According to Job Bank Canada, Cardiac Sonographers and Cardiovascular specialists are in demand and employment growth will lead to several new positions. Whether you’re looking to get started in allied healthcare or establishing yourself in Canada as an international medical graduate, BizTech college cardiac program prepares you for work in a variety of health care settings.
Click here if you’re interested in career in cardiac healthcare or would like to specialize and expand your horizons for better career opportunities.
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Canada, about 158,700 (6.1 per 1,000) Canadian adults aged 20 years and older received a new diagnosis of ischemic heart disease. Specifically, about 63,200 (2.3 per 1,000) adults had a first heart attack.
Approximately 92,900 (5.2 per 1,000) Canadian adults aged 40 years and older received a new heart failure diagnosis. Professionals working in this field contribute to the well-being of other people by using specialized medical equipment.
What Are the Different Types of Cardiovascular Courses?
- Technology- Cardiovascular technologist programs teach students basic science, operation of specialized cardiovascular equipment, patient care, diagnostic techniques and rehabilitation processes.
- Sonography- This Course teaches students how to use sonography machines (ultrasounds) and how to identify heart diseases, defects and other cardiovascular-related conditions.
Scope of Practice
What Does a Cardiac Sonographer Do?
Cardiac sonographers work with doctors to assess a patient’s heart condition through the detailed images taken during an echocardiogram.
Common responsibilities and duties of a cardiac sonographer include:
- Performing echocardiogram tests to obtain important data about patients
- Looking at blood flow, valve function, and chamber size to determine the overall condition of the heart
- Assisting physicians in the diagnosis of patients with heart conditions
- Accurately recording patient data and test results
- Helping with administrative duties such as scheduling appointments or cleaning equipment
What Does A Cardiovascular Technologist Do?
Depending on the specific role, the job of non-invasive cardiology technologist can include the use of electronic equipment, such as:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) machines
- Holter monitoring devices
- Pacemakers
- Exercise tolerance testing
- Ultrasound/Sonography Machines
Invasive cardiovascular techs perform advanced procedures and require high training as it involves inserting medical instruments and devices into the patients’ body. Cardiovascular catheterization allows cardiac surgeons to administer critical diagnostic tests or treatments without more radical surgery.
What Are the Requirements for Cardiovascular Programs?
Cardiovascular program requirements vary widely. Requirements could include an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, with specific grade 12 English, math and science courses.
Graduate programs may require a previous bachelor’s degree, registration as a health professional in your area of specialization and/or specific work experience hours. International medical graduates need to have equivalency by Medical Council of Canada to secure a seat directly in the program.
Other requirements may include First Aid and CPR certification, or up-to-date immunizations. Be sure to check program requirements carefully before applying.
How to Get Certified?
As most health care professions in Canada are regulated, graduates need to get certified in the field by specific regulatory bodies:
- To become a certified cardiovascular technologist in Canada, you need to be certified by the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists.
- To become a certified cardiac sonographer, graduates need to be certified as Canadian Registered Cardiac Sonographer (CRCS) by Sonography Canada.
How Much Does a Cardiovascular Technologist Make in Canada?
The average wage for cardiology technologists in Canada is $27.63/hour. This wage varies based on where you are working. The average salary of professionals working in Ontario is $25/hour, Alberta is $35.83/hour and in British Columbia is $33.64/hour.
How Much Does a Cardiac Sonographer Make in Canada?
The average diagnostic cardiac sonographer salary in Canada is $71,497 per year or $36.67 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $71,497 per year while most experienced workers make up to $74,939 per year.
How To Apply for Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer Program?
BizTech College in Canada offers a Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program which is a unique program that offers learning in echocardiography and vascular modalities. Graduates are eligible to write exams for two credentials – Cardiac Sonographer and Vascular Sonographer by Sonography Canada.
Apart from didactic and clinical knowledge, the program includes clinical placements, which help them gain much-needed practical exposure in a real-life clinical setting. The program is designed to prepare students for the credentials mentioned above. Do you see yourself working in this rewarding career? Contact admissions to know about the program, career opportunities and more.