Become a Cardiovascular Technician
Education, Certification, LicensingAlthough some cardiovascular techs (most notably those who focus on administering EKGs) tend to be trained on the job, most receive training in 1- to 4-year programs. Two-year programs offered by junior or community colleges are most popular, although four-year programs are increasingly available. Those who specialize in ultrasound and vascular study will need at least a 2-year program. Those specializing in invasive cardiology procedures will need the 2-4 year program, since this specialty entails the highest degree of complexity. Cardiovascular techs who undergo on-the-job training usually take about 8 to 16 weeks to complete their training. Most employers prefer to train people with at least a minimal degree of experience in a medical setting or who are already in the health care field in some capacity. Some states require cardiovascular techs to be licensed. Those that do mandate licensure usually require some combination of education, experience, and/or certification for earning a license. Information on a particular state"s requirements can be obtained by contacting the state"s medical board. The two principal organizations which offer certifications in this field are the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) and Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Certification is always beneficial because many employers prefer to hire certified cardiovascular techs even in those states that do not require certification for licensure.