Healthcare

How to become a Cardiovascular Technologist

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

2 years

Typical pay

$58k–$80k

Starting from

No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required — not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   2 years

   Enrol in a CAAHEP-accredited cardiovascular program

   Two-year degree; invasive (cath lab) and non-invasive (echo) tracks split early.

2. 2

   during program

   Complete clinical rotations

   Cath lab rotations are long days on your feet in a lead apron. Try one before you commit.

3. 3

   Certify with CCI or ARDMS

   RCIS for the cath lab, RCS or RDCS for echo. Which one depends on your track.

   ◆ RCIS (CCI) or RCS / RDCS

4. 4

   1–2 years

   Take call in a cath lab

   Call pay is a large part of total earnings in invasive cardiology.

5. ✓

   Destination

   Cardiovascular Technologist

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