How to Become a Cardiovascular Technologist: Certification, Education, & Training

How to Become a Cardiovascular Technologist

Working as a cardiovascular technologist can be an interesting and rewarding career where you can make a big impact on patient’s lives. You can complete your education in 2 years earning an associates degree and becoming a cardiovascular technologist earning a median annual salary of $67,080 according to the BLS. It is an attractive career path for many people who want to enter healthcare and have a stable and secure job future. So, if you are wondering about the steps to becoming a Cardiovascular Technologist, it’s a fairly straightforward path you’ll have to take, and then you’ll have a well-respected career in an emerging medical field. The basic path to becoming a Cardiovascular Technologist involves going through a 2-year program so you can earn an Associate Degree in Cardiovascular Technology. For the first of those two years, you will take more general courses such as biology, and during the second year, the courses will become more specialized and more in line with the specific area of interest you’ve chosen. You can also pursue a bachelor’s degree called a Bachelor of Science in Cardiovascular Technology. This path would take longer, usually around 4 years to complete this cardiovascular tech degree program. However, having your bachelor’s would make you more competitive in the job market and eligible for higher salaries.

Cardiovascular Tech Career Paths

After completing your cardiovascular tech training and education, you can actually embark on your new career. You’ll have to choose between four possible specialty areas covered in your education.

1. Cardiology technologists are individuals assisting doctors during catheter implant procedures.
2. Echocardiography is a specialty involving the use of ultrasound equipment when it’s necessary to view and listen to patients’ hearts.
3. Electrocardiography is an area which calls for running stress tests, performing EKG’s, and providing Holter monitors to patients.
4. Vascular technologists are specialists who help doctors to evaluate abnormalities in blood flow.

Licensing and Certification

If you wish to become a Cardiovascular Technologist who is licensed and certified, you can earn a certification in echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, vascular ultrasound, or other areas of cardiographic specialty. You’ll need to attend a class which is recognized by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology, and that will certify you and put you on the road to success.

Cardiovascular Technologist Salary

If you are interested in a rewarding, stable healthcare career as a cardiovascular technologist then click on the blue “Find Schools” button to view programs near you.