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Cardiovascular Technologist Degrees
By allied health world contributing writer
Published: March 3rd, 2010
What type of degree is required to pursue a job in this field?
Although not a requirement at every hospital, it definitely helps make a person more marketable to have at least an associate’s degree in cardiovascular technology. Earning this degree, even when not required, can increase one’s level of professionalism and make them more credible both to the people hiring for the position, as well as to patients. Associate’s programs in this field are generally two years in length and include a clinical component.There are also bachelor’s degrees in cardiovascular technology available. These bachelor’s programs typically take three years of study and one year of internship at a hospital.
Both the associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs help prepare students for the invasive registry examination.Is there typically a waiting list to get into a cardiovascular technology program?
Some cardiovascular technology programs do have waiting lists for admission. Having earned a high school diploma is a requirement for admission and some programs also require previous experience in the health care field.What kinds of courses are included in a cardiovascular technologist?
- The course requirements differ from one cardiovascular technologist school to the next but the following are some typical courses included in a cardiovascular technology program.
- Basic anatomy and physiology
- Cell biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Pathophysiology (disease systems specific to cardiology)
- Pharmacology
- Physics
- Electrophysiology (EKG interpretation)
- Diagnostic and interventional cardiology procedures
How many students are typically admitted into a cardiovascular program?
This number can vary but typically no more than 20 students are admitted at time, which is why there are frequently waiting lists for these programs. For the clinical portion of the program the cardiovascular technologist schools have to find placement for their students to work in hospitals. Most hospitals only want a few students at a time participating in clinical rotations, which is why class sizes are kept small.Is a national registration required to become a cardiovascular technologist?
The Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) organization offers the Registry for Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS). This credential has been recognized as the credential of choice for cardiac cath lab professionals. Becoming nationally registered is encouraged if not required by most hospitals and helps increase the credibility of the practicing CVT. Some hospitals will hire individuals who are not registered with the requirement that they become registered within a certain length of time. Having graduated from an accredited cardiovascular technology program is not a requirement to sit for the registry exams, but will grant exemption from having to take one of the two exams. There is currently no state licensure for CVTs.What does the RCIS registry exam involve?
There are two exams required in order to become registered; the Cardiovascular Science Examination and the Invasive Registry Examination. Individuals who have graduated from an accredited cardiovascular technology program are able to apply for exemption, with a minimal fee, and forego taking the cardiovascular science exam. Those who have not graduated from a CVT program are required to take the cardiovascular science exam to show they have a fundamental understanding of science and math.Learn more about how to become a cardiovascular technician.
These exams are not easy and sometimes individuals have to take them multiple times in order to pass. The current passing rate is about sixty seven percent. Both exams are multiple-choice and are broken down by the following content areas.
Cardiovascular Science Exam Content
General Concepts 20% Patient Care 19% General Anatomy & Physiology 6% Cardiovascular Anatomy & Physiology 50% Quality Assurance/Quality Control 5%
Invasive Registry Exam
Cardiovascular anatomy and physiology 5% Cardiovascular Disease/Pathophysiology 8% Diagnostic Techniques 20% Intervention 16% Hemodynamic Data 15% Pharmacology 7% Equipment and Instrumentation 11% Patient Care/Patient Assessment 18%