Licensure/Certification
State licensure is not required at the present time. Graduates
from programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation
of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP) may be registered
in invasive cardiology, cardiac ultrasound and/or vascular
ultrasound by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS)
offers registry examinations for those graduates of accredited
programs in cardiac and vascular ultrasound. The National
Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) offers certification and
registry examinations for the Pulmonary Functions Technician
and Technologist. Continuing education hours are required
to maintain active registry status.
Salary
The average salary for cardiovascular technologists in 2009
was $19.58.
Educational Programs
Associate Degree
Broward College
Edison State College
National School of Technology
Santa Fe College
Professional Associations
Alliance of Cardiovascular
Professionals
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Cardiovascular technologists (CVTs) help doctors
to diagnose and care for illnesses or injuries involving the heart
or the blood vessels. At the request of a physician, they measure,
analyze, and image the heart and circulatory system, performing
invasive and non-invasive tests. Physicians depend on the results
of these tests to determine the presence and extent of heart disease
and as the basis for prescribing therapy if needed. Other duties
of the technologist may include reviewing and recording medical
histories and maintaining equipment.
Cardiopulmonary technologists (CPTs) are trained
to perform the same tests and treatments as cardiovascular technologists
but also to perform pulmonary tests. Other responsibilities include
preparing patients for examinations, drawing blood samples, and explaining
the procedures to patients. During the procedures, CPTs monitor both
the patient and the equipment, and respond immediately in a medical
emergency.
Cardiovascular technologists must be dependable,
reliable, have mechanical aptitude, and be able to follow detailed
instructions
Cardiovascular/
Cardiopulmonary Technologist
Areas of Specialization
The CVT may specialize in one or more of three specialties: 1) Invasive
Cardiology – assisting the physician with all aspects of cardiac
catheterization from cardiovascular diagnostics to interventional
procedures such as balloon angioplasty and pacemakers; 2) Echocardiography
(Cardiac Ultrasound) – the use of ultrasound to image the
valves, chambers, vessels, blood flow and motion of the heart; and
(3) Vascular Ultrasound – imaging and evaluating blood flow
in the arteries and veins throughout the body, screening for blockages
and narrowing.
The CPT also performs pulmonary functions testing,
such as spirometry, lung volumes, and blood gas analysis to measure
lung function and collect diagnostic data. Other tests include sleep
studies (polysomnography), respiratory exercise testing such as
the evaluation of lung size, mechanical function and diffusion capabilities,
pulmonary stress testing, oxygenation studies, bronchoscopies, cilia
function studies, and cystic fibrosis screening tests. They may
also become electrocardiographic technicians and perform EKGs, Holter
monitoring studies and stress tests.
Work Environment
Cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary technicians and technologists
work directly with the physicians in hospitals and medical centers,
clinics, physicians' offices, mobile diagnostic units, sales and
training, and education. They typically work five day, 40-hour weeks,
which may include weekends, evenings, and on-call service.
Job Outlook
The number of cardiovascular technologists and technicians employed in Florida in 2006 was 3,543. It is projected that in 2014 there will be 4,289, an annual average growth rate of 2.6 percent. This growth is expected as the population ages, because heart and lung conditions tend to develop in the older population and more diagnostic studies are needed.
Length of Training/Requirements
Training programs average two years, although they may be one to
four years depending on previous experience and specialty area chosen.
The curriculum includes core courses in human physiology, invasive
and noninvasive cardiology techniques, vascular studies, clinical
practicum and pulmonary functions testing for cardiopulmonary technologists.
Advancement
Opportunities are available for the CVTs and CPTs to advance into
a leadership role within the field or pursue an advanced degree.
Updated: 2009 |