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 2005 was $17.72. According to the Florida Hospital Association, cardiopulmonary technologists in Florida hospitals earned an average of $21.38/hour in 2005. Educational Programs Associate Degree Broward Community College Edison College National School of Technology Santa Fe College Professional Associations Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals

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.

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.