Degrees for Cardiovascular Technicians

Cardiovascular technicians assist doctors in diagnosing and treating heart and vascular conditions. These health professionals record images, measure electrical function, check for blood vessel blockages, measure pulses and perform other procedures. They may specialize in the following areas:

Invasive cardiology
Vascular technology
Echocardiography

The general responsibilities of cardiovascular technicians and technologists may include:

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

Cardiovascular technicians who specialize in invasive cardiology assist physicians in performing cardiac catheterization procedures, balloon angioplasties, and the insertion of stents and pacemakers. During these procedures they use EKG equipment to monitor patients.

Cardiovascular technicians and technologists who specialize in vascular technology and echocardiography usually use non-invasive methods when assisting doctors in diagnosing and treating patients.

Vascular Technologists

Vascular technologists use ultrasound and other technologies to assess blood flow through veins and arteries, check pulses and circulation, andmeasure oxygen saturation (often during or immediately after surgery).

Electrocardiography Technicians

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.

Most cardiovascular technicians and technologists work in hospitals. Some of them may find job in doctor’s offices.

If you wish to become a cardiovascular technician or technologist, you should complete a minimum of a two-year degree program through a community college, vocational school or university. Nowadays bachelor’s degree programs are the most popular.

Graduation from accredited programs is a key to professional certification. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Professionals (CAAHEP) accredits programs in cardiovascular technology. If you wish to specialize in echocardiography or vascular technology, you should attend programs accredited in diagnostic medical sonography as well.

Coursework for Cardiovascular Technicians

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 1 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
Cardiac electrophysiology and pacemakers
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Principles of blood supply in extremities and vital organs, and the nature of obstructions
One year of instruction according to selected area of specialty
Supervised clinical experience through internships or externships is a necessary part in these educational programs.

Online Education

Unfortunately, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Professionals (CAAHEP) has not yet accredited any online or distance-learning programs. Online programs may not offer the same type of practical experience opportunities that are coordinated by most on-campus programs.

In addition, all online courses should 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).

Employment and Education Requirements

You should keep in mind that the basic requirement for the admission into educational program in cardiovascular technology is a high school diploma or equivalent. Programs may also require previous allied health training or certification and work experience in a health-related field.

It’s very important to underline that some states require licensure, and 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. They require that applicants have graduated from a CAAHEP-accredited program.

USA Schools for Getting Cardiovascular Technology Degree

There are many institutes and colleges across the USA that offer an opportunity to obtain certificate programs and degrees in cardiovascular technology. These are some of them: