The cardiovascular technologist or diagnostic medical sonographer 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 disciplines: • Invasive Cardiology-Cardiac Catheterization
• Invasive Cardiology-Cardiac Electrophysiology Technology
• Noninvasive Cardiology-Adult and Pediatric Echocardiography • Noninvasive Peripheral Vascular Study-Vascular Ultrasound Through assisting, sampling, and/or recording, the cardiovascular technologist or diagnostic medical sonographer creates an easily definable foundation of data from which an anatomic and/or physiologic diagnosis can be made.
Cardiovascular technology is an allied health profession specifically focused on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cardiac and vascular disease. The cardiovascular technologist or diagnostic medical sonographer in each of the cardiovascular technology specialties performs or assists in the performance of procedures and examinations. The cardiovascular technologist or diagnostic medical sonographer may either work independently or as part of a team. The cardiovascular technologist or diagnostic medical sonographer always works under the supervision of a physician. The cardiovascular technologist or diagnostic medical sonographer is proficient in the use of required equipment and has the cognitive and psychomotor skills and professionalism to contribute to the safe and effective care of patients with cardiac and vascular problems. The profession of cardiovascular technology encompasses five specialties: 1) invasive cardiovascular technology; 2) adult cardiac sonography; 3) pediatric cardiac sonography; 4) noninvasive vascular study; and 5) cardiac electrophysiology.
Cardiovascular technologists or diagnostic medical sonographers 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 or diagnostic medical sonographer may be found in, but are not limited to, one of the following general settings: (1) invasive cardiovascular catheterization laboratories; (2) cardiac electrophysiology laboratories; (3) noninvasive cardiovascular laboratories, including adult and pediatric echocardiography laboratories; and (4) noninvasive peripheral vascular study-vascular ultrasound laboratories.
Education Programs Length. Programs may be from 6 months to 4 years, depending on student qualifications and a number of areas of diagnostic evaluation selected. Prerequisites: As determined by the educational institution. Curriculum. Curricula of accredited programs include didactic instruction, laboratory experiences, and clinical instruction. Suggested areas of basic instruction and core curriculum include an introduction to the field of cardiovascular technology, patient care assessment, general and/or applied sciences, human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, cardiovascular hemodynamics, and operation of medical instruments.
Certification/Registration Organization(s) American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, 800-541-9754, Website: www.ardms.org Cardiovascular Credentialing International, 800-326-0268, Website: www.cci-online.org
Careers/Curriculum Before embarking on your allied health journey, delve into the essential requirements of your desired profession. Understanding the certification, registration, or licensure process will help you select the right education program and confidently pursue your career goals. The following organization(s) can assist you in becoming an allied health professional: Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals, Phone: 804-639-9213, Website: www.acp-online.org American Society of Echocardiography, Phone: 919-861-5574, Website: www.asecho.org Society for Vascular Ultrasound, 800-788-8346, Website: www.svunet.org Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 800-229-9506, Website: www.sdms.org
American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, 800-541-9754, Website: www.ardms.org Cardiovascular Credentialing International, 800-326-0268, Website: www.cci-online.org
