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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