Interventional Technologist

Interventional – Vascular- Cardiovascular Radiographers

Cardiovascular- Vascular- Interventional Technologists

The exact responsibilities of this classification of radiographer will determine what job title they will assume. If they are working in the cardiac catheterization lab of a hospital or out-patient clinic performing cardiac catheterizations, they will be referred to as a cardiovascular technologist. Technologists who work in a hospital setting in radiology performing a variety of examinations from angiography to stent placements may be referred to as an interventional technologist. The post-primary certification by ARRT offered in this area is referred to as a vascular-interventional technologist. The following job descriptions will be wide-spread depending on the technologist’s specific function.

Cardiovascular-Interventional technologists use sophisticated imaging techniques such as biplane fluoroscopy to help guide catheters, vena cava filters, stents or other tools through the body. Using these techniques, disease can be treated without open surgery.

Cardiovascular-Interventional technologists use radiation to produce images to aid in the diagnosis and/or treatment of vascular disease or other abnormalities, such as coronary artery disease. They may inject the patient with a material that assists in visualizing the images produced.

Cardiovascular Technologist

The cardiovascular technologist performs diagnostic examinations and therapeutic interventions of the heart and/or blood vessels at the request or direction of a radiologist/physician in one or more of the following:

Invasive cardiology-Cardiac Catheterization
Noninvasive cardiology-Echocardiography
Noninvasive peripheral vascular study-Vascular Ultrasound

Through subjective sampling and/or recording, the technologist creates an easily definable foundation of data from which a correct anatomic and physiologic diagnosis may be established for each patient.

What are the job responsibilities of a cardiovascular-interventional technologist?

The cardiovascular-interventional technologist is qualified by specific didactic, laboratory, and clinical technological education to perform various cardiovascular/peripheral vascular diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The role of the cardiovascular-interventional technologist may include but is not limited to (1) reviewing and/or recording pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data; (2) performing appropriate clinical procedures and obtaining a record of anatomical, pathological, and/or physiological data for interpretation by a physician; and (3) exercising discretion and judgment in the performance of cardiovascular diagnostic and therapeutic services.

Cardiovascular technologists may provide their services to patients in any medical setting under the supervision of a doctor of medicine or osteopathy (MD or DO). The procedures performed by the cardiovascular technologist may be found in, but are not limited to, one of the following general settings: (1) invasive cardiovascular laboratories, including cardiac catheterization, blood gas, and electrophysiology laboratories; (2) noninvasive cardiovascular laboratories, including echocardiography, exercise stress test, and electrocardiography laboratories; and (3) noninvasive peripheral vascular studies laboratories, including Doppler ultrasound, thermography, and plethysmography laboratories.

How do I become an Interventional-Cardiovascular Technologist?

Educational programs may be from 1 to 4 years, depending on student qualifications and number of areas of diagnostic evaluation selected: invasive cardiology, noninvasive cardiology, or noninvasive peripheral vascular study. Prerequisites are generally high school diploma or equivalent or qualifications in a clinically related allied health profession. Radiographers (2 years) can continue with a bachelor’s degree and obtain interventional-cardiovascular certification which is the most common route.

Curricula of accredited programs include didactic instruction, formal laboratory experiences, and patient-based clinical instruction. Suggested areas of instruction in the core curriculum include an introduction to the field of cardiovascular technology, general and/or applied sciences, human anatomy and physiology, basic pharmacology, and basic medical electronics and medical instrumentation. Emphasis, following the core curriculum, is given in the specialty area(s) selected: invasive cardiology, noninvasive cardiology, and noninvasive peripheral vascular study. Both didactic instruction and clinical experiences are provided in these areas.

Demand/Salary

In 2007, the mean entry-level salaries as reported by the ASRT was $61,294. The demand is very good.

Links

Certification

American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

51 Monroe Street

Plaza East One

Rockville, MD 20850

Phone:301-738-8401 or 800-541-9754

Website: www.ardms.org or www.ultrasoundcareers.org

Cardiovascular Credentialing International

1500 Sunday Drive Suite 102

Raleigh, NC 27607

Phone:919-861-4539 or 800-326-0268

Website: www.cci-online.org

Career American Society of Echocardiography

1500 Sunday Drive/Suite 102

Raleigh, NC 27607

Phone: 919-861-5574

Website: www.asecho.org

Society for Vascular Ultrasound

4601 Presidents Drive/Suite 260

Lanham, MD 20706-4831

Phone:301-459-7550 or 800-788-8346

Fax 301-459-5651

Website: www.svunet.org

Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

2745 North Dallas Parkway #350 Plano, TX 75093-8729

Phone:214-473-8057 or 800-229-9506

Website: www.sdms.org

Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals

1500 Sunday Drive/Suite 102 Raleigh, NC 27607

Phone:919-861-4546