Cardiovascular Technician Programs in Tennessee

Cardiovascular Technician in Tennessee - How to Become a Cardiovascular Technician in Tennessee

A cardiovascular technician in Tennessee can also be called a cardiovascular technologist. These medical professionals serve a variety of roles. A cardiovascular technician can specialize in one of three different areas: invasive, non-invasive, and vascular technology. What a technologist gets to do will depend on which training they have undergone. For instance, a vascular technologist monitors the circulatory system, or blood flow. Non-invasive technologists can usually perform EKG's and stress tests, while invasive cardiovascular technicians can also assist with procedures like heart catheterization. Most cardiovascular technologists get a two-year associate's degree to prepare for their career, but some complete a four-year bachelor's degree program in the field.

There are even some cardiovascular technician programs in Tennessee that are one-year certificate training, but these are usually utilized by professionals already in the medical field who wish to add to their credentials or ability to perform more duties. In general, a cardiovascular technician in Tennessee will work with patients, taking medical histories, setting them at ease, and preparing them for diagnostic or monitoring tests relating to the heart or circulatory system. These tests can involve imaging, like ultrasounds. The cardiovascular technologist is responsible for maintaining and operating the imaging equipment. They must be able to read the images in order to assess whether more images are needed. Technicians may also need to discuss imaging or other test results with the primary physicians and communicate well in writing with them.

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) grants accreditation to cardiovascular technician programs in Tennessee. Northeast State Community College in Blountville, Tennessee offers an accredited associate's degree in cardiovascular technology, with a choice of two concentrations, Adult Echocardiography and Invasive Cardiovascular Technology. Though there are other programs in the state to become a cardiovascular technician in Tennessee, this is the only one verified by the CAAHEP. Clinical experience through school or volunteer work will make it easier to get the jobs for which you are applying.

The job outlook for cardiovascular technologists is excellent. Job opportunities are expected to grow by twenty-nine percent by 2020. This is fifteen percent higher than the expected growth across all occupations. A cardiovascular technician in Tennessee makes an average salary of $47,360 each year, which is lower than the national mean annual wage of $52,160. However, the pay is still very good for a position which requires only an associate's degree. With rising job opportunities and a solid pay scale, this an excellent profession to get into the medical field in Tennessee with limited education requirements.

Cardiovascular Technician Schools Near You & Online in Tennessee