Aspiring cardiology technologists can receive training at community colleges, technical schools and 4-year colleges and universities at both associate and bachelor's degrees levels. After finishing a bachelor's degree, students may be interested in advancing their degree at a medical school.
Top 10 Schools for Cardiovascular Technology
Here are some schools that offer training programs for cardiovascular technologists:
| University/College | Location | Degree Offered | Institution Type | Tuition & Fees (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valencia College | Orlando, FL | 4-year, Public | Associate's Bachelor's | In-state $2,474; Out-of-state $9,383 |
| University of South Carolina - Columbia | Columbia, SC | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | In-state $12,618; Out-of-state $33,298 |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College | Milwaukee, WI | 2-year, Public | Associate's | In-state $4,589; Out-of-state $6,602 |
| Central Piedmont Community College | Charlotte, NC | 2-year, Public | Associate's | In-state $2,795; Out-of-state $8,936 |
| Tulsa Community College | Tulsa, OK | 2-year, Public | Associate's | In-state $3,349; Out-of-state $8,581 |
| Grossmont College | El Cajon, CA | 2-year, Public | Associate's | In-state $1,386; Out-of-state $7,196 |
| Howard Community College | Columbia, MD | 2-year, Public | Associate's | In-district $3,936; In-state $6,048; Out-of-state $7,248 |
| Santa Fe College | Gainesville, FL | 4-year, Public | Associate's | In-state $2,563; Out-of-state $9,189 |
| St. Philip's College | San Antonio, TX | 2-year, Public | Associate's | In-district $2,820; In-state $6,300; Out-of-state $13,830 |
| Thomas Jefferson University | Philadelphia, PA | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Bachelor's | $40,651 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
School Selection Criteria
These are some considerations for students choosing a cardiology technologist school:
- Students interested in specialty areas, such as invasive cardiology, non-invasive cardiology, or catheterization, should consider enrolling in programs that offer concentration or preparatory courses for certification in these areas.
- Students may want to look for schools with invasive cardiology and catheterization facilities, as they can help students get hands-on experience in such areas.
- Students interested in becoming certified by institutions such as the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) are encouraged to enroll in programs that offer preparation for certification examinations.
- Students may want to try to find schools that offer job placement services and networking opportunities that can improve their career prospects.
Associate Degree for Cardiology Technologists
As of 2012, an associate's degree is the minimum educational requirement for cardiovascular technologists. These programs can be completed in two years and typically qualify students for entry-level positions in the industry as well as certification through the ARDMS and CCI. Clinical experiences are commonly required.
Bachelor's Degree for Cardiology Technologists
Bachelor's degree programs for cardiology technologists can be completed in four years. Clinical experiences may be extensive, particularly in the final year. These programs require the completion of general education courses as well as advanced topics in cardiology.
Through accredited undergraduate degree and certificate programs at schools that offer hands-on training, students can get the education they need to earn certification and pursue entry-level work in the field.
