What Does a Cardiovascular Technician Do?

There are many paths to this career. A high school diploma or equivalent is required for all of them. Students can earn a certificate, diploma, associate degree or even a bachelor's degree. Look for programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) at a community college, technical school or four-year college. 

Most programs include courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, applied sciences, human anatomy and medical terminology. 

It’s also possible to qualify for cardiovascular technician jobs through a combination of education and experience.

In most programs, students do coursework and earn credit while working in a clinical setting under the direction of a more experienced technologist. All candidates must pass an exam given by the American Association of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Most technicians have at least one professional certification, but many earn multiple certifications. Medical Technology Schools (MTS) maintains a list of certifications for cardiovascular technology offered by the two most common providers, Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

There are many areas of specialization in this field. For example, cardiovascular invasive specialists, also known as cardiac catheterization technologists, monitor heart rates. They prepare and monitor patients during open-heart surgery or the insertion of a pacemaker or stent. Pulmonary function technologists, also known as cardiopulmonary technologists, monitor and test patients’ lungs and breathing. Invasive cardiovascular technologists operate X-ray and ICVT imaging equipment as the cardiologist performs a procedure.

Continuing education is a must in cardiovascular technology, but credits can be earned through courses (online or in person), hands-on training or conferences. 

Most employers require a background check and a drug test. Most technicians are also trained in CPR.

Most states require a license to practice, and professional certification may be a license requirement. The rules vary by state. 

Certification courses last anywhere from four to six weeks for basic EKG training to 18 to 24 months for more advanced skills. An associate degree takes two years and a bachelor’s degree takes four.

Technicians and technologists focus on heart (cardiac) and blood vessel (peripheral vascular) issues. They are both skilled in running the diagnostic equipment, but technologists also participate in more complex surgeries and procedures such as open-heart surgery or cardiac catherization.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8% growth in employment from 2020 to 2030, which is on par with the average for all jobs. As with other medical professions, cardiovascular technicians will be in demand as the population ages and requires more diagnostic scans. 

The traits that most successful cardiovascular technologists and technicians share include: 

• Detail-oriented and good at following precise directions
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Compassion
• Excellent hand-eye coordination
• Good technical skills to operate complex machinery
• Physical stamina (working on their feet for long stretches of time) and physical strength (to lift or position patients)
• Able to see all colors in the spectrum