Cardiovascular technology programs teach students how to test people's
tickers -- their hearts. Students learn how to perform the tests used to diagnose
and treat people with heart problems.
Students can choose from different levels of cardiovascular technology
(CVT) training. Programs are classified as invasive or non-invasive.
Invasive CVT training teaches students how to use diagnostic techniques
that require piercing the skin.
"The term 'invasive' refers to the method of inserting small catheters
[tubes] through a needle into the blood vessels and into the heart," says
Dennis Carney. He is director of the cardiovascular technology program at
Spokane Community College in Washington.
For invasive CVT training, students must learn how to function in an
operating room. "Students learn to 'scrub,' to prepare the patient in
a sterile fashion prior to the procedure and act as first assistant to the
doctor during the procedure," says William Fisher. He is director of the program
at the Lancaster Institute for Health Education in Pennsylvania.
Non-invasive CVT students use diagnostic equipment that records information
without having to pierce the skin.
"The [non-invasive] procedure that takes the longest to learn is echocardiography,"
says Carney. "It studies the heart using sound waves to obtain images and
hemodynamic [blood flow] information about the patient."
Programs in CVT vary from one to two years. Students receive a certificate,
diploma or associate of science degree. Non-invasive technologies usually
require at least a certificate. Invasive technologies usually require a diploma
or associate's degree.
Some schools require or recommend a bachelor of science degree with
additional training in the health field. Others only require an advanced high
school diploma. Some programs also teach or require emergency first aid and
CPR training.
Most programs also have physical requirements. "Due to the techniques
used in testing, the technologist needs good hearing and vision," says professor
Suzanne Wambold of the University of Toledo. "Color-flow imaging is used in
cardiac and vascular -- thus the ability to identify red from blue from a
mosaic is important."
All cardiovascular technology programs combine academic theory courses
with labs and clinical application courses, where students work with patients
and doctors. Students study biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics,
pharmacology and English, along with specialized cardiovascular theory courses.
Accreditation is very important in the medical field. Students should make
sure the school they are considering is recognized by the Commission on Accreditation
of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Costs vary, depending on the length of the program. Students can expect
to pay for books, uniforms, lab fees and lab supplies. Some of these fees
may or may not be incorporated into the tuition cost.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Cardiovascular
Technologists and Technicians
ECG Library
Check out some electrocardiograms online
Heart Health IQ Quiz
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