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CARDIOVASCULAR  TECHNOLOGY

History

 

In December 1981, the American Medical Association (AMA) Council on Medical Education (CME) officially recognized cardiovascular technology as an allied health profession.  Subsequently, organizations that had indicated an interest in sponsoring accreditation activities for the cardiovascular technologist were invited to appoint a representative to an ad hoc committee to develop Essentials.  Interested individuals were also invited to join the committee.

 

The ad hoc committee on development of Essentials for the cardiovascular technologist held its first meeting on April 29, 1982, in Atlanta, Georgia.  Twenty-one individuals attended the first meeting representing the following organizations: American College of Cardiology; American Medical Association; American Society of Echocardiography; American College of Radiology; American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers; Grossmont College, El Cajon, California; American Society of Radiologic Technologists; Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers; National Alliance of Cardiovascular Technologists; Society of Non-Invasive Vascular Technology; American College of Chest Physicians; American Cardiology Technologists Association; Santa Fe Community College, Gainesville, Florida; and National Society for Cardiopulmonary Technology.

 

An initial draft of the proposed Essentials and Guidelines of an Accredited Educational Program in Cardiovascular Technology was developed as a result of this meeting.  Subsequent meetings were held to refine and polish the Essentials.  In September 1983, the committee members reached agreement on the Essentials.  The Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT) held its first meeting in November 1985 in preparation for its ongoing review of programs seeking accreditation in cardiovascular technology.

 

The following organizations initially adopted the Essentials and agreed to sponsor the JRC-CVT: American College of Cardiology, American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Radiology, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Cardiovascular Professionals, and Society for Vascular Ultrasound (formerly the Society of Vascular Technology and the Society of Noninvasive Vascular Technology). Subsequently, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine withdrew as a sponsor and the Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals and The North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysicology agreed to sponsor the JRC-CVT.  Currently, there are six sponsors of the JRC-CVT.

 

Description of the Profession

 

Cardiovascular technology is an allied health profession specifically focused on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cardiac and peripheral vascular disease.  The technologist performs examinations at the request or direction of a physician.  The technologist is proficient in the use of analytical equipment and sundry apparatus including placing such equipment on or into the patient, or placing the patient on the equipment, acquisition of diagnostic images, cognitive skills involving data measurement, professionalism for patient interactions, and knowledge of cardiac anatomy and pathophysiology.

 

Job Description

 

The cardiovascular technologist is qualified by specific technological education to perform various cardiovascular/peripheral vascular diagnostic procedures.  The role of the cardiovascular technologist may include, but is not limited to (1) reviewing and/or recording pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data; (2) performing appropriate 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 services.

 

Employment Characteristics

 

Cardiovascular technologists may provide their services to patients in any medical setting, under the supervision of a doctor of medicine or osteopathy.   The procedures performed by the cardiovascular technologist may be found in, but 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; (3) noninvasive peripheral vascular studies laboratories, including Doppler ultrasound, thermography, and plethysmography laboratories; and (4) cardiac electrophysiology

 

Educational Programs

 

There are 94 programs/concentrations in 56 institutions  throughout the United States accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).  For a complete listing, visit the CAAHEP web site and 'Find an Accredited Program'.