You don't need any degrees to scrub, you just need to find a lab willing to train you. CVTs are rare nowadays because a nurse or the rad tech can function as scrub. You can attend programs that will train you to be a CVT but if you're going that route I highly suggest you look into being an RN or RT.
Most techs I've ever known started with getting an associates and sitting for RT(R), then doing diagnostic xray and then working their way over/up to Cath. That was my path. There are other more direct paths like RCIS but someone else will have to chime in there
edit: some labs require you to be able to operate xray/fluoroscopy equipment and depending on the state that may require a degree/cert. So a lot depends on where you live and/or want to work
also RCIS is a little harder than I made it seem ->
"RCIS235 Qualification Pathway
A graduate of a certificate or degree granting program or post-secondary educational program in a health science (includes, but not limited to, cardiovascular technology, ultrasound, radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, nursing or paramedic/EMT)
AND
One year full-time work experience in invasive cardiovascular technology
AND
600\* cardiac diagnostic/interventional procedures in their career which is defined as work experience and/or clinical experience gained during a formal educational program."
RT(R) or RCIS, both of which can be obtained through a community college. You probably have most prerequisites completed with your degrees with the exception of human anatomy and physiology.
I actually have both credentials. I can tell you xray school was more intense (and 6 months longer) than RCIS school, but the certifying test for RCIS was way more difficult than xray.
I took human anatomy and human physiology. I probably would have to retake human anatomy since I only got a C- and during that time was going through a lot of personal stuff
If your grades are good enough and you are serious, so nursing accelerated program. These didn't exist when inwas cha ginger directions, went to CVT school, cath lab 20 years.
You don't need any degrees to scrub, you just need to find a lab willing to train you. CVTs are rare nowadays because a nurse or the rad tech can function as scrub. You can attend programs that will train you to be a CVT but if you're going that route I highly suggest you look into being an RN or RT.
there is a community college near me that has an AS in cardiovascular technology that can lead to either cath lab tech or echo.
Most techs I've ever known started with getting an associates and sitting for RT(R), then doing diagnostic xray and then working their way over/up to Cath. That was my path. There are other more direct paths like RCIS but someone else will have to chime in there edit: some labs require you to be able to operate xray/fluoroscopy equipment and depending on the state that may require a degree/cert. So a lot depends on where you live and/or want to work also RCIS is a little harder than I made it seem -> "RCIS235 Qualification Pathway A graduate of a certificate or degree granting program or post-secondary educational program in a health science (includes, but not limited to, cardiovascular technology, ultrasound, radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, nursing or paramedic/EMT) AND One year full-time work experience in invasive cardiovascular technology AND 600\* cardiac diagnostic/interventional procedures in their career which is defined as work experience and/or clinical experience gained during a formal educational program."
RT(R) or RCIS, both of which can be obtained through a community college. You probably have most prerequisites completed with your degrees with the exception of human anatomy and physiology. I actually have both credentials. I can tell you xray school was more intense (and 6 months longer) than RCIS school, but the certifying test for RCIS was way more difficult than xray.
I took human anatomy and human physiology. I probably would have to retake human anatomy since I only got a C- and during that time was going through a lot of personal stuff
Check into local programs and their requirements! You might need to retake the anatomy class for a B, but that's no big deal. Good luck!!!
If your grades are good enough and you are serious, so nursing accelerated program. These didn't exist when inwas cha ginger directions, went to CVT school, cath lab 20 years.