Online Cardiology Diploma and Certificate Programs with Training Information

Cardiologists are medical doctors who must complete medical school and residency training before working with patients. However, students can find training programs to become a cardiology technician or technologist a certificate and associate degree program in cardiology technology. Due to the hands-on nature of the programs, online options are not typically available.

Overview of an On-Campus Cardiology Technician Certificate Program

An on-campus cardiology technician certificate program trains individuals to perform diagnostic cardiology procedures and testing at the request of licensed physicians. Students are trained to operate EKG (Electrocardiograph) machines that record the electrical changes that occur during and between heartbeats. Graduates of a cardiology technician certificate program are prepared to pursue national certification as Certified Cardiographic Technicians (CCTs) through the exam offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Certificate holders can find employment opportunities with doctors' offices, cardiology departments, hospital pre-admission testing areas and a variety of outpatient medical facilities.

Program Information

A certificate program of this type can usually be completed within one year. Courses incorporate both theoretical and hands-on instruction. In addition to specific courses in relevant topics to cardiology, students are usually required to complete a basic life support class providing them with CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification.

Common Coursework for an On-Campus Cardiology Technician Certificate Program

Course requirements for a cardiology technician certificate introduce students to basic concepts and procedures within the allied health profession as a whole, as well as providing focused study within the cardiology. Main topics include healthcare law and ethics, healthcare delivery systems, anatomy, physiology, EKG theory and medical terminology.

Medical Terminology Course

Students are introduced to frequently used prefixes and suffixes used in medical terminology. Instruction incorporates commonly used terms from each of the major body systems and presents medical abbreviations.

EKG Theory Course

This course discusses the basic scientific theory behind EKGs and cardiac rhythms. Students are provided with a general overview of cardiac anatomy and physiology. They gain the knowledge and skills needed to recognize cardiac dysrhythmias.

EKG Applications Course

This course trains students in the setup and adjustment of EKG equipments. Students learn to perform stress testing and Holter monitoring and to record vital signs. Methods of performing EKGs and assessing printouts are also covered.

Career Information

Cardiovascular technicians conduct tests and perform diagnostic procedures on pulmonary and cardiovascular systems as members of a medical cardiac catheterization team. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for cardiovascular technologists and technicians were projected to increase by 24% between 2008 and 2018. As of May 2009, the BLS listed the median annual wage for technologists and technicians as $48,300.

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Overview of an On-Campus Cardiovascular Technology Associate Degree Program

Associate degree programs in cardiovascular technology prepare students for employment as cardiovascular technologists. Students learn to perform diagnostic tests that can be used to diagnose, treat and provide follow-up medical care for patients with cardiovascular disease. Through hands-on lab opportunities, students become familiar with the sophisticated equipment and procedures used to perform the diagnostic procedures and intervention treatments. Both non-invasive and invasive cardiovascular methods are discussed.

Program Information

An associate degree in cardiovascular technology requires approximately 76 credit hours. This type of program can take up to five semesters to complete. Courses incorporate classroom instruction with lab components to provide students with hand-on experience in the field. While some programs focus on both invasive and non-invasive cardiology, others allow students to choose a specialty tract in one or the other.

Common Coursework for an On-Campus Cardiovascular Technology Associate Degree Program

Common coursework for an associate degree in cardiovascular technology incorporates courses in a variety of topics relevant to the field, including cardiopulmonary anatomy, cardiovascular pharmacology, and advanced cardiac life support. Some schools allow students to complete several of the pre-requisite or introductory courses online via distance learning. Courses offered online commonly include general education topics and theoretical topics, such as medical terminology.

Cardiovascular Patient Assessment Course

Students become familiar with the concepts and techniques used to assess patients, including inspection, auscultation, percussion and palpation. Basic ECG monitoring and laboratory values, such as electrolytes and CBC, are presented.

Non-Invasive Cardiology Course

This course presents the theory, rationale, performance, application and interpretation of non-invasive cardiology. Two-dimensional Doppler, auscultation, phonocardiography, and normal heart sounds are discussed. A laboratory portion introduces students to non-invasive cardiology through hands-on experiences.

Invasive Cardiology Course

Emphasis is placed on basic cardiac catheterization theory, protocols and application of angiographic procedures. Other topics include sterilization, patient assessment, cardiac waveforms, coronary artery anatomy and pharmacology.

Certification Information

Although professional credentialing is considered optional, the BLS reports that most employers are now requiring candidates to obtain certification. Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the American Registry of Diagnostic Sonographers (ARDMS) both provide professional credentials for cardiovascular technologists and technicians. Requirements for credentialing typically require candidates to complete an accredited education program and earn a passing score on the credentialing examination. Once professional credentials are obtained, technologists are required to maintain their certification by completing a set number of continuing education credits.