Cardiovascular issues are very prevalent in America. Due to this, cardiac issues are among the leading causes of death. Every year, millions of US citizens succumb to death due to cardiovascular disease. The rough estimate of these deaths is approximately 695,000 people per year. Hence, medical professionals specializing in cardiovascular care are in high demand, including CVOR tech. 

The role of a CVOR tech is crucial in the operating room. This is why they are an invaluable part of cardiovascular surgical procedures in the OR. CVOR techs are highly qualified and trained professionals who are responsible for assisting surgeons in pre-op preparation, during the surgery, and for post-op patient care. They contribute to life-saving cardiac surgeries. Hence, the demand continues to rise. 

If you are considering a career in CVOR tech jobs, it can be very rewarding. However, it is necessary to understand the full scale of responsibilities, benefits, and potential challenges of the career path. Although CVOR tech jobs are very high in demand with career advancement opportunities, you must weigh your decision properly. So, let’s get going to understand what CVOR tech is and how you can become one.

What is a CVOR Tech?

A CVOR tech is basically a surgical tech job with a specialization in cardiac surgeries. Similarly to surgical tech jobs, they prepare the operating room before a cardiac surgery, ensuring a sterile environment and the right tools and equipment for a cardiac surgery. Although this task can be done by any surgical tech, CVOR tech comes with their knowledge of cardiovascular procedures that make them an invaluable part of cardiac surgical teams. 

CVOR tech assists cardiac surgeons in various types of surgeries. Hence, they must have an understanding of the different types of cardiac procedures. This is why the training and certification curriculum prepares CVOR techs for the following: 

• Cardiac catheterization
• Surgical valve replacements
• Cardiac bypass and grafting
• Transcatheter heart valve replacement
• Atrial appendage surgeries

What Does a CVOR Tech Do?

The primary responsibility of a CVOR tech is to assist cardiac surgeons before, during, and after surgery. However, the specific responsibilities may vary. What they do in a specific medical setting greatly depends on the facility and surgical team. However, some of the common responsibilities of a CVOR tech are as follows:

• Preparing the CVOR (cardiovascular operating room) before surgery
• Prepare the patient with preoperative care and transport
• Ensure a sterile environment in the CVOR before, during, and after surgery
• Organize and maintain surgical tools
• Operate specialized surgical and monitoring equipment
• Assist the surgical team during emergencies
• Monitor patient vitals and any abnormalities in their condition
• Transport the patient from the OR to a recovery room

How to Become a CVOR Tech?

If you want to become a CVOR tech, the path is very simple and structured. The basic requirements involve formal education and specialized training. However, there are some details that you have to consider before making your decision. So, let’s find out how to become a CVOR tech.

1. Obtain Necessary Formal Education

To begin your career in CVOR tech jobs, you have to first get basic formal education. This includes a postsecondary degree, diploma, GED, or any equivalent qualification in science-related subjects. Another highly recommended option is an associate or bachelor’s degree, as most employers prefer that. It also opens doors to more opportunities. 

2. Enroll in the CVOR Tech Program 

After the formal education, you need to enroll in an accredited surgical technologist or CVOR tech program. You can find many of these programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in community colleges, technical schools, and universities. They typically take around 9 months to 2 years. The goal of these programs is to prepare you for the certification exam conducted by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

3. Gain Clinical Experience

Before starting actual practice as a certified CVOR tech, they need to gain clinical experience. Many programs need clinical rotations to complete certification. You can start your career with surgical tech jobs and gradually transition into cardiovascular OR. This way, you’ll get the necessary experience required for the fast-paced CVOR environment. 

4. Earn a CVOR Tech Certification

Although you can start practicing after completing the CVOR tech program. However, it is better to get certified as it is highly preferred by employers. There are a few options available. You can go for the Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) certification offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Another very widely recognized one is The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), which offers the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential. 

5. Continue Professional Development

To ensure career growth, staying updated on the latest technologies and practices is essential. Hence, you can opt for further specializations and open many doors for career growth opportunities. Moreover, many employers prefer to hire CVOR techs experienced in cardiovascular surgery or other surgical specialties. Hence, gaining additional experience and certifications in this regard is always a wise choice. 

How long does it take to become a CVOR technician?

The typical duration for becoming a CVOR tech is around 9 months to two years. However, it depends on the program you choose. Here are the two paths you can take:

• Certificate/diploma program: If you want a shortcut, then getting a diploma or GED is your answer. You can get enrolled in these programs at technical schools or community colleges. This path typically takes approximately 9 months to a year to complete.
• Associate degree: Another option, which is highly recommended, is completing your associate degree. This way, you can get a more in-depth education and learn preferred skills. This path typically takes around 2 years and is offered at community colleges or universities.

CVOR Salary & Career Prospect

CVOR tech jobs offer competitive salaries and high job security. This is due to the rising demand for cardiovascular professionals. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected growth of all surgical assistants and technologists is 6%. However, with specialization in the cardiovascular sector, it is boosted even more. 

An average CVOR tech salary is around $117,846 per year. However, top earners can maximize their earnings up to $163,000 per year. This hike in salary is due to the specialization in the cardiovascular domain, which is highly in demand. On the contrary, a surgical tech salary only goes up to $83,150 annually. Hence, the job outlook for CVOR tech jobs is very promising, with plenty of growth opportunities. 

Future of Cardiovascular Tech Jobs

As per the above data, the future of CVOR tech jobs is very promising. There are several factors contributing to their rising demand. These factors include the aging population, rapid advancements in the healthcare industry, updated in cardiovascular medicine, and the prevalence of cardiac issues in the US population. However, making a decision to pursue a career needs some considerations. 

In the future, we see the rise in telemedicine and travel jobs. Hence, CVOR techs can expect to have travel job opportunities as well. To stay updated and search for the best CVOR tech jobs, consider collaborating with a healthcare staffing agency. 

Conclusion

CVOR tech jobs offer a great opportunity to work in a high-demand profession. The CVOR tech job is to assist cardiac surgeons and other medical staff in cardiovascular surgery. Becoming a CVOR tech is a simple process of completing basic education, training, and gaining experience. Afterwards, you’ll gain a certificate and you can start practicing. 

If you are searching for CVOR tech jobs, connect with a staffing agency to begin your career!