Cardiac technologists are healthcare heroes who use diagnostic equipment to help doctors diagnose and treat heart conditions. They’re the ones operating the machines that capture images of your heart, giving doctors the information they need to make informed decisions about your care.
And these technologists are in demand! The field is expected to grow in the coming years.
Want to know how you can get involved? This article will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a cardiac technologist, including what a cardiac technologist program looks like, the skills you’ll need, the day-to-day tasks, and the different career paths you can take.
What does a cardiac technologist do?
Cardiac technologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in performing diagnostic tests and procedures on the heart and blood vessels. They work closely with physicians, helping them diagnose and treat patients who have cardiovascular conditions.
Within the field of cardiac technology, there are several different specializations:
- Echocardiography. Cardiac sonographers use ultrasound technology to create moving images of the heart’s structure and function.
- Electrocardiography. EKG techs monitor and record the electrical activity of the heart.
- Vascular technology. Vascular technologists use noninvasive techniques to assess blood flow in the arteries and veins.
- Cardiac electrophysiology. EP techs assist physicians who are studying and treating heart rhythm disorders.
Where do cardiac technologists work?
Cardiac technologists work in a wide range of healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Private clinics
- Physician’s offices
- Cardiac rehabilitation centers
- Pacemaker clinics
- Ambulatory monitoring services
- Medical sales
- Research facilities
Education and Training Pathways
If you’re interested in becoming a cardiac technologist, you’ll need to complete a formal education program and gain hands-on experience. Here’s a look at what that might entail:
Educational Requirements
Cardiac technologist programs are available at the certificate, associate’s, and bachelor’s degree levels:
- Certificate programs provide focused training in a specific area of cardiac technology.
- Associate’s degrees offer a broader foundation in cardiovascular technology.
- Bachelor’s degrees provide the most comprehensive knowledge and advanced skills.
Regardless of the program you choose, you’ll likely study the following topics:
- Cardiac anatomy and physiology
- Electrocardiography (ECG/EKG)
- Echocardiography
- Pharmacology
- Medical terminology
- Patient care and safety
Program Accreditation
Accreditation is a process by which an independent organization evaluates a program to ensure that it meets certain quality standards.
If you’re considering a cardiac technologist program, it’s important to choose one that’s accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT). Employers tend to prefer candidates who have graduated from accredited programs, as accreditation assures them that you’ve received a high-quality education.
Clinical Practicum and Hands-on Experience
A key part of any cardiac technologist program is the clinical practicum, which provides you with real-world experience in a healthcare setting. The best programs offer in-class laboratory simulation in addition to clinical practice.
During your clinical rotations, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Perform diagnostic tests under supervision
- Assist with invasive procedures
- Interact with patients and other healthcare professionals
- Adhere to strict safety protocols
Clinical placements are crucial for developing the skills and confidence you’ll need to succeed as a cardiac technologist.
Certification and Licensing
While you may be able to find an entry-level position as a cardiac technician with an associate’s degree and on-the-job training, professional certification can boost your career prospects substantially. It also demonstrates to prospective employers that you have achieved a certain level of competency in your field. In fact, many employers require their cardiac technologists to be certified.
Professional Certifications
Several organizations offer certifications for cardiac technologists, including:
- Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
- American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
These organizations offer a variety of certifications, including:
- Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS)
- Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)
- Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS)
State Licensing Requirements
Whether you need a license to practice as a cardiac technologist depends on the state where you plan to work. Some states require licensure, while others do not. It’s important to research the requirements in your state to ensure you meet all the necessary qualifications.
Typically, states that require licensure will want to see that you’ve completed an accredited program and passed a certification exam. You may also need to undergo background checks and drug screenings.
Essential Skills and Qualities
To be successful in a cardiac technologist program and as a cardiac tech, you’ll need both technical skills and what are often called “soft skills,” the interpersonal abilities that help you relate to and care for patients.
Technical Skills
Cardiac technologists need a solid understanding of how to operate diagnostic equipment and conduct a variety of tests, including:
- Electrocardiograms (ECG)
- Echocardiograms
- Assisting with cardiac catheterizations
The role also requires a strong knowledge base in areas such as:
- Cardiac anatomy and physiology
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Medical terminology
- Pharmacology
Soft Skills
Beyond the technical expertise, strong interpersonal and communication skills are crucial. You’ll need to communicate effectively with both patients and colleagues, demonstrating empathy and compassion at all times. Cardiac technologists are part of a team, so they need to be team players, ready to collaborate with others.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are also essential. You’ll need to be adaptable and precise, and you’ll need to be able to troubleshoot equipment issues as they arise.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Cardiac technologists are vital members of the healthcare team, responsible for a range of tasks related to diagnosing and treating heart conditions. Here’s a look at some common duties:
Conducting Diagnostic Procedures
A big part of a cardiac technologist’s job is running different tests to see how well a patient’s heart is working. These tests can be non-invasive or invasive.
Performing Non-Invasive Tests
Non-invasive tests are done on the outside of the body and include:
- Electrocardiograms (ECGs), which measure the electrical activity of the heart.
- Echocardiograms, which use sound waves to create pictures of the heart.
- Stress tests, which monitor the heart during exercise.
- Ambulatory monitoring, which involves wearing a portable device to record heart activity over a period of time.
Assisting in Invasive Procedures
Cardiac technologists also assist doctors during invasive procedures, which involve inserting instruments into the body. These procedures include:
- Cardiac catheterizations, where a thin tube is inserted into a blood vessel to examine the heart.
- Angioplasty and stent placement, procedures to open blocked arteries.
- Electrophysiology studies, which test the electrical activity of the heart to diagnose and treat arrhythmias.
Equipment Maintenance and Quality Control
Cardiac technologists need to make sure all the equipment they use is working properly.
Maintaining Equipment
This includes:
- Ensuring equipment is in good working order.
- Performing routine maintenance.
- Troubleshooting technical issues.
Adhering to Safety Standards
Patient and staff safety is critical. Technologists must:
- Follow safety protocols to protect patients and themselves.
- Monitor patients during procedures.
- Document and record vascular information accurately.
Patient Interaction and Education
Cardiac technologists interact with patients throughout the testing process.
Providing Patient Support
This includes:
- Explaining procedures to patients in a way they can understand.
- Answering patient questions.
- Providing emotional support to help patients feel comfortable and at ease.
In Closing
If you’re thinking about a career in healthcare, the job outlook for cardiac technologists is excellent. Experts predict that the demand for cardiovascular technologists and technicians will keep growing as the population ages and more people develop heart disease. That means that if you’re interested in this field, now is a great time to pursue your goals.
Becoming a cardiac tech requires education, often an associate’s degree, and certification. You’ll also need to develop the technical, interpersonal, and critical-thinking skills that will allow you to provide excellent patient care.
If you’re passionate about healthcare and technology and want a career that makes a real difference in people’s lives, cardiac technology could be a perfect fit. Explore the educational programs in your area, talk to professionals in the field, and take the first steps toward a rewarding career.