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How to Become a Cardiovascular Technician

By allied health world contributing writer
Published:  March 3rd, 2010

Steps to become a cardiovascular technologist

1. Job shadow a variety of cardiovascular technologists to see what the job entails on a daily basis and if you’d prefer to work in a small or large hospital setting.
2. Research and enroll in a cardiovascular technologist degree program.
3. Attain your Registry for Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) credential by testing through the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
4. Begin looking for jobs in this field.

Do most people in cardiovascular technology stay in this field or use it as a stepping-stone to another health care related field?

The majority of individuals who work in this profession enjoy it and remain working in it for many years. Others gain experience in order to move on to other health care related fields. For instance, some nurses want to become registered as RCISs and work in this area in order to gain the necessary experience to move to nurse anesthesiology. Since cath labs involve sedation, learning and working in this area may help them pursue the field of anesthesiology. There are some individuals who start as CVTs and eventually move on to become physician’s assistants or go to medical school.

Learn more about cardiovascular technologist schools.

Other CVTs make the switch to work for what is referred to as “industry;” selling medical equipment to hospitals. Most of these medical equipment companies prefer to hire professionals who have worked in the appropriate field, are familiar with the equipment they’re selling, and can “speak the language”. This can be a lucrative job as well.

Do most people in this field choose it as their first profession?

There are a mix of people who come into this profession. Some people chose cardiovascular technology as their first profession and enroll in a cardiovascular technologist degree program with this focus upon graduating from high school. However, many people come to this field from other medical related fields. Paramedics and EMTs oftentimes find this career a great fit with their background since they’re accustomed to acting under pressure in emergency situations and working with a team.