Cardiovascular Technologist Training and Jobs
Schools and Degrees
Most cardiovascular technologists possess an associate’s degree in allied health or some other related subject. The first year of study is usually dedicated to the study of core subjects, while specialized areas like invasive and noninvasive cardiology and vascular technology are focused on for the next few years.
Training and Education
Successful employees find it useful to have an associate degree. According to recent surveys, 25% of cardiovascular technologists had received a degree. Workers with some schooling beyond high school, but not a college degree, total about 68%. A high school degree was all that was needed for 7% of employees.
Job Overview
Cardiovascular technologists help physicians care after patients suffering from cardiac and blood vessel diseases. They study the files of the patients, measure their heart rate and execute ultrasound or cardiovascular procedures. They explain the methods of the tests to the patients, evaluate findings by weighing them against the standards and classify the problems. Cardiovascular technologists may focus in echo cardiology, invasive cardiology or vascular technology.
Job Requirements
On-the-job training is very important for a cardiovascular technologist. Aspiring cardiovascular technologists generally receive training in two or four year programs. Those who attend programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Professionals are eligible for professional certification.
Many States require cardiovascular technologists to be licensed, while some States ask for certification in order to grant licensure. Certifications can be obtained from the Credentialing International and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. CCI awards four certifications - Registered Cardiac Sonographer, Certified Cardio graphic Technician, Registered Vascular Specialist and Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist.
Cardiovascular technologists need to have an eye for detail. They need to be reliable and should be able to follow instructions. They are also required to have good communication skills as they need to discuss technical details with physicians and explain procedures to patients. A pleasant disposition is an added advantage for cardiovascular technologists as it helps put patients at ease.
Nature of Work
Cardiovascular technologists specializing in invasive procedures help physicians with cardiac catheterization process. Those involved in non invasive tests perform scans, record images and recommend relevant treatments to physicians. Some cardiovascular technologists also perform electrograms and sonograms of the heart.
Cardiovascular technologists often have to lift heavy instruments or move patients while on duty. They usually wear protective aprons while carrying out some procedures.
Area Job Conditions
Looking at cardiovascular technologists per capita, Gainesville (Florida), Bowling Green (Kentucky), and Flint (Michigan) rise to the top of the list. Seattle (Washington), El Paso (Texas), and Santa Ana (California) have the fewest per capita.
The highest salaries for workers are in and around Santa Rosa (California), Seattle (Washington), and Portland (Oregon). The lowest-paying areas are Gainesville (Florida), Abilene (Texas), and Baton Rouge (Louisiana).
Part-Time and Self Employment
Cardiovascular technologists working less than full time, whether by design or chance, were 17% of the total. If you have this occupation and work on your own rather than for another company, you are part of the 1% of workers who do so.
Career Videos
Cardiovascular Technologists by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)
In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.
Alabama
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn | $53,000 | 40 | +207% |
| Birmingham | $46,000 | 340 | +104% |
| Huntsville | $44,000 | 190 | +177% |
| Mobile | $43,000 | 100 | +73% |
Alaska
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | $86,000 | 60 | +10% |
Arizona
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | $49,000 | 610 | +1% |
| Tucson | $57,000 | 110 | -4% |
Arkansas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville | $43,000 | 50 | -26% |
| Fort Smith | $35,000 | 60 | +52% |
| Little Rock | $47,000 | 100 | -14% |
California
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield | $55,000 | 40 | -54% |
| Chico | $62,000 | 40 | +87% |
| Fresno | $57,000 | 80 | -25% |
| Los Angeles | $54,000 | 930 | -33% |
| Oakland | $62,000 | 210 | -38% |
| Riverside | $52,000 | 290 | -30% |
| Sacramento | $63,000 | 260 | -12% |
| Salinas | $57,000 | 30 | -43% |
| San Diego | $57,000 | 350 | -22% |
| San Francisco | $57,000 | 210 | -38% |
| San Jose | $76,000 | 130 | -58% |
| San Luis Obispo | $75,000 | 40 | +37% |
| Santa Ana | $57,000 | 430 | -14% |
| Santa Barbara | $53,000 | 50 | -9% |
| Santa Rosa | $66,000 | 60 | +5% |
| Stockton | $60,000 | 60 | -13% |
| Yuba City | $63,000 | 30 | +171% |
Colorado
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder | $56,000 | 60 | +20% |
| Denver | $55,000 | 340 | -20% |
| Fort Collins | $42,000 | 80 | +98% |
| Pueblo | $59,000 | 30 | +75% |
Connecticut
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $64,000 | 160 | +11% |
| Hartford | $62,000 | 130 | -33% |
| New Haven | $75,000 | 50 | -45% |
Delaware
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | $52,000 | 190 | +74% |
District of Columbia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $69,000 | 470 | -44% |
Florida
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral | $49,000 | 230 | +261% |
| Deltona | $41,000 | 100 | +100% |
| Fort Lauderdale | $41,000 | 540 | +127% |
| Gainesville | $35,000 | 180 | +361% |
| Jacksonville | $39,000 | 570 | +179% |
| Lakeland | $42,000 | 90 | +45% |
| Miami | $40,000 | 910 | +172% |
| Naples | $41,000 | 80 | +124% |
| Orlando | $42,000 | 670 | +93% |
| Palm Bay | $35,000 | 240 | +269% |
| Panama City | $42,000 | 50 | +137% |
| Pensacola | $39,000 | 140 | +189% |
| Port St Lucie | $36,000 | 70 | +83% |
| Punta Gorda | $48,000 | 30 | +164% |
| Sarasota | $42,000 | 190 | +132% |
| Sebastian | $41,000 | 50 | +257% |
| Tampa | $47,000 | 800 | +105% |
| West Palm Beach | $48,000 | 360 | +105% |
Georgia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | $53,000 | 440 | -44% |
| Augusta | $48,000 | 100 | +47% |
| Columbus | $42,000 | 40 | +13% |
| Savannah | $51,000 | 40 | -18% |
Hawaii
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | $60,000 | 110 | -26% |
Illinois
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $50,000 | 1,190 | -8% |
| Peoria | $38,000 | 130 | +133% |
| Springfield | $43,000 | 50 | +46% |
Indiana
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elkhart | $42,000 | 40 | +16% |
| Evansville | $46,000 | 60 | +7% |
| Fort Wayne | $47,000 | 50 | -26% |
| Gary | $42,000 | 110 | +22% |
| Indianapolis | $54,000 | 350 | +14% |
| South Bend | $49,000 | 50 | +20% |
Iowa
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport | $47,000 | 50 | -19% |
| Des Moines | $55,000 | 110 | -1% |
Kansas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topeka | $43,000 | 70 | +99% |
| Wichita | $48,000 | 120 | +24% |
Kentucky
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green | 60 | +257% | |
| Lexington | $46,000 | 180 | +125% |
| Louisville | $43,000 | 550 | +166% |
Louisiana
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | $36,000 | 40 | +104% |
| Baton Rouge | $33,000 | 200 | +59% |
| Houma | $40,000 | 40 | +33% |
| Lafayette | $43,000 | 40 | -14% |
| Lake Charles | $33,000 | 50 | +80% |
| New Orleans | $42,000 | 230 | +28% |
| Shreveport | $44,000 | 70 | +19% |
Maine
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | $53,000 | 80 | +21% |
Maryland
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | $54,000 | 700 | +56% |
| Bethesda | $65,000 | 80 | -59% |
Massachusetts
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town | $62,000 | 30 | -5% |
| Boston | $70,000 | 640 | +7% |
| Springfield | 70 | -30% | |
| Worcester | $62,000 | 60 | -28% |
Michigan
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battle Creek | $55,000 | 60 | +287% |
| Detroit | $49,000 | 560 | +145% |
| Grand Rapids | $45,000 | 270 | +112% |
| Kalamazoo | $57,000 | 130 | +196% |
| Lansing | $53,000 | 150 | +129% |
| Warren | $50,000 | 530 | +44% |
Minnesota
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $57,000 | 540 | -12% |
| Rochester | $49,000 | 230 | +605% |
Mississippi
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | $40,000 | 200 | +136% |
Missouri
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | $46,000 | 320 | -8% |
| Springfield | $34,000 | 80 | +27% |
| St Louis | $42,000 | 390 | -15% |
Nebraska
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln | $49,000 | 60 | +15% |
| Omaha | $49,000 | 370 | +132% |
Nevada
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas | $57,000 | 320 | +10% |
New Hampshire
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester | $61,000 | 40 | +21% |
| Nashua | $54,000 | 30 | -33% |
New Jersey
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City | $65,000 | 50 | +6% |
| Camden | $69,000 | 70 | -61% |
| Edison | $62,000 | 170 | -52% |
| Newark | $65,000 | 320 | -6% |
| Trenton | $69,000 | 80 | +6% |
New Mexico
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $48,000 | 210 | +61% |
New York
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | $48,000 | 130 | -15% |
| Binghamton | $47,000 | 50 | +39% |
| Buffalo | $52,000 | 210 | +12% |
| Nassau | $54,000 | 580 | +34% |
| New York | $54,000 | 1,450 | -19% |
| Poughkeepsie | $58,000 | 120 | +46% |
| Rochester | $49,000 | 90 | -48% |
| Syracuse | $60,000 | 90 | -14% |
| Utica | $53,000 | 70 | +74% |
North Carolina
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville | $58,000 | 70 | +20% |
| Charlotte | $57,000 | 210 | -28% |
| Durham | $54,000 | 210 | +127% |
| Greensboro | $58,000 | 150 | +25% |
| Raleigh | 140 | -20% |
Ohio
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akron | $41,000 | 110 | +2% |
| Cincinnati | $44,000 | 420 | +21% |
| Cleveland | $47,000 | 600 | +71% |
| Columbus | $47,000 | 170 | -46% |
| Dayton | $48,000 | 120 | -7% |
| Mansfield | $55,000 | 50 | +222% |
| Toledo | $48,000 | 180 | +82% |
| Youngstown | $47,000 | 80 | +6% |
Oklahoma
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | $41,000 | 300 | +53% |
| Tulsa | $43,000 | 140 | -4% |
Oregon
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medford | $68,000 | 60 | +149% |
| Portland | $63,000 | 310 | -11% |
| Salem | $64,000 | 50 | +3% |
Pennsylvania
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown | $71,000 | 280 | +140% |
| Erie | $44,000 | 130 | +213% |
| Harrisburg | $51,000 | 150 | +39% |
| Lancaster | $39,000 | 100 | +28% |
| Philadelphia | $54,000 | 760 | +16% |
| Pittsburgh | $54,000 | 690 | +76% |
| Reading | $54,000 | 90 | +64% |
| Scranton | $46,000 | 120 | +37% |
South Carolina
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $54,000 | 220 | +128% |
| Florence | $45,000 | 110 | +345% |
| Greenville | $46,000 | 120 | +19% |
| Myrtle Beach | $47,000 | 30 | -14% |
South Dakota
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $49,000 | 100 | +121% |
Tennessee
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga | $56,000 | 160 | +111% |
| Jackson | $44,000 | 90 | +404% |
| Kingsport | $55,000 | 60 | +53% |
| Knoxville | $39,000 | 120 | +7% |
| Memphis | $41,000 | 200 | -5% |
| Nashville | $49,000 | 110 | -57% |
Texas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amarillo | $63,000 | 40 | +18% |
| Austin | $58,000 | 150 | -44% |
| Beaumont | $51,000 | 60 | +14% |
| Brownsville | $48,000 | 40 | -5% |
| College Station | $54,000 | 30 | +3% |
| Corpus Christi | $54,000 | 110 | +87% |
| Dallas | $54,000 | 500 | -31% |
| El Paso | $49,000 | 70 | -23% |
| Fort Worth | $57,000 | 300 | +1% |
| Houston | $49,000 | 840 | -7% |
| Lubbock | $48,000 | 50 | +23% |
| Mcallen | $52,000 | 100 | +31% |
| San Antonio | $54,000 | 370 | +24% |
| Tyler | $49,000 | 110 | +287% |
| Waco | $49,000 | 60 | +89% |
Utah
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | $51,000 | 70 | -66% |
Virginia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville | 40 | +47% | |
| Richmond | $49,000 | 320 | +53% |
| Roanoke | $53,000 | 70 | +38% |
| Virginia Beach | $54,000 | 530 | +105% |
Washington
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olympia | $69,000 | 40 | +27% |
| Seattle | $66,000 | 290 | -40% |
| Spokane | $63,000 | 120 | +77% |
| Tacoma | $67,000 | 50 | -44% |
West Virginia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntington | $50,000 | 140 | +284% |
| Morgantown | $26,000 | 80 | +400% |
| Wheeling | $40,000 | 70 | +251% |
Wisconsin
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay | $56,000 | 60 | +9% |
| Madison | $55,000 | 50 | -56% |
| Milwaukee | $57,000 | 380 | +34% |
| Oshkosh | $59,000 | 50 | +81% |