WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN... CARDIOVASCULAR TECHNOLOGY

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car·dio·vas·cu·lar

Of, relating to, or involving the heart and blood vessels*

*"Cardiovascular." Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary. Merriam-Webster, Inc. 24 Jul. 2009. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Cardiovascular>.

Last updated 3/2011 by A. Bervine

Cardiovascular Technology Majors Study

• Anatomy, human physiology, organic chemistry, and physics

• The role of the cardiovascular technologist may range from recording and/or reviewing patient’s history, performing cardiovascular diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and analyzing patient data for interpretation by a physician

...and more

Specializations

Bachelor's Degree/Entry Level– Cardiac catheterization – Cardiovascular

technologist – Echocardiographer – Vascular technologist– Diagnostic medical

sonographer – Medical researcher

Further Education Required– Public health

administrator – Physician – University educator

Most undergraduate programs offer a general course of study as well as many specializations that can be pursued with additional study. These include, but are not limited to:

Cardiovascular Technology At The University Of South Carolina

Undergraduate OptionsDegree: Bachelor of Science (BS)Major: Cardiovascular Technology

Cardiovascular Technology Majors Develop Skills In

• Sonography• Clinical

Coursework• Didactic

Coursework• Vascular

Technology

• Information handling & organization

• Problem solving• Teamwork• Operating scientific

equipment

Cardiovascular Technology Majors Develop Skills In

• Analytical & quantitative abilities

• Oral & written communication

• Independent working

• Curiosity and creativity

• Technical skills• Cardiovascular

technology theory & practical knowledge

Employment

• This course of study includes taking the national registry exam in cardiovascular technology. A passing score on this examination, combined with a satisfactory academic transcript, are the requirements to become a licensed cardiovascular technologist.

• The role of the cardiovascular technologist may range from recording and/or reviewing patient’s history, performing cardiovascular diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and analyzing patient data for interpretation by a physician.

Employment Settings

• Hospital: This is a very fast-paced environment. This may include performing EKG’s, stress tests, and Holter monitoring. It may also include performing invasive cardiovascular catheterization. This position involves being in close contact with patients with serious heart ailments. Some patients may encounter complications that have life-or-death implications.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Hospital

• Echocardiographer• Diagnostic Medical

Sonographer• Cardiac

Catheterization

• Electrocardiograph Technician

• Cardiovascular Technician

• Vascular Technologist

Employment Settings

• Clinical (Doctor Office):

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians schedule appointments perform ultrasound or cardiovascular procedures, review doctors’ interpretations and patient files, and monitor patients’ heart rates. They also operate and care for testing equipment, explain test procedures, and compare findings to a standard to identify problems. Other day-to-day activities vary significantly between specialties.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Clinical (Doctor

Office)

• Echocardiographer• Cardiovascular Technician

• Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

• Electrocardiograph Technician

Employment Settings

• Education: Includes classroom instruction, curricula development, research, writing, administration, program management, and lecturing.

Teaching and research positions at colleges and universities require an advanced degree. Most other teaching positions require proper certification.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Education

• Administrator• Admissions Evaluator• Author/Writer• Career Counselor• College or University

Professor• Financial Aid Director• Guidance Counselor• Health Educator • Lecturer

• Primary School Teacher• Program Manager• Residence Hall Director• Secondary School

Teacher• Student Affairs

Professional • Text Writer• Medical Librarian

Other Occupational Settings For Cardiovascular Technology Majors

• Related Department Manager• Medical Equipment Sales Representative• Medicine Researcher• Cardiology Supervisor

Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want• Pursue an excellent

academic record• Obtain part-time,

summer, or internship work experience

• Volunteer with service and counseling organizations

• Become fluent in a foreign language

• Obtain a minor in an additional area of interest (i.E. Language, business, education)

• Develop strong writing and speaking skills

• Develop strong quantitative and statistical skills

Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want

• Become comfortable working with people from different backgrounds and cultures

• Secure leadership positions in campus or community groups

• Obtain teaching certification

• Shadow the work of a professional

Books And Web Resources

Books

Careers in Health Care by Mardinly Swanson

Web Resources

Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals http://www.acp-online.org/

Cardio Working http://www.cardioworking.com/

Getting Started in the Field of Cardiovascular Technology - http://www.articlealley.com/article_225282_36.html

Resources For More Information On Cardiovascular Technology

Department of Cardiovascular Technologywww.cas.sc.edu/cdvt/

Career Center Libraryhttp://www.sc.edu/career/Library/library.html

Cardiovascular Technology Related Websiteshttp://www.sc.edu/career/la/cardiotech.html

CAS Career Development Websitewww.sc.edu/career/cascdp/index.html

Career center contact information

University of South Carolina Career Center6th Floor, H. William Close Building (BA Building)Columbia, SC 29208Phone: (803) 777-7280On-call counseling without an appointment: M - F, 1:00 am - 4:00 pm (Summer and holiday hours may differ, please check the website at www.sc/edu/career)