAHEP accredited. Program accreditation helps ensure that the student will receive a quality education and is often required for licensure or certification.
• Practical experience - Internships are vital for achieving competency. How long is the internship? For reference, the highly rated University of South Carolina bachelor's degree program includes a 12 to 18 month clinical internship at an accredited hospital. The Central Florida Institute invasive cardiovascular technology associate degree program includes more than 1,000 hours of clinical and externship participation.
• Class structure - Are classes small enough for optimal learning? For reference, the respected program at Central Florida Institute has a maximum class size of 15 students. Are courses hard to get into?
• Clinical rotation of internships - Does the program provide diverse clinical rotations to choose from? For example, the University of South Carolina program allows students to receive specific training in one or more areas in cardiovascular diagnostics: noninvasive, invasive and vascular specialties.
• Training in specialty areas - Is training provided in subspecialty areas? For reference, the program at Santa Fe Community College, associated with the prestigious Mayo School of Health Sciences, includes intensive training in vascular ultrasound, pulmonary functions testings, cardiac ultrasound and invasive cardiology. For invasive cardiovascular technologist training, the most important "CATH LAB" studies are coronary angiography, right catherization, percutaneous coronary intervention, electrophysiology and pacemaker implantation. (Source: the traditional benchmark, the Spokane Community College program)
• Graduate success - How many students over the previous several years obtained certification after graduating? What percentage of internships turned into employment? What percentage of recent graduates are working as a cardiovascular technologist? Where are graduates being hired?
• Admission requirements - Does the program prefer applicants with previous experience in a medical field? Is a high-school diploma or equivalent required? Are there prerequisite courses?
• Tuition and financial aid - Does the school offer good support for identifying financial aid options such as grants, scholarships and student loans? Are there program-specific aid possibilities that the student could qualify for?

What Do Cardiovascular Technicians Do?

Cardiovascular technicians are trained to assist doctors in diagnosing and treating heart and vascular conditions. Also called cardiovascular technologists, these allied health professionals use technology to record images, measure electrical function, check for blood vessel blockages, measure pulses and perform other procedures. They may specialize in one or more of three areas: invasive cardiology, vascular technology and echocardiography.

The general responsibilities of cardiovascular technicians and technologists include:

• Scheduling appointments and explaining procedures to patients and loved ones
• Reviewing medical records
• Analyzing and documenting test results
• Maintaining and preparing equipment
• Preparing patients for and conducting ultrasounds and other cardiovascular procedures
• Monitoring patients' heart rates

In addition to their general responsibilities, cardiovascular technicians who specialize in invasive cardiology are known as cardiology technologists and assist physicians in performing cardiac catheterization procedures, balloon angioplasties, and the insertion of stents and pacemakers. They use EKG equipment to monitor patients during these procedures.

Cardiovascular technicians and technologists who specialize in vascular technology and echocardiography use non-invasive methods when assisting doctors in diagnosing and treating patients. Vascular technologists use ultrasound and other technologies to assess blood flow through veins and arteries, check pulses and circulation, and measure oxygen saturation -- often during or immediately after surgery. Electrocardiograph (EKG) technicians use technology to monitor electrical impulses happening in patients' hearts while in surgery, at medical appointments, during exercise or while conducting daily activities.

About 70 percent of cardiovascular technicians and technologists work in hospitals, while the rest work in doctor's offices.

For more information about Cardiovascular Tech careers, an excellent resource is the Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals (ACVP).

What is Required to Become a Cardiovascular Tech?

Most cardiovascular technicians and technologists have completed a minimum of a two-year degree program through a community college, vocational school or university. Bachelor's degree programs are becoming more common.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required for admission into educational programs in cardiovascular technology. In addition, programs may require previous allied health training or certification and work experience in a health-related field.

Graduation from accredited programs assures eligibility for professional certification. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Professionals (CAAHEP) accredits programs in cardiovascular technology. Those who wish to specialize in echocardiography or vascular technology should attend programs accredited in diagnostic medical sonography as well.

EKG technicians are usually medical professionals who are already trained on the job, although there are one-year certification programs available.

Some states require licensure, and as part of that requirement, certification through the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and/or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). These organizations offer certification in several different areas of specialization, and require that applicants have graduated from a CAAHEP-accredited program. Employers prefer candidates who are appropriately certified, whether or not it is required by the state.

Online Classes and Programs

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Professionals (CAAHEP), which accredits educational programs for cardiovascular technicians and technologists, has not yet accredited any online or distance-learning programs. Therefore, it is important to verify that training from an online program will meet the qualifications for professional certification. Online programs may not offer the same type of practical experience opportunities that are coordinated by most on-campus programs.

Online courses should also be part of an institution with accreditation from agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or United States Department of Education (USDE).

Coursework

Coursework in two-year programs for cardiovascular technicians usually includes:

• Electrocardiology, echocardiography, electrocardiography, ultrasound and cardiac Doppler
• Color flow studies utilizing color flow equipment as well as other types of echocardiography equipment
• Holter monitoring and exercise stress testing one year of core courses
• Invasive testing procedures
• Recognition of and intervention in lethal arrhythmias
• Interventional procedures such as stents, angioplasty and intra-aortic balloon pumps
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Cardiac electrophysiology and pacemakers
• Principles of blood supply in extremities and vital organs, and the nature of obstructions
• A year of instruction according to selected area of specialty

Supervised clinical experience through internships or externships is a key component in these educational programs.