An associate's degree in cardiovascular technology will prepare you for a career in either invasive or noninvasive cardiology procedures or diagnostics. Learn more about the program, subspecialties, online study options, common coursework and post-degree credentialing.
What Does an Associate Degree in Cardiovascular Technology Entail?
Under a cardiovascular technology (CVT) degree program, you will learn how to aid physicians in the treatment of patients who have heart peripheral vascular conditions. You must choose either an invasive or a noninvasive track while you pursue your associate's degree.
Invasive cardiovascular technology involves assisting a physician while he or she performs surgical procedures. In this track, you will learn to assist in surgeries and use high-tech cardiology equipment in patient treatment. Additionally, you will learn how to insert medical devices such as stents or pacemakers.
If you are more interested in examining patients using ultrasound technology, you should consider noninvasive cardiovascular technology. Physicians will use your data in diagnosing and treating a patient's heart condition. This track teaches you to operate various diagnostic machines. You also learn to read and report findings, quantify data and communicate with other medical team members.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Subspecialties to Choose From</b></td><td> Invasive cardiovascular technology (surgical procedures) or noninvasive cardiovascular technology (ultrasound and other diagnostic machines)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td> Partially, but since this is a practical-oriented program, no fully online programs exist</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses for Invasive CVT</b></td><td> Medical instruments, patient assessment, invasive procedures</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses for Noninvasive CVT</b></td><td> Noninvasive cardiology, ultrasound instrumentation, ultrasound physics</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Credentials Available</b></td><td> Cardiovascular Credentialing International, American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $59,100 (<i>for all cardiovascular technologists and technicians</i>) </td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 5% growth (<i>for all cardiovascular technologists and technicians</i>) </td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CanICompleteThisDegreeOnline">Can I Complete This Degree Online?</h3><p>While you might be able to complete some of your core or basic courses online through your institution, a full online program is not available for this degree due to the in-class and clinical requirements.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatClassesWillITakeWhilePursingThisDegree">What Classes Will I Take While Pursing This Degree?</h3><p>The first year in both programs is similar, providing education about the human anatomy and focusing on cardiovascular anatomy, patient care and medical terminology. You will also receive broad instruction in invasive and noninvasive procedures. After you complete your first year, the curriculum splits as follows:
</p><p>In the invasive CVT track, the curriculum will prepare you to conduct actual procedures on the human heart. As such, this track is heavily focused on clinical experience at hospitals. Your in-class instruction will include:
</p><ul><li>Medical instruments
</li><li>Patient assessment
</li><li>Invasive procedures
</li><li>Continuation of cardiovascular care
</li></ul><p>In the noninvasive CVT track, the classes you will take for this concentration will focus on the operation of diagnostic machines. You will also be required to complete at least one clinical experience. Your course list will include:
</p><ul><li>Echocardiography - heart scans
</li><li>Noninvasive cardiology
</li><li>Ultrasound instrumentation
</li><li>Ultrasound physics
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WillITakeAnyProfessionalExams">Will I Take Any Professional Exams?</h3><p>Educational and professional institutions recommend that you register and test through the Cardiovascular Credentialing International or American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. In addition to your associate's degree, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) writes that most employers require a professional credential as well (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Additionally, your institution may require you to take a national registry exam before entering into your clinical phase.</p>
