Advanced Cardiac Sonographer (ACS)
Provides advanced sonography on an interdisciplinary team through education and clinical experience.
Pathway: Advanced cardiac sonography program or extensive ultrasound experience.
CV Team Pathway
The cardiovascular team includes nurses, nurse practitioners, PAs, pharmacists, technologists, and many other professionals who work alongside physicians to deliver excellent patient care.
Browse by Role Category
The CV Team spans imaging, advanced practice, therapy, and patient support — find roles that match your interests.
Imaging & Diagnostics (7 roles)
Cardiac Sonographer (RCS or RDCS)
Uses echocardiography to collect and analyze cardiac images for patient care.
Pathway: Cardiac ultrasound clinical experience with or without formal health science education.
Cardiographic Technician (CCT)
Works in EKG, Holter monitoring, and stress testing.
Pathway: Cardiovascular technologist experience or allied health training.
Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT)
Analyzes cardiac rhythms and implanted device data using specialized monitoring equipment.
Vascular Specialist (RVS or RVT)
Performs non-invasive vascular testing and assists in vascular disease diagnosis.
Advanced Practice (5 roles)
Nurse Practitioner / Advanced Practice Nurse
Provides advanced nursing care in cardiovascular settings — inpatient, outpatient, and procedural.
Degree: Master’s or doctoral nursing program.
Physician Associate (PA)
Practices medicine under physician supervision across cardiology care settings.
Degree: Accredited PA program (master’s level).
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Clinical expert in evidence-based nursing — direct care plus teaching, research, and systems improvement.
Degree: Master’s or doctoral; inpatient, outpatient, and educational settings.
Clinical Pharmacist
Optimizes medication use in collaboration with physicians, nurses, and patients — often in hospital or critical care.
Degree: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD).
Therapy & Rehabilitation (4 roles)
Exercise Physiologist
Designs and supervises exercise programs for cardiac rehabilitation and prevention.
Physical Therapist
Helps patients recover mobility and function after cardiac events and procedures.
Occupational Therapist
Supports patients in regaining daily living skills during cardiovascular recovery.
Perfusionist
Operates heart-lung machines and supports patients during cardiac surgery.
Support & Specialized Care (6 roles)
Registered Nurse
Delivers direct patient care across cardiac units, clinics, and procedural settings.
Registered Dietitian
Provides nutrition counseling for prevention and management of cardiovascular disease.
Clinical Psychologist
Helps patients and families manage the mental strain of cardiovascular illness.
Degree: Doctoral degree with supervised clinical practice.
Clinical Social Worker
Coordinates care, navigates insurance, and connects patients to financial and community resources.
Genetic Counselor
Assesses inherited cardiovascular risk and guides patients through genetic testing decisions.
Informatics Specialist
Applies data and technology to improve cardiovascular care delivery and outcomes.
Beyond Traditional Clinical Practice
Cardiology also offers paths in research, industry, and entrepreneurship.
Novel careers in cardiology
Explore unconventional paths inside and outside the clinic.
Entrepreneurship and industry
An insider perspective on industry careers for cardiologists.
Building a research career
Navigate clinical research, grants, and manuscript development.
Clinical trials pathway
Move into trial coordination, investigation, and principal investigator roles.
Growing on the CV Team
Formal credentials and leadership programs help allied professionals advance — explore ACC Professional Development and certificate options in one place.
