Becoming a cardiovascular technologist in nurses shoes involves assisting physicians in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients who have cardiovascular disease. They measure, image, and analyze the heart and circulatory system under the supervision of cardiologists, and perform invasive and noninvasive tests. Cardiovascular technology is a rewarding and challenging career which demands individual initiative, good clinical judgment, and the commitment to ongoing professional growth in the evolving cardiovascular field. Cardiovascular technologists are the link between physician and patient by means of sophisticated medical instrumentation which is currently used in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Cardiovascular technologist and technician programs take from two to four years to complete. Usually in the second year the technologist chooses to specialize in one of three areas of practice: echocardiography, invasive cardiology, or vascular technology. In addition to being reliable and responsible, they must be able to work with advanced technology and be able to follow detailed instructions. They, especially those specializing in invasive cardiology, are in close contact with their patients. It is important to have good interpersonal skills and a pleasant and relaxed manner in order to put patients at their ease.
Although some cardiovascular technologists, cardiac sonographers, and vascular technologists are trained on the job, most train in programs lasting from two to four years. The first year is dedicated to core studies, and subsequent years concentrate on specialized instruction in either invasive or noninvasive cardiovascular technology, or noninvasive vascular technology. Cardiovascular technologists must possess knowledge of stress testing, echocardiography, cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology. Internship in a clinic or hospital in nursing clog shoes is usually part of the program.
Graduates of programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology are then eligible for professional certification by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International in echocardiography, vascular ultrasound, cardiac catheterization, and cardiographic techniques. Cardiac sonographers and vascular technologists are certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. Many EKG technicians are trained on the job by a cardiologist or EKG supervisor. Usually EKG technicians are already trained nurses or other healthcare professionals who take on-the-job training for from eight to sixteen weeks.
Filling the medical shoes of a cardiovascular technologist can be rewarding in many ways. Job opportunities in the field are expected to grow faster than average due to an aging population with a higher incidence of heart disease, and the increased utilization of diagnostic imaging. There is expected to be a decreasing demand for cardiovascular technologists specializing in invasive techniques due to technological improvements – which should lead to increasing demand for vascular technologists and echo cardiographers. Demand for EKG technicians is expected to decrease because other health care professionals will receive training to perform the same jobs. Stress test training and Holter monitoring should increase a candidate’s opportunities for employment.
