Starting a career as a cardiovascular technologist offers a highly rewarding and in-demand career in the healthcare sector. This career path plays a vital role in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. A career as a cardiovascular technologist is among the fastest-growing careers for medical technicians.

Cardiovascular technologists are medical professionals who work with doctors and cardiologists. They perform various diagnostic tests and procedures like EKGs, stress tests, and echocardiograms under the guidance of a cardiologist, helping to gather the necessary information for patient evaluation and treatment planning. Therefore, they carry out a variety of medical tests and procedures to assist doctors in precisely assessing a patient’s cardiovascular health.

It’s  important not to confuse Cardiovascular Technologist for a Cardiologist as they are two different career paths. A Cardiologist is primarily a heart doctor who makes medical decision and administer treatments while Cardiovascular Technologist assist cardiologists and other medical practitioners in diagnosing cardiovascular (heart) problems.

In the following sections, I will walk you through the steps needed to pursue a career as a cardiovascular technologist.

How to Become a Cardiovascular Technologist

1. Obtain an O’level Certificate

   To pursue a career as a cardiovascular technologist, you need an O’level certificate. This will give you room for further studies in the university and beyond. Additionally, you should have a good foundation in science subjects. You should have a minimum of credits in subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

2. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree

   You should complete a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in cardiovascular technology. You must ensure that the university you apply to is an accredited one. Additionally, the curriculum should comprise areas such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, medical ethics and patient care. This degree will give you the foundational knowledge you need to navigate your career.

3. Gain Practical Experience

   You can gain practical experience in this field through an internship. You can apply to a hospital or a diagnostic centre. This opportunity will enable you to have a real-world experience which will develop your skills. Additionally, it can enable you to have access to experts in this field that can guide you on your career journey.

4. Acquire Additional Certificates

   You can consider obtaining certificates in advanced areas of this field. You can obtain certificates such as registered cardiovascular invasive specialist (RCIS) or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). These certificates will validate your expertise in the field and enhance your credibility.

5. Develop Relevant Skills

   This career path is demanding one requires technical and interpersonal skills. You should build skills such as problem-solving skills, physical stamina, interpersonal skills, continuous learning and technical skills.

6. Obtain a License

   You need a license to practice as a cardiovascular technologist. To obtain this license, you need to fulfil the requirements which include education and experience. Additionally, you should ensure that you maintain the license by adhering to ethical and professional conduct.

7. Pursue a Master’s Degree

   You can consider pursuing a master’s degree. This will enable you to build advanced skills and enable you to have an area of speciality. You can specialise in areas such as cardiac care technology, cardiac catheterization, interventional technology, and sonography.

Areas of Specialisation in Cardiovascular Technology

1. Invasive Cardiology: These experts assist physicians in cardiac catheterisation procedures. Additionally, they use low-risk techniques to treat the condition of coronary arteries and other cardiac diseases.
2. Non-invasive Cardiology: Another name for this field is called Echocardiography. It involves conducting electrocardiograms (EKGs) and employing ultrasound devices to produce photographs of the heart. Furthermore, they check the heart chambers, valves, and arteries using ultrasound technology.
3. Vascular Sonography: Technologists specialising in this field are responsible for filling out a patient’s medical history and checking the patient’s pulse and blood flow by monitoring the circulatory sounds for anomalies. Additionally, they record critical information such as vascular blood flow, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, cerebral circulation, peripheral circulation, and abdominal circulation.

Places to Work as a Cardiovascular Technologist

1. Hospitals
2. Diagnostic Centers
3. Research Institutions
4. Private Practices
5. Government Health Centres

Universities in Africa that Offer Cardiovascular Technology

1. Cairo University, Egypt
2. University of Lagos, Nigeria
3. Ain Shams University, Egypt
4. University of Johannesburg, South Africa
5. Alexandria University, Egypt
6. University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
7. Mansoura University, Egypt
8. University of Cape Town, South Africa
9. Assiut University, Egypt
10. University of Monastir, Tunisia
11. Zagazig University, Egypt
12. University of Nigeria, Nigeria
13. Bayero University Nigeria
14. University of Ibadan, Nigeria
15. Assiut University, Egypt
16. Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
17. University of Sfax, Tunisia
18. University of Pretoria, South Africa
19. Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
20. University of Nairobi, Kenya
21. University of Benin, Nigeria
22. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
23. University of Ilorin, Nigeria
24. Jimma University, Ethiopia
25. University of Stellenbosch, South Africa
26. University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
27. Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria
28. University of Benghazi, Libya
29. Damanhour University, Egypt
30. Makerere University, Uganda

In Conclusion, starting a career as a cardiovascular technologist requires thorough training and education. As a result of the increase in cardiovascular disease around the world, this career is in high demand. However, you cannot embark on this career without the relevant skills and education. Therefore, you should ensure that you are well-grounded in this field to be able to become a cardiovascular technologist.

Good luck!

Click to discover an extensive list of local and international schools offering courses and programs in various career path