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What is a CVIS?
Invasive cardiology is an exciting and challenging career involving highly sophisticated equipment to create images that aid physicians in diagnosing cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease. Cardiovascular technologists who perform invasive procedures are called cardiovascular invasive specialists. They assist physicians with cardiac catheterization procedures in which a small tube, or catheter, is guided through the patient's blood vessels into the heart. This procedure can determine if a blockage exists in the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle and can help diagnose other problems. Part of the procedure may involve balloon angioplasty or stenting, which treat blockages of blood vessels or heart valves, without the need for heart surgery. Cardiovascular invasive specialists also prepare patients for cardiac catheterization and interventions, and monitor blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) equipment during procedures and the implantation of pacemakers.
Career Opportunities:
Nationwide there is a high clinical need for cardiovascular invasive specialists. More than 2,100 cardiac catheterization laboratories and more than 600 electrophysiology/pacemaker laboratories operate in the United States today. About eight of 10 jobs are hospital-based. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of cardiovascular technologists is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through the year 2010. Growth will occur as the population ages, because older people have a higher incidence of heart problems.
Earning Potential:
Starting salaries for the cardiovascular technologists average $37,000 + annually. Salary depends upon location and employer.
Program/Degree Options:
RCTC's Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist is an Associate in Applied Science degree. Graduates of the CVIS program are also awarded a Certificate of Completion by Mayo School of Health Sciences.
Visit Mayo School of Health Sciences Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist Career Overview website for information about this program.
or see the RCTC Program Overviews.
Contact Information:
Rochester Community and Technical College
851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904-4999
Contact Info: (507) 285-7210 or 1-800-247-1296 / TTY Relay 1-800-627-3529
RCTC is a University Center Rochester partner and a member of the MnSCU system.
© 2007 Rochester Community and Technical College, All rights reserved.
RCTC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer.
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