Technician Programs

Cardiovascular Technicians

Want to be on the forefront of medical technology, using sophisticated medial equipment to save lives? Then train to become a cardiovascular technician.

Cardiovascular Technician Salary Range
In 2002, the lowest 10 percent of cardiovascular technicians earned less than $20,920, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest 10 percent, including those who specialize in cardiac catheterization and echocardiography, earned more than $56,080. The median cardiovascular technician salary was $36,430 in 2002, according to the BLS.

Cardiovascular tech salaries also vary by work setting and specialty. In 2002, doctor-office salaries were $36,420, while hospital salaries $35,800. Today, cardiac catheterization technologists earn $46,064 on average, while echocardiograph technicians and electrocardiogram technicians earn $47,723 and $26,616, respectively, according to Salary.com.

Starting Cardiovascular Technician Salaries
The average starting cardiovascular technologist salary is $36,000, nationally, according to the American Medical Association.

Certification and Cardiovascular Technician Salaries
Certification or registration with Cardiovascular Credentialing International or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) can increase your cardiovascular technician salary.

Career Description
Cardiovascular technicians assist physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiac (heart) and peripheral vascular (blood vessel) ailments. Cardiovascular technicians can specialize in three areas: invasive cardiology, echocardiography, and vascular technology. Cardiovascular technicians who specialize in electrocardiograms (EKGs) are known as EKG technicians.

About 3 out of 4 cardiovascular technicians work in hospital cardiology departments, according to the BLS. The rest work in physician offices and laboratories, including diagnostic imaging centers.

Educational Requirements
Most cardiovascular technicians enter the field with an associate degree from a two-year community or technical college, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRCECT). Some also enter the profession with a bachelor degree from an accredited four-year college or university in order to increase their employment opportunities and earnings potential.

Graduates of JRCECT-accredited schools are eligible for certification by Cardiovascular Credentialing International in cardiac catheterization, echocardiography, or vascular ultrasound. Cardiac sonographers and vascular technologists also may obtain certification from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). This credential is not mandatory in any state, but can increase one's earning potential.

Use our technician salary calculator to review cardiovascular technician salaries in your region.