Cardiovascular technologists work with special imaging equipment to create images and run tests on the heart and lungs. There are several different types of jobs in this field, which differ based on the type of equipment they use and what organs they specialize in.
Becoming a cardiovascular technologist can be a lucrative career. It requires only an associate degree or postsecondary certificate and has a median annual salary of $59,100. Keep reading to learn how to become a cardiovascular technologist and whether it's the right career for you.
Steps to Becoming a Cardiovascular Technologist
Step 1: Earn your high school diploma or equivalent.
Before you can seek higher education to become a cardiovascular technologist, you'll have to earn your high school diploma or an equivalent, such as a GED. Earning your GED will require passing a series of tests in your state.
Step 2: Earn your associate degree or postsecondary certificate.
Once you've graduated from high school, you can pursue higher education. You can earn either an associate degree or a certificate to become a cardiovascular technologist. If you're considering getting a bachelor's degree though, you should consider starting with an associate program.
Step 3: Earn credentials.
While credentials aren't required to become a cardiovascular technologist, employers might prefer one. You can be certified through industry organizations such as Cardiovascular Credentialing International.
Top 10 States with the Highest Job Growth:
Arizona: 33.3%
Colorado: 23.5%
Maryland: 22.4%
Washington: 20.2%
Georgia: 19.4%
New York: 18.5%
Idaho: 17.9%
Alaska: 16.7%
Nevada: 16.3%
Cardiovascular technologists work primarily with issues involving the heart and lungs. There are several different jobs within this field, which vary depending on their specific work:
- Cardiovascular invasive specialists: These medical professionals monitor patients' heart rates and help to diagnose and treat problems with patients' hearts. They help with cardiac catheterization, prepare and monitor patients for procedures, and more.
- Cardiographic or electrocardiogram (EKG) technicians: These medical professionals work with EKG machines to monitor patients' heart performance through electrodes.
- Pulmonary function technologists: These medical professionals monitor and test patients' lungs and breathing to help physicians diagnose and in treat problems with the pulmonary system. [/dig-deeper]
FAQs on Becoming a Cardiovascular Technologist
Cardiovascular Technologist Training Programs
When you're going through a cardiovascular technologist training program, you'll have a combination of in-person and clinical learning. You'll spend the first year of your program going through the core courses required for your concentration. After completing your core courses, you'll go through lab training to gain the hands-on experience needed to do the job.
Related Career Options for Cardiovascular Technologist
Interested in learning more about some of the career options related to cardiovascular technologists? Here are a few that might interest you:
Medical Assistant
A medical assistant does much of the administrative work in clinics and hospitals, including maintaining patient records and scheduling appointments. They also assist doctors with measuring patient vital signs and more.
Surgical Tech
A surgical technologist assists surgeons by preparing operating rooms, arranging the equipment, and managing equipment during surgeries.
Certified Nursing Assistant
A nursing assistant provides basic care to patients and helps them with daily living.
Phlebotomist
A phlebotomist draws blood from patients for tests and transfusions, talks with patients and blood donors, and helps to prepare the samples for processing.
