Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology Training Programs

<h3 id="section---WhatTrainingProgramsAreAvailable">What Training Programs Are Available?</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), your training could entail the completion of a certificate program or an associate degree. While the majority of instruction for cardiovascular technology is available at the associate degree level, you can also choose to complete a 4-year bachelor's degree program in diagnostic medical sonography, which includes training in non-invasive cardiovascular technology. A bachelor's degree program might require on-the job training or employment in a health-related field to qualify for admission. At this time, there are no online training programs available for non-invasive cardiovascular technology. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Training Programs</b></td><td>Certificate, associate or bachelor's degree; usually only offered on campus</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Medical terminology, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, cardiovascular instruments</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td>Exams given through Cardiovascular Credentialing International and the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Duties</b></td><td>Ultrasounds, stress testing, data gathering, diagnosis and treatment</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---WhatClassesCouldITake">What Classes Could I Take?</h3> <p>In an associate's degree program, the first year of training typically involves instruction in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and detailed study of the heart and vascular system. You could also be required to take courses in invasive cardiovascular technology, because the fields can overlap. </p> <p>Your second year of training, or the cardiovascular component of a medical diagnostic sonography program, generally includes in-depth training in the use of cardiovascular instruments. You might learn how to operate, calculate, read and record data from an echocardiogram. The administration of other diagnostic tests and heart monitors could also be included. You'll usually have to complete clinical hours that allow you to operate the machines and interact with cardiac patients. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfCertificationCouldIEarn">What Kind of Certification Could I Earn?</h3> <p>Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) offers the designation of Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT). At a minimum, this certification requires that you have a high school diploma and are employed in a cardiovascular technology field. </p> <p>The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) awards the designation of Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS). You can specialize in several disciplines, such as adult, pediatric and fetal echocardiography. However, the credential requires at least an associate's degree in an allied health field. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsNonInvasiveCardiovascularTechnology">What is Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology?</h3> <p>The goal of non-invasive cardiovascular technology is to understand heart and vascular diseases using diagnostic cardiovascular machines and cardiac monitors. The most common technology you may encounter is the echocardiogram, also known as an EKG. As a cardiovascular technologist, you might use ultrasounds, stress tests and Holter monitoring to gather data that will be used by physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular patients.</p>