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Jobs >> Jobs Articles >> Career Feature >> How To Become A Cardiovascular Technician

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Career Feature

How To Become A Cardiovascular Technician

 Dated: 12-10-2009

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians assist physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiac (heart) and peripheral vascular (blood vessel) ailments. They schedule appointments, perform ultrasound or cardiovascular procedures, review doctors' interpretations and patient files, and monitor patients' heart rates.

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They also operate and care for testing equipment, explain test procedures, and compare findings to a standard to identify problems. Other day-to-day activities vary significantly between specialties. Cardiovascular technologists may specialize in any of three areas of practice: invasive cardiology, echocardiography, or vascular Technology.

Cardiovascular health is one of the few branches of medical science that generally refers and plays a major role in maintaining a healthy heart. This is a reason why cardiovascular technologists are so important in the health care industry.




If we look at the present scenario in the United States, with the increase in the population of old people the incidence of heart cases has also boomed proportionately. In fact, today United States is counted as one of the few main countries that are facing a terrible shortage of cardiovascular technicians and in next few years a shortage can increase even further. The current picture of the health care industry clearly indicates that in next few years the demand for cardiovascular techs is going to increase. As a result, the employment and scope of working as a cardiovascular technician seems to be bright. Indeed it won’t be wrong to state that working as a cardiovascular technologist may let you enjoy a good salary along with a great sense of satisfaction.

As a cardiovascular tech, you may require to assist a physician in diagnosing and treating cardiac ailments through invasive procedures involving catheters and non-invasive procedures using ultrasound technology. In addition to this, other duties may even include evaluate patient files, monitor patient's heart rate and maintain test equipment. So, now if you are looking to make a career as a cardiovascular technologist, you must make sure to complete a 2-year degree in cardiovascular medicine. These days many on campus and online colleges and universities offer a 2-year degree program in cardiovascular science. The first year consists of basic core courses and usually dedicated to coursework where you generally learn chemistry, anatomy, biology, and other related sciences. During the second year, you as a student require selecting specialization in any one of three areas of practice, including invasive cardiology, echocardiography or vascular technology.

It is very important to understand that working as a cardiovascular technician requires a good technical knowledge, consequently a proper training is must for all those looking to make career in this profession. As a result, make sure you perform on the job training. Some heath care centers may permit you to work for them in a very basic capacity and handle few responsibilities like making patient appointments, filing medical records, while you learn the cardiac setting. You might also be sent to the individual certification classes on how to perform EKGs, or they may train you in the office.

Although some cardiovascular techs tend to be trained on the job, most receive training in 1- to 4-year programs. Though two-year programs offered by junior or community colleges are popular, but four-year programs are also increasingly available. Those who specialize in ultrasound and vascular study can be trained in a 2-year program. In case, if you are one of those looking to specialize in invasive cardiology procedures then it may need the 2-4 year program, since this specialty entails the highest degree of complexity.

Finally, upon the completion of studies, as a graduate you may register for and take examinations required for credentialing in your specialty. In order to be eligible for registration students you are required to pass or be granted exemption from the Cardiovascular Science Examination in addition to passing exams required for your chosen field.

Today it is one of the few career options that may provide you the long-term job growth. So, make sure you chose the accredited cardiovascular technician program and complete proper training. Earning a cardiovascular technician and technologist degree can mean that more hospitals and medical facilities respect your training and education.



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