What to Expect

Be prepared to be overwhelmed at first. Cardiovascular technology students cover a lot of ground in not a lot of time.

"Future students should prepare themselves for an extremely intense, but rewarding year," says Jim Johnstone. He studied cardiovascular technology at the Lancaster Institute for Health Education in Pennsylvania. "At times, it will seem overwhelming, but you just have to keep looking at your goal and know it will all be worth it in the end."

Johnstone's schedule varied according to the day of the week. Monday through Wednesday, he learned in a hands-on clinical environment. Thursday and Friday, he attended classes and lectures.

He says he enjoyed the clinical rotations the best. That's because he got to interact directly with patients.

"What I [liked] best about the program is the large number of clinical hours involved in the learning process," says Casey Frey. Frey also studied in the program at Lancaster. "I have always learned best by working with my hands."

Some of the more difficult aspects of cardiovascular studies involve the need to think three-dimensionally about the body. "In order to understand blood flow and the anatomy and physiology of the heart, you must be able to visualize yourself within these structures," says Frey.

How to Prepare

"Take as many courses like anatomy and chemistry as you can before you decide to go through the program," says Amanda Monkman. She studied cardiovascular technology at Spokane Community College. "Not having to deal with those sure lightens the load when you start the cardiovascular stuff."

High school students might find these kinds of technical programs overwhelming. "Honestly, I don't think this is a field one should enter right out of high school," says Monkman.

"A couple of years in the real world would better prepare you for this. It's a great place to be, though. I love what I do and am very glad I decided to go through the program."