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Cardiovascular Technologist and
Cardiology Technology Schools

Cardiovascular technologist schools can prepare you for a career in allied health care that is in high demand. You could soon be assisting doctors by conducting vital procedures that can make an important difference in the lives of medical patients with heart and blood vessel conditions.

Do you want to perform basic, non-invasive tests that help physicians diagnose and treat patients with cardiac and circulation ailments? Cardiovascular technician schools can teach you how to use special cardiology equipment like EKG (electrocardiography) machines to monitor and record the electrical impulses and rhythms of a patient's heart. You can also learn how to conduct stress tests and Holter monitoring. Or, with the right training, you might choose to become a vascular sonographer and specialize in using ultrasound instruments to test and monitor a patient's blood flow, oxygen saturation, and circulation through different areas of the body.

If you're interested in a specialization that lets you help doctors detect blood vessel blockages, some cardiovascular technology schools can provide you with the training. You can learn how to insert a small tube (known as a catheter) into a patient's artery, starting near the groin and threading it through to the heart. Cardiology technologists of this type are sometimes even present during heart surgeries.

Whichever specialty you choose, you could soon have the satisfaction of knowing that your work helps people in need. Move closer to the health care career you've been dreaming about by checking out the following cardiovascular tech schools today!

Cardiovascular Technologist Schools: FAQs and Answers

Get to the heart of your career future through training available at cardiovascular technologist schools. Few organs inspire such passion, because without a healthy heart, little else matters. Learn how to help diagnose and test for heart disease in children and adults. Continue reading to learn the answers to some frequently asked questions about a career as a cardiovascular technologist.

What does a cardiovascular technologist do?

These specialized health practitioners help doctors diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel disorders. They perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures at the request or direction of a physician, schedule appointments, and review patient files. They will maintain test equipment, explain test results and procedures to patients, and help interpret results.

Where can I find cardiovascular technologist schools near me?

Browse this directory of cardiovascular technologist schools to learn more about the programs available, find a campus location near you, or request more information.

What is a typical cardiovascular technologist salary?

In May 2009, the mean hourly wage was estimated at $23.91, or almost $50,000 annually.* However, salaries can range from $12.47 to $36.65 per hour depending on specialization, experience, education, industry, and location.

Will I need certification after my cardiovascular technologist training?

While certification is voluntary, most in the field pursue credentials after completing their training. Its also becoming commonplace for employers to mandate certification from their employees. Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) both provide certification. Graduation from an accredited school, passing a written exam, and continuing education are all likely requirements to acquiring certification.

What are the cardiovascular technology job prospects?

As with many health care careers, the demand for qualified personnel is expected to be high as technology continues to change the field and more experienced staff reach retirement. Our aging population will also require increased health care. However, to stand out in the job market, technologists with multiple credentials certified to perform a wide variety of tasks are expected to benefit most.

What prerequisites are required to become a cardiovascular technologist?

A high school diploma, or its equivalent, is likely the only prerequisite you'll need to get into most two-year associates degree or diploma programs. However, its best to consult with schools that interest you about their specific entrance requirements.

How long does it take to complete a cardiovascular technologist program?

Most professional or vocational college programs require one or two years of full-time study to complete a diploma or associates degree; four-year bachelor degrees are also available.

Where will I work after my cardiovascular technologist training?

Hospitals, cardiovascular clinics, doctors offices, medical laboratories, and diagnostic imaging centers are all likely to provide job opportunities.

What will I learn as I study cardiovascular technology?

Through classroom, laboratory, and patient-based clinical instruction you will study the foundation of cardiovascular technology, general sciences, human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and basic medical electronics and instrumentation. From there, you will learn about the specialty areas that include invasive cardiology (inserting probes or tools under the skin), noninvasive cardiology, and noninvasive blood vessel study.

What advancement opportunities exist for a cardiovascular technologist?

Acquiring additional qualifications and certifications is one way to advance in your career. Some technologists certify in non-invasive techniques, such as Doppler ultrasound. Becoming trained or certified in invasive techniques—including catheterization or angioplasty techniques—can lead to further job opportunities. You may progress to management or teaching positions as you gain experience in the field.

Don't miss a beat

Now that some of your questions about becoming a cardiovascular technologist have been answered, take the next step in your career journey. Get more information today about schools and programs that interest you by consulting this listing of cardiovascular technologist schools.

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*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, web site accessed March 9, 2011.

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