Cardiovascular Technology

Occupational description The cardiovascular technologist performs diagnostic examinations and therapeutic interventions of the heart and/or blood vessels at the request or direction of a physician in one or more of the following: Invasive cardiology-Cardiac Catheterization Noninvasive cardiology-Echocardiography Noninvasive peripheral vascular study-Vascular Ultrasound Cardiac electrophysiology Through subjective sampling and/or recording, the technologist creates an easily definable foundation of data from which a correct anatomic and physiologic diagnosis may be established for each patient. Job description The cardiovascular technologist is qualified by specific didactic, laboratory, and clinical technological education to perform various cardiovascular/peripheral vascular diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The role of the cardiovascular technologist may include but is not limited to (1) reviewing and/or recording pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data; (2) performing appropriate clinical procedures and obtaining a record of anatomical, pathological, and/or physiological data for interpretation by a physician; (3) exercising discretion and judgment in the performance of cardiovascular diagnostic and therapeutic services; and (4) participating in interventional cardiovascular catheterization and/or cardiac electrophysiology procedures, including balloon angioplasty, stent insertion, radiofrequency ablation, and pacemaker and/or implantable defibrillator insertion. Employment characteristics Cardiovascular technologists may provide their services to patients in any medical setting under the supervision of a doctor of medicine or osteopathy (MD or DO). The procedures performed by the cardiovascular technologist may be found in, but are not limited to, one of the following general settings: (1) invasive cardiovascular laboratories, including cardiac catheterization, blood gas, and electrophysiology laboratories; (2) noninvasive cardiovascular laboratories, including echocardiography, exercise stress test, and electrocardiography laboratories; and (3) noninvasive peripheral vascular studies laboratories, including Doppler ultrasound, thermography, and plethysmography laboratories. In 2010, entry-level salaries averaged $36,000-$45,000. Educational programs Length. Programs may be from 1 to 4 years, depending on student qualifications and number of areas of diagnostic evaluation selected: invasive cardiology, noninvasive cardiology, or noninvasive peripheral vascular study. Prerequisites. High school diploma or equivalent or qualifications in a clinically related allied health profession. Curriculum. Curricula of accredited programs include didactic instruction, formal laboratory experiences, and patient-based clinical instruction. Suggested areas of instruction in the core curriculum include an introduction to the field of cardiovascular technology, general and/or applied sciences, human anatomy and physiology, basic pharmacology, and basic medical electronics and medical instrumentation. Emphasis, following the core curriculum, is given in the specialty area(s) selected: invasive cardiology, noninvasive cardiology, and noninvasive peripheral vascular study. Both didactic instruction and clinical experiences are provided in these areas. Inquiries

Certification American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers 51 Monroe Street Plaza East One Rockville, MD 20850 Phone:301-738-8401 or 800-541-9754 Website: www.ardms.org or www.ultrasoundcareers.org Cardiovascular Credentialing International 1500 Sunday Drive Suite 102 Raleigh, NC 27607 Phone:919-861-4539 or 800-326-0268 Website: www.cci-online.org	Career American Society of Echocardiography 2100 Gateway Centre Blvd., Suite 310 Morrisville, NC 27560 Phone: 919-861-5574 Website: www.asecho.org Society for Vascular Ultrasound 4601 Presidents Drive/Suite 260 Lanham, MD 20706-4831 Phone:301-459-7550 or 800-788-8346 Fax 301-459-5651 Website: www.svunet.org Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 2745 North Dallas Parkway #350 Plano, TX 75093-8729 Phone:214-473-8057 or 800-229-9506 Website: www.sdms.org Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals 1500 Sunday Drive/Suite 102 Raleigh, NC 27607 Phone:919-861-4546 Website: www.sicp.com