BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Cardiovascular technologists (also known as cardiac medical technologists or cardiac techs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat people of all ages who have heart and blood vessel conditions that limit their ability to move and perform everyday activities including: exercising, climbing stairs, working, driving, etc.

Cardiovascular technologists perform diagnostic tests and assist physicians in procedures using treatment methods that help people to reduce symptoms, restore function, and prevent complications from cardiac disease. In addition, they work with people to stop progression of heart disease before it worsens by assisting in wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

HOW DO I BECOME A CARDIAC MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST?

To become a professional cardiac medical technologist (cardiovascular technologist), you must obtain an associate degree (AAS) or bachelor’s degree (BS) in cardiovascular technology from a CAAHEP-accredited program after completion of prerequisite coursework. A cardiovascular technologist must complete at least 2-4 years of college/professional education: one to two years of prerequisite coursework and one to two years of the professional program. In order to be accepted to a cardiovascular technology program, you will need prerequisite courses in the fields of biological science, general chemistry, physics, mathematics, English composition, and medical terminology. A certain grade-point average (GPA) is usually required for the prerequisite courses. Cardiovascular technology study is rigorous and admission to accredited programs is competitive.

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN CARDIOVASCULAR TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL?

Once accepted into a cardiovascular technology school, the courses will consist of classwork in cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, hemodynamics, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and invasive procedures. The program also provides clinical experience and education in the direct care of patients in a health care facility. This includes how to perform an appropriate examination and evaluation of patients with a variety of cardiac disorders, invasive and noninvasive testing techniques, and patient monitoring. Most programs include 1-2 years of classroom, laboratory, and clinical work. Cardiovascular technology students get supervised experience in areas such as cardiac catheterization labs and echocardiography labs.

LIFE AFTER GRADUATION

Licenses and Certifications

  • After finishing education requirements, graduates must obtain national certification through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) in their specialty area (e.g., RCIS for invasive, RCS for echocardiography). Louisiana does not require state licensure, but most employers require certification. Continuing education is typically required to maintain certification.
  • After gaining work experience, some cardiovascular technologists choose to pursue advanced credentials or cross-train in multiple modalities (invasive, noninvasive, vascular). Certification requires passing an exam and documented clinical hours or graduation from an accredited program.

o   Where do Cardiac Medical Techs Practice?

  • Hospitals and cardiac catheterization labs
  • Outpatient diagnostic centers
  • Skilled nursing or extended care facilities
  • Home Health (mobile diagnostic services)
  • Education or research centers
  • Physician offices and clinics
  • Industrial or occupational health settings

Most cardiovascular technologists work full time and many work during normal business hours. Some may work evenings, weekends, or be on-call for emergency procedures.

SALARY INFORMATION*

Mean annual wage for LA: $56,530
Mean annual wage by region:
Northwest
            Shreveport/Bossier and surrounding area: $53,180
Central
            Alexandria: $51,250
South Central
            Baton Rouge: $60,460
Southeast
            New Orleans/Metairie/Kenner: varies (state average applies in many cases)
Note: salary can change depending on the area of cardiovascular technology a person works in such as invasive cath lab, echocardiography, travelling, or outpatient, etc.

LOUISIANA SCHOOLS

  • Louisiana State University Health Science Center – Shreveport (shps.lsuhs.edu)
  • Delgado Community College – New Orleans (www.dcc.edu)

Minimum Requirements to be Accepted
LSUHSC – Shreveport:

  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent and complete 57 hours of prerequisite courses (C or better) from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.0 or above
  • GPA of 2.5 or higher in all required prerequisite courses
  • No specific volunteer hours or GRE required

Delgado Community College – New Orleans:

  • Complete prerequisite courses (Anatomy & Physiology I/II with labs, Medical Terminology, Contemporary Math, etc.)
  • For AAS pathway: Meet general college admission standards and complete pre-reqs
  • For Post-Associate Certificate pathway: Hold an Associate degree in Radiologic Technology plus current radiography license
  • Competitive admission based on GPA and committee review

PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES

Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
1500 Sunday Drive, Suite 102
Raleigh, NC 27607
800-326-0268
cci-online.org
Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals (ACVP)
P.O. Box 2007
Midlothian, VA 23113
804-632-2323
acp-online.org

*Salary information taken from http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_la.htm#29-2031