Radiology

Cardiovascular Technologist Schools

Cardiovascular Technologists assist physicians with the examination and treatment of problems stemming from problems with the heart and vascular system. Cardiovascular tech’s often specialize in either invasive or noninvasive procedures. Students who choose to specialize in invasive procedures are also called cardiology tech’s or cardiac sonographers.

Finding Cardiovascular Technologist Schools

When looking for cardiovascular technologist schools, you will need to determine whether you want to specialize in invasive or non-invasive procedures. Those who wish to become educated in invasive procedures usually must undergo a longer training and educational process. The longer time period it takes to train may be worth it due to higher cardiovascular technologist salary for those trained on more complex invasive procedures.

Cardiovascular Technologist Degree Requirements

Cardiac Sonographers generally complete a two year associates degree at an accredited school with a Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree. They complete general and vascular classes and have the option to complete more advanced cardiac classes in echocardiography, vascular technology, or other specializations within ultrasound. Some choose to complete an associates degree from an ultrasound technician school, then later complete a cardiovascular technology certificate to supplement that foundational education.

Online Cardiovascular Technology Schools & Programs

A common question that prospective students have is if they can complete a cardiovascular technology program online. The answer is generally no due to the nature of the job and hands on training required to become proficient with the equipment and the practice required of the techniques involved.

The following is a general outline of curriculum for a typical adult echocardiography program:

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Pathology – Abnormal Physiology & Congenital Anomalies
  • Echocardiography Patient Care – Infection Control & Other Risks
  • Integration of Data – Reporting Results Using Existing & Outside Data
  • Echocardiography Protocols & Techniques
  • Instrumentation & Physics – Hemodynamics, Imaging Instruments, etc.
  • Treatment & Interventional Procedures
  • Managing Medical Emergencies

ARDMS Certification for Cardiovascular Technologists

After completing a 2 year program and receiving an Associates degree it is recommended that all Sonographers become certified by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). In order to get registered there is a cardiac board exam with several multiple choice questions that must be answered correctly in a given period of time. Becoming registered is not a mandatory requirement; however, it is a means of making yourself a stronger job applicant, making potential employers feel more confident in your knowledge and abilities.

The ARDMS offers the following professional certifications:

  • RDCS – Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer
    • AE – Adult Echocardiography
    • FE – Fetal Echocardiography
    • PE – Pediatric Echocardiography
  • RVT – Registered Vascular Technologist
    • VT – Vascular Technology
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