If you feel drawn to a career within the medical field and you have a particular interest in cardiac and vascular problems, a career as a cardiovascular technologist would be a great way to learn and practice within this fascinating branch of medicine.
A cardiovascular technologist career would lead you to assist doctors with tests and diagnostics of several cardiovascular conditions. You would be required to use non-invasive as well as invasive procedures such as Doppler ultrasound, echocardiography, insertion of probes and catheters, balloon angioplasties, and electrophysiology tests.
To become a cardiovascular technologist, you would need to complete a 2-year college program. The program is generally a combination of coursework and clinical training. Aside from the program's core courses, you would be required to choose a specialty such as invasive cardiology, non-invasive technology, or vascular technology. During your clinical training, you would be supervised by an experienced technologist. You could also access this profession by completing a health-related bachelor's degree in combination with on-the-job training.
In any case, many employers will require you to obtain certification in order to practice as a cardiovascular technologist, even though it may not be required by your state. It is best to check your state's rules and regulations for the exercise of the profession.
Two boards offer various certifications: the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
If you choose to obtain licensing from CCI, you can apply for the following accreditations:- Certified Cardiographic Technician
- Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician
- Registered Congenital Cardiac Technician
- Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist
- Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist
- Registered Cardiac Sonographer
- Registered Phlebology Sonographer
- Registered Vascular Specialist
The ARDMS offers these credentials:- Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer
- Registered Vascular Technologist
A cardiovascular technologist career will be fulfilling if you are a detail-oriented individual with great interpersonal skills, an ability to learn about medical tests and diagnostics, and the capacity to work closely with physicians.
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