How to Become an Echo Tech

The field for Echo Cardiovascular Technicians is booming! Demand for echo technicians has increased due to the number of 'babyboomers' who are quickly becoming senior citizens and need medical care.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

1. Study mathmatics, English, health, and both physical and life sciences in high school.

2. Complete an accredited community college 2-year degree program in Cardiovascular Technology.

3. Check to be sure the program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology. Only graduates from these programs can sit for the Registry Exam, which is a requirement prior to seeking employment.

4. Take a course in medical terminology too if it's offered.

5. Gain experience as an EKG Tech while working on your 2-year degree program. EKG Techs only require a 1-year certificate program, and on-the-job training usually lasts 8-16 weeks. Working part-time as an EKG Tech is a great way to gain experience and make contacts with future employers.

6. Sit for the Registry Exam.

7. Register as a professional cardiovascular technologist with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonogrpahers (ARDMS), or Cardiovascular Credentialing International.

8. Apply for positions within cadiology departments, cardiac rehabilitation centers, ambulatory surgery centers; and both adult and pediatric cardiologist offices in private practice.

Tips & Warnings

• For more career information contact: Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals, 910 Charles Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.
• For a list of accredited programs in cardivascular technology, contact: Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology, 3525 Ellicott Mills Dr., Ste. N, Ellicott City, MD 21043-4547.
• For information on Registration and Certification requirments, contact American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) 600 Jefferson Plaza, Ste. 360, Rockville, MD 20852-1150.

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[chery0205]

on 1/10/2007 is there a web address for the joint Review Committe? There are so many programs out there? Is there an easier way to contact this oommitte for a list of approved programs?