The most common level of education completed by cardiovascular technologists
and technicians is an associate degree. Certification, although not required in
all cases, is available.
Education and training. Although a few cardiovascular
technologists, vascular technologists, and cardiac sonographers are currently
trained on the job, most receive training in 2- to 4-year programs. The majority
of technologists complete a 2-year junior or community college program, but
4-year programs are increasingly available. The first year is dedicated to core
courses and is followed by a year of specialized instruction in either invasive,
noninvasive cardiovascular, or noninvasive vascular technology. Those who are
qualified in an allied health profession need to complete only the year of
specialized instruction.
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology reviews
education programs seeking accreditation. The Commission on Accreditation of
Allied Health Professionals (CAAHEP) accredits these education programs; as of
2006, there were 31 programs accredited in cardiovascular technology in the
United States. Similarly, those who want to study echocardiography or vascular
sonography may also attend CAAHEP accredited programs in diagnostic medical
sonography. In 2006, there were 147 diagnostic medical sonography programs
accredited by CAAHEP. Those who attend these accredited programs are eligible to
obtain professional certification.
Unlike most other cardiovascular technologists and technicians, most EKG
technicians are trained on the job by an EKG supervisor or a cardiologist.
On-the-job training usually lasts about 8 to 16 weeks. Most employers prefer to
train people already in the health care field"”nursing aides, for example. Some
EKG technicians are students enrolled in 2-year programs to become
technologists, working part time to gain experience and make contact with
employers. One-year certification programs exist for basic EKGs, Holter
monitoring, and stress testing.
Licensure and certification. Some States require workers in
this occupation to be licensed. For information on a particular State, contact
that States medical board. Certification is available from two organizations:
Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the American Registry of
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). The CCI offers four
certifications"”Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT), Registered Cardiac
Sonographer (RCS), Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS), and Registered
Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS). The ARDMS offers Registered
Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) and Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT)
credentials. Some States require certification as part of licensure. In other
States, certification is not required but many employers prefer it.
Other qualifications. Cardiovascular technologists and
technicians must be reliable, have mechanical aptitude, and be able to follow
detailed instructions. A pleasant, relaxed manner for putting patients at ease
is an asset. They must be articulate as they must communicate technically with
physicians and also explain procedures simply to patients.
Advancement. Technologists and technicians can advance to
higher levels of the profession as many institutions structure the occupation
with multiple levels, each having an increasing amount of responsibility.
Technologists and technicians also can advance into supervisory or management
positions. Other common possibilities include working in an educational setting
or conducting laboratory work.
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians held about 45,000 jobs in 2006.
About 3 out of 4 jobs were in hospitals (public and private), primarily in
cardiology departments. The remaining jobs were mostly in offices of physicians,
including cardiologists, or in medical and diagnostic laboratories, including
diagnostic imaging centers.
