Cardiovascular Tech: Schools and Careers

Cardiovascular Tech

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians (or Cardiovascular Techs) are occupations within the allied health field (allied health is a term which used to refer to varying branches in the health care industry). These professionals work with, and under the direction of a physician to diagnose and treat patients with illnesses or problems involving the heart or blood vessels.

An individual in this profession may specialize in one or more of the following practice areas:

• Invasive Cardiology: The Technologist in this role is called a "Cardiology Technologist" or "Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist." This professional will assist a physician with the procedures associated with cardiac catheter implants where a catheter is passed through/threaded from the patient's groin, through the artery, to the heart. A catheter is a small, flexible or hard, hollow tube that can be inserted into a patient's body cavity, duct, or vessel in order to drain fluids or distend a passageway. This procedure allows the physician to diagnose various problems, such as whether or not a blockage is present in the blood vessels that supply or feed the heart muscle.

  Part of this procedure may include balloon angioplasty, which can be used to treat blood vessel or heart valve blockages, without heart surgery. Angioplasty is the mechanical widening of a narrowed, or completely blocked blood vessel. In this scenario, the Technologist is responsible for preparing the patient, which includes properly positioning them on the examining table, then shaving, cleaning, and administering anesthesia (top of the leg, near the groin). During the procedure, the Technologist will monitor the patient's blood pressure and heart rate by using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment and, should something appear abnormal, alerts the physician. A Technologist may also prepare and monitor a patient during open-heart surgery and with procedures involving the insertion of artificial pacemakers and stents.

  Non-Invasive Technology: Technologists who specialize in vascular technology or echocardiography (see descriptions below) perform non-invasive tests (i.e., tests that do not require insertion of probes or instruments into a patient's body). In this practice, the Technologist may perform a procedure using ultrasound, for example - high-frequency sound waves applied to a specific area of a patient's body that builds on-screen images of an organ.

  As part of this procedure, the Cardiovascular Technologist may perform the following:

  
  • Explain the procedure to the patient.
  • Obtain and record additional medical history from the patient that is related to or may affect the procedure.
  • Determine equipment settings.
  • Adjust the patient's position during the procedure, if needed.

  While the Technologist is creating the scans and recording the image, they will examine the image and look for variances between healthy and unhealthy areas, determine the image to include in the physician's report, and ensure the quality of the image for purposes of evaluation and diagnosis. Once the image is created on screen, the Technologist will photograph or record it on videotape so that the physician may perform the evaluation and diagnosis.

  Vascular Technology: Technologists in this specialty practice assist physicians in the diagnosis of disorders affecting circulation; they are called "Vascular Technologists, Specialists, or Sonographers." The Technologist will perform non-invasive procedures by using ultrasound instrumentation to capture/record vascular information (e.g., vascular blood flow, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, peripheral circulation, cerebral circulation, abdominal circulation). The majority of these tests are performed during surgery or immediately thereafter.

  Echocardiography: The individual in this specialty practice obtains electrocardiograms (or EKGs) and sonograms of a patient's heart; these professionals are called "Cardiographic or Electrocardiograph (or EKG) Technicians." The objective for the Technician with this procedure is to trace the electrical impulses that are transmitted by the heart. The Technician will attach electrodes on to the patient's chest, arms, and legs, and then capture a reading by working the switches on the EKG machine. Upon completion, the Technician will print out an EKG report for interpretation by the physician. EKG tests are performed prior to most surgeries or as part of a routine physical exam, and are most especially performed on middle-aged individuals or those with a history of cardiovascular problems.

  EKG Technicians with advanced training will administer Holter monitor and stress tests; these professionals are known as "non-invasive" technicians:

  • Holter Monitoring: With this test, the Technician will place electrodes on a patient's chest and attach a portable EKG monitor (captures recorded impulses) to the patient's belt. Twenty-four hours later, and after "normal" activity by the patient, the Technician will remove a tape from the monitor and place it in a scanner. Then, using an electronic screen, the Technician will evaluate the quality of the recorded impulses and print the information from the tape for analysis by the physician to diagnose heart illnesses (e.g., rhythm abnormalities or pacemaker problems).

    Tread Mill Stress Tests: With this test, the EKG Technician will perform the following:

    Cardiovascular Technologists who administer ultrasound to examine heart chambers, valves, and vessels are known as "Cardiac Sonographers" or "Echocardiographers." These professionals use ultrasound instrumentation to build images called echocardiograms. During the procedure, a patient can be at rest or physically active. If physically active, the Sonographer may administer medication in order to assess their heart function. A Cardiac Sonographer may assist a physician during transesophageal echocardiography (the placing of a tube into a patient's esophagus in order to capture ultrasound images).

    Cardiovascular Technologist and Technician Job Characteristics

    Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians generally work a five-day, 40-hour workweek, which may include weekends. Professionals who work in catheterization laboratories generally work longer hours and evenings, and may include on-call hours at night and on the weekends. The environments in which these professionals work include hospitals, medical centers, diagnostic imaging centers, medical and diagnostic laboratories, physicians' offices, and mobile diagnostic units.

    While truly rewarding, this occupation can be physically demanding or stressful in that the Technologist and Technician will most often work for long periods of time while on their feet and may be required to physically move or lift equipment or transfer a patient. Particularly, for those who work in catheterization laboratories, an increased level of stress may exist as they work closely with patients with critical heart ailments or in circumstances where a patient experiences complications having life-or-death ramifications.

    Some procedures have the potential for radiation exposure, and in these circumstances, Technologists and Technicians would be required to wear a protective, heavy apron. It is important to note that radiation exposure is kept at a minimum through adherence to strict radiation safety guidelines and monitoring. Additionally, the Technologist and Technician who uses sonography may be at risk for eye, neck, and back strain, as well as carpel tunnel syndrome. Conversely, such risks may be minimized through consistent awareness and increased use of ergonomic equipment.

    Desired attributes of Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians are strong communications, both from a technical and personal perspective, interpersonal abilities, mechanical aptitude, reliability, and the ability to follow and apply instructions of a detailed nature.

    According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (USDL BLS), employment for Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians is anticipated to grow "much faster than the average for all occupations." Predictions are that employment will "increase by 26 percent through the year 2016." A significant contributor to this projection is the rapidly growing aging population, which generally has associated with it, a higher rate of heart disease and other illnesses or complications of the heart and vascular system. Additionally, the constant search for less expensive and less invasive procedures creates advancements in medicine and procedures such as ultrasound. Such advancements, combined with increasing public awareness, makes early detection of vascular disease possible, thereby creating an increasing demand for Technologists and Technicians to specialize in and perform a variety of procedures. The employment outlook for Vascular Technologists and Echocardiographers also appears positive as advancements in vascular technology and sonography continue to reduce costly and invasive procedures.

    Cardiovascular Technologist and Technician Education, Certification, and Licensing

    The amount of training an individual will complete depends on the specialty area in which they will focus. The most common level of formal education completed by Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians is a two-year associate degree. Certification, while available, is not required.

    Today, very few Cardiovascular Technologists, Vascular Technologists, and Cardiac Sonographers receive on-the-job training. Most receive their training in two- to four-year programs (the latter becoming increasingly popular and available). In the first year of a two-year program, students will focus on core courses, such as biology, followed by the second year focused on specialized instruction in either invasive, non-invasive cardiovascular, or non-invasive vascular technology. Individuals, who are qualified allied health professions need only complete the one-year of specialized instruction.

    Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians are known to move between the specialties within this occupation by achieving certification in more than one specialty. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology reviews education programs that seek accreditation; the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Professionals (CAAHEP) also accredits these education programs. Individuals who complete these accredited programs are eligible to obtain professional certification.

    With regard to EKG Technicians, most receive approximately eight to 16 weeks of on-the-job training by a cardiologist or an EKG supervisor (most employers prefer to train individuals who are current health care professionals). One-year certification programs are available for basic EKGs, stress testing, and Holter monitoring. It is important to recognize that some states require professionals in this occupation to be licensed.

    Resources for Radiological Technologists

    • Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals (ACVP)
    • Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU)
    • American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)
    • American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS)
    • Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology
    • Committee on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
    • Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)

    Major Employers of Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

    Employment opportunities are typically found in any of the following:

    Schools for Cardiovascular Tech are listed in the column to the left.

    The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Cardiovascular Tech by major US metro area.