Get Your Degree!

Get information on programs from our featured schools.

What is Cardiovascular Technologist?

Cardiovascular Technologist degree holders know this is an exciting field of study within medicine that help patients and medical professionals diagnose cardiovascular issues.  Cardiovascular Technologists, also known as Vascular Technologists or Cardiovascular Technicians, utilize ultrasound technology in many cases to analyze the heart valves, chambers, arteries, vessels, and vascular problems of a patient.

Disciplines within the domain of Cardiovascular Technologists include a Vascular Technologist, Cardiac Sonographer, and EKG Technician to name a few.  The course curriculum for a cardiovascular technologist is heavy weighted towards anatomy, physiology, biology, medicine, and biomedical science.  The academic requirements are as important as effective communication skills for medical professional, especially those who are patient-facing.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$57,100

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

35.08%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

53,760

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Cardiovascular Technologist Degree

New York University was founded in 1831 and has since become an innovator in the field of higher education. It touched the middle class and raised a global perspective.  To help in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, the cardiovascular technologists use imaging methods such as ultrasound to diagnose vascular problems, heart conditions and other ailments involving the heart. The cardiovascular technology program at New York University is a part of its Department of Medicine. It involves an internship, which is a necessary condition for graduation.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Rutgers University is the United States’ eight oldest higher learning institution. For 250 years, it has been providing high-quality education in different professions all over the world.   It offers a program in cardiac sonography, preparing students to become full-fledged cardiovascular sonographers and join any team of medical management. Its program lasts 18 months and students will study under the guidance of highly skilled licensed physicians. The university offers Certificate in Cardiovascular Sonography as well as three other options.

Acceptance Rate

61.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of South Carolina-Columbia is a recognized premier institution in research and community engagement. Its courses have a competitive advantage compared with other higher education institutions.  Its cardiovascular technology interdisciplinary program focuses on the natural sciences and combines healthcare resources as well as academic and research facilities. This is a three-year innovation program, followed by intensive hands-on internships in hospitals accredited by the institution. Students will be guided by outstanding professors in their field.

Acceptance Rate

68.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Geneva College is a Christian higher learning institution affiliated with Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. It offers quality education at affordable fees.   In 2008, it opened its cardiovascular technology degree program for graduate students. The students work closely with cardiologists in performing diagnostic & therapeutic procedures. The program is graduate level which includes comprehensive training in electrophysiology.

Acceptance Rate

53.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

At Molloy College, students are trained not only with knowledge & skills, but also with values such as confidence, compassion, and innovation to help them make an impression in their lives and of the others in the global community. This institution is a private school centered on multi-dimensional education providing more than 50 academic courses. 

Its cardiovascular technology is a two-year comprehensive program designed to train students to use medical equipment used in the field. Its plans include providing experience in different medical environments, such as private offices, outpatient clinics and hospitals. Students will gain comprehensive understanding, knowledge, and techniques from cardiologists as guidance.

Acceptance Rate

77.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences was established in 1893 as a general hospital to provide treatment and care for sick and suffering people, and to become a training ground for employed nurses. In 1995, it opened the School of Health Education and has since been a leader in training graduates who are in a leading position in providing quality healthcare. 

Its cardiovascular technology program includes a certificate and an associate degree, both of which provide a way to join an entry-level career or a career as a cardiovascular invasive disease specialist. Both programs afford hands-on training and access to advanced simulation of learning. The classes are small to ensure the quality of teaching under the world’s finest members of the healthcare industry.

Acceptance Rate

78.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The University of Iowa is a pioneer among the state research universities. It is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state and is known for its excellence in science and art.   It provides a degree in cardiovascular technology with clinical internship opportunities that can be completed in its partner clinics or at work. This program teaches students how to operate equipment essential for diagnosing heart disease. Tools that are part of the instruction at the university include inteleflator, EKG and C-arm.

Acceptance Rate

82.55

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Bryan College of Health Sciences is committed to providing excellence in health science education. It is known for its excellent healthcare education, not only because of its facilities and resources, but also because of its high-quality teachers, the number of clinical hours required, and the low ratio of students to mentors. 

Its two majors in the Adult Cardiac and Vascular Ultrasound Program were the first courses offered in the state. The adult cardiac sonography concentrates on the heart’s function while vascular sonography focuses on ultrasonic examinations on various blood vessels. The students were trained in operational medical technology to assist doctors in diagnosing or detecting different heart diseases.

Acceptance Rate

71.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The 125-year history of Southern Connecticut University represents excellence, perseverance, and relentless pursuit of revolutionary change. Through their founded learning environment, Southern State University, everyone is welcome to redeem their identity and find who they are inside the school’s campus. 

At the University’s Department of Health and Movement Science programs, students will discover a vibrant course in different athletics, coaching, and training programs in the health department. These courses have been recognized by the state and are very suitable for students interested in sports and health sciences. For more inquiries, students will be provided with answers and consultations in order to reach and register for their courses.

Acceptance Rate

69.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

It is hailed as one of the most dynamic small colleges in the foothills of Georgia Mountains. Founded in 1897, it was originally a comprehensive liberal arts institution and the hometown of career-oriented professional students in different disciplines and fields. 

For more than ten years, the Piedmont Institute has found that the demand for cardiovascular technology experts has increased by more than 40%. With this in mind, Piedmont College (Piedmont College) took the initiative to launch individual training courses on the premise of cardiovascular technology experts. They offer four-year bachelor's degree programs and certificate programs in CVT, and there are obvious changes.

Acceptance Rate

53.98

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Northwestern Louisiana State University is a student-centered university whose mission and goal are to change the lives of many people through their assistance and plans. Beginning in 1884, the National University has undergone many transformations until it later expanded and became the top university today.

Students interested in the medical and health sectors can learn more about cardiovascular technology at NSUL. The institution provides a post-baccalaureate certificate in Invasive Cardiovascular Technology. Students participating in the program will have advanced certification in cardiovascular theory and invasive cardiovascular techniques.

Acceptance Rate

81.98

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The University of Bari emphasizes comprehensive education in its liberal arts curriculum and has academic advisors to assist students in formulating a timetable every semester to achieve personalized and professional goals. This is a Catholic institution that combines the faithful tradition of intellectuals with academic research. 

It offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Cardiovascular Perfusion, with an emphasis on acquiring relevant health skills. Its plan includes long-term support for respiratory failure, blood preservation, liver, lung, and heart transplantation, and separate limb perfusion to treat malignant tumors. Teach students how to use advanced cardiopulmonary technology knowledge in medical institutions.

Acceptance Rate

50.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Arkansas Tech University does not settle for overachievement. It continues to take on and inspire students to go beyond their limits and work towards their own limits to achieve their goals and change people's lives. 

With the university’s associate of applied science in cardiovascular technology-cardiac sonography program, students will be able to promote the wellness of patients, distinguish cultural and individual differences to respond appropriately in each aspect of echocardiography, and perform accurate echocardiograms. Another part of the course is an echocardiographic examination according to accepted standards. Through the medical skills and knowledge learned from this institution, students will be best able to determine the best path to their career.

Acceptance Rate

94.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Carnegie Institute is committed to scientific discovery. Its resources are dedicated to outstanding individuals, enabling them to explore the most controversial scientific issues without limitation.

Cardiovascular tech students will be exposed to non-invasive diagnostic cardiac ultrasound or echo, which produces video and digital image collections of normal and abnormal function and anatomical data. The training content includes cardiac Doppler, echocardiography, electrocardiogram and basic and advanced electro-cardiology. The institute also provides invasive cardiovascular technology, with a focus on assisting doctors in invasive diagnostic techniques.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

This is a hospital approved for its medical school, with high-quality medical procedures and advanced facilities that promote seamless understanding and education.  Admissions to the Mayo School of Medicine follow a simple process and clearly explain the different standards and admission types. 

The institution is a leader in medicine and health science programs, and provides a comprehensive cardiovascular intervention specialist program through its School of Medicine and Science. Students who are about to participate in this program will receive a 21-month program with the Rochester Community and Technical College. On the other hand, its courses cover various topics and practices related to cardiovascular technology programs.

Acceptance Rate

29.52

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

The mission of the American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education is to provide the best quality of education that is career-focused for students to be confident in pursuing a career or to improve the quality of their lives. The school ensures that the students are competent when they enter the workforce.  The Cardiovascular Technologist Certificate Program of the American Academy of Medical Sciences and Education will enable students to perform ultrasound diagnostic examinations, which may be a necessary condition for their employment. Students must complete 800 hours of clinical practice before graduation as part of their clinical practice. This kind of internship is essential to provide students with practical training in a real-time and work environment.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$32,250 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

It is the mission of ATI College at Norwalk to improve the lives of people through its comprehensive and high standards of education. To impart skills and knowledge to students to meet the changing needs and challenges of their chosen major.   Its Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Sonography with Concentration in cardio tech program is crafted to broaden Sonographers’ leadership skills. It has the basic management and clinical skills learned in other healthcare programs at ATI Academy. After completing the program, graduates usually assume job positions such as healthcare administrator, healthcare manager, healthcare service administrator, and diagnostic medical sonographer.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$28,825 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

30:1

The West Coast Ultrasound Institute will adjust its plans to maintain the competence, proficiency, and efficiency of its graduates in the professional field. With the current state of affairs, it provides online education in nursing, sonography and MRI programs.  Its associate professor of cardiovascular ultrasound science has been in office for 21 months. Students will be trained in the ultrasound operation of the heart and blood vessels to produce images of the heart and blood vessel system. After graduation, they will gain entry-level skills and knowledge to help doctors diagnose heart disease.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The Stautzenberger College in Brecksville is a top-notch college offering catering business, medicine and online courses. Its faculty, staff and center are recognized and recognized by the Vocational School and College Accreditation Committee and the U.S. Department of Education.  Students with the same interest in science and medicine will enjoy the rigorous training and learning at Stautzenberger College. It provides an auxiliary procedure cardiovascular technology, equipped with the intensive and extensive preparation required by the learner. In addition, SC's cardiovascular technology plan has been recognized and approved by different institutions and organizations.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

The Midwestern Career College is a career-oriented institution that provides students with technical expertise, professional support, and academic training to bolster their successful careers. Its faculty and staff possess the necessary expertise in the subjects taught.  Its cardiovascular technology degree pathway is a non-invasive program that provides applied knowledge, technical skills, work habits and general education to any entry-level person in the field. Upon completion of the program, students will have the knowledge and skills to operate an ultrasound examination or ultrasound examination center or be employed in the ultrasound examination department of any hospital. The basic skills students learn include how to operate the system, register patients, set up some appointments, and perform ultrasound procedures.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$11,420 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

At Oriental International College in Jersey City, the department is composed of scholars. The staff is committed to encouraging and supporting diversity and promoting excellence in teaching.   Graduates of the Cardiovascular Technology Course will demonstrate entry-level skills, behaviors and knowledge that emphasize the clinical and procedural functions of non-invasive adult cardiovascular technology that emphasizes non-invasive adult echocardiography. They will also gain knowledge about cardiovascular abnormalities, cardiac pharmacology, and cardiac anatomy and physiology. They will also be proficient and effective in non-invasive cardiovascular procedures in adult cardiography and vascular ultrasound.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Hohokus School – RETS Nutley is a for-profit school with leading courses in different subjects. It has a 100% acceptance rate and is known for its inclusive and diverse community. 

A career in cardiovascular technology programs is characterized by diagnostic exams and close-knit collaborative work with physicians and patients.The Hohokus School – RETS Nutley, offers a well-designed and outlined course in cardiovascular technologist for students in the medical field. This institution provides a bright future and pave the career path for students who will complete and pass the program.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Ramsey Eastwick College has revised its curriculum to focus on the skills and training required in its field of expertise. By replacing unnecessary general education with more compulsory courses, students can complete the courses earlier.  Its Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Cardiovascular Ultrasound is designed to pursue an applied science degree in the same major as students. The BS degree adds technical and management skills to increase career development opportunities to become a registered non-invasive echocardiography physician, cardiovascular technician, and vascular technician. It offers morning classes, which will take 36 months and evening classes which will run for 45 months.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The American Institute of Medical Technology is a higher educational institution that provides quality academic programs to aid students in their training and general education, career-focused education as well as professional skills. Its mission is to furnish students with individualized instruction with its contemporary technology equipment. 

Cardiovascular technologists play a crucial role in caring for patients. They need intensive hands-on training to complement the classroom instructions. At the American Institute of Medical Technology, the instructors are already seasoned professionals who are imparting their knowledge and skills to the next generation. Students are trained how to operate medical equipment essential in saving the lives of patients.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$28,100 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

30:1

Santa Fe Community College is found in Gainesville, Florida, and is part of the state’s public school system. For a few select majors, Santa Fe Community College offers bachelor’s degrees.  Associate degrees are available at SFCC for students who are not interested in transferring to a four year institution.  Career-oriented degrees such as Fire Science Technology and Legal Assisting are available for qualifying students.  Both degree tracks are intended to help make graduates more marketable to prospective employers. Meanwhile more traditional degrees in Architecture, Dance, Linguistics, Engineering, and Elementary Education are available to students seeking associate’s degrees. Four year degrees available to prospective SFCC students include, Early Childhood Education, Health Services Administration, and Nursing.  The bulk of the degree programs at Santa Fe Community College are two year degrees given the curricular design of the school. Located in the large city of Gainesville, next to the University of Florida, there are plenty of things to do in your off time. Gainesville is filled with clubs, restaurants, and other amenities that tend to keep students busy when they aren’t working on their academic careers. In addition, Santa Fe Community College has sports teams that carry a relatively large following. There are currently 21,030 students attending Santa Fe Community College, and in 2012 tuition was $2,167 for in state students. For out of state students, that number jumped more than triple to $8,169. Santa Fe Community College offers its students financial aid in the form of federal loans, work study, and pell grants in order to help offset these upfront financial costs. If you are interested in applying for Santa Fe Community College, all you need are your GED records or high school transcripts, and proof of in state residency to qualify for the lower, in-state tuition rates.  Visit with a school admissions officer today or complete the form on this page to learn more about SFCC.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Degree Programs in Cardiovascular Technology

Students seeking a career in cardiovascular technology and cardiovascular sonography, the choices are plentiful. From undergraduate certificate technician programs to bachelor's degrees in the field, students will have an array of programs to choose from. The key to finding the right program for you is to start with your personal priority list.

Knowing what is most important for you and your career will be a beacon to help make long-term decisions about your career in healthcare. Start by reading our Complete Guide to the College Admissions Process. A series of questions can be found on pages 3-4 to help you establish a working priority list. You can then begin to collect information from accredited colleges and universities found on this resource page before applying to college.

Certificate Program in Cardiac Technology

Certificate technician programs in cardiovascular sonography and cardiovascular technology are short-term programs focused on providing students with the essentials. Certificates provide students with foundational knowledge and basic skills to understand the interworking of a cardiovascular tech. Graduates from the cardiovascular technologist program can expect to find employment in an entry-level position or continue on with their education to earn a degree.

Associate Degree in Cardiovascular Technology

An associate degree in cardiovascular technology is conferred as an Associate of Science (AS). The program can be found in a schools course catalog as cardiovascular sonography or cardiovascular technician depending on the vernacular used. Associate degrees are 2-year programs for full-time students while part-time students will take longer to complete the program.

AS degrees combine general education courses such as history, sociology, psychology, philosophy, art, and math with core courses. Curriculum found in most programs include variations of the following: biology, business administration healthcare management, anatomy, physiology, physics, ultrasound physics, vascular sonography, and cardiovascular sonography. The majority of programs will culminate in a capstone course in the greater health science healthcare domain with an externship to help bring the academic concepts to life.

Bachelor Degree Programs in Cardiovascular Technology

Bachelor's degrees in cardiovascular sonography and cardiovascular technology are 4-year programs for full-time students. Degrees at this level are conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS) with a heavy emphasis on science and math. Students will have the opportunity to take a number of liberal arts courses coupled with core curriculum. Bachelors degrees will go deeper and broader than an associate degree which provides greater skills and knowledge in the industry.

Core classes will include classes such as medical terminology, algebra, ethics, anatomy, leadership, biology, physics, pathology, ultrasound physics, vascular sonography, management health science, cardiovascular sonography, adult congenital heart defects, degrees emergency management, and advanced vascular analysis. In addition to classroom lectures, students will participate in labs, seminars, and externships.

Externships will provide the opportunity for students to have hands-on training to help formalize academic theories. Examples of tests and procedures a student may participate in while in an externship include:

  • Bilateral Carotid Artery Duplex examination
  • Cardiac Resynchronization therapy
  • Pacemaker Optimization settings
  • Renal Artery Duplex
  • Aorto-iliac Duplex
  • Bilateral lower & upper extremity vein mapping
  • Transesophageal Imaging
  • Transcranial Doppler (TCD)
  • Bilateral Lower Extremity arterial
  • Venous Duplex examination
  • Bilateral Upper Extremity Arterial
  • Venous Duplex examination
  • Mesenteric Duplex examination
  • Venous valvular incompetence Duplex examinations
  • Strain rate / Stress Echocardiography
  • Echo Guided Biopsy

Cardiovascular Technician School Requirements

In terms of educational requirements, Cardiovascular Technologist degree holders will have typically studied the following courses while in college:

Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment & Cardio Tech Specializations

For students that earn a college degree in Cardiovascular Technologist, there are several fields of specialization that one can pursue. The options range from high school teacher, post-secondary teacher, researcher, genomics, immunologist, toxicologist, virologist, biologist, biological technician, biomedical engineer, microbiologist, medical scientist, epidemiologist, food scientist, surgeon, and nutritional scientist to name a few possible career tracks.

Salary Growth & Medical Jobs for Cardiac Techs

The job growth in the greater Cardiovascular Technologists domain is well above average.  For example, the rate of job growth for college professors is expected to rise 13% through 2024 and biomedical engineers an amazing 23% growth rate is expected during the same period.

Given the broad nature of the Cardiovascular Technologist degree, compensation after graduation can vary greatly from career field to career field given prior experience and geographic location.  Related fields include teaching, research, genomics, radiobiology, neuroanatomy, pharmacology, botany, medical scientist, surgeon, and microbiology.

Mean annual salary for cardiovascular technologists $57,100.  The top 10% average $89,450 a year with the bottom ten percent averaging $28,650 a year.  The industry is set to grow at a rapid 24% rate in the coming decade.  This job growth will translate to some 27,600 jobs in the coming decade providing ample opportunity for job growth and employment stability.

Top Job Duties of a Cardiovascular Technologist

In a recent survey performed by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), cardiovascular techs from around the country provided insight into their jobs.  The most common job duties of a cardiovascular sonographer have been summarized below to help you better understand the elements of the job.

  1. Managing comfort and safety of each patient before, during, and after tests
  2. Conducting electrocardiogram (EKG), phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress testing, or other cardiovascular tests
  3. Obtain & record patient identification, medical history, and applicable test results
  4. Explaining the results of tests and the testing processes to patients and family members
  5. Monitoring heart rate & blood pressure during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to detect abnormalities
Top Employers of Cardiovascular Technologists
  1. Medical and Surgical Hospitals
  2. Physician’s Offices
  3. Medical and Diagnostic Labs
  4. Specialty Hospitals
  5. Outpatient Care Centers
States with the Highest Employment of Cardiovascular Techs
  • Texas                   5,160
  • Florida                4,270
  • California           4,180
  • New York            3,110
  • Pennsylvania     2,850
Top Paying States for Cardiovascular Technologists
  1. District of Columbia   $79,150
  2. Massachusetts             $76,020
  3. New Jersey                   $73,870
  4. California                      $72,910
  5. Connecticut                  $72,240

Cardiovascular Technician Resources

The American Heart Association (AHA)
American College of Cardiology (ACC)
Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC)
American Society of Hypertension (ASH)
American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP)
Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals (SICP)
International Academy of Cardiology (IAC)
American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)
Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals (ACVP)
Society of Geriatric Cardiology (SGC)

Featured Rankings

Find Your College Match

Sort By
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com