What Is a CVOR Tech? Career Guide
A cardiovascular operating room (CVOR) tech plays a critical role in assisting surgical teams during procedures involving the heart and blood vessels. These professionals prepare the operating room, sterilize instruments, and handle surgical tools, helping make life-saving procedures a success. It’s a meaningful career that offers job stability, opportunities for growth, and competitive pay.
Wondering how to become a CVOR technician and the benefits of this career path? This guide has everything you need to know.
CVOR Tech: Career Snapshot
- Role: Assist surgeons during cardiovascular procedures.
- Duties: Handle surgical instruments, sterilize equipment, and maintain a clean operating room environment.
- Workplaces: Hospitals, surgical centers, and specialized cardiovascular clinics.
- Path: Complete a surgical technology program, gain specialty experience, and optional obtain certification.
- Timeline: Approximately 1 to 2 years.
What Is a CVOR Tech?
A CVOR tech is a type of surgical tech that specializes in cardiovascular procedures. They get the operating room ready, make sure all the tools are sterile and available, and help with patient care during the procedure.
Wondering what kinds of heart surgeries you’ll be helping with? Check out this list of common cardiac procedures you might be a part of:
- Coronary artery bypass grafting
- Surgical heart valve replacements
- Transcatheter heart valve replacement
- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement
- Left atrial appendage
- Cardiac catheterization
As part of the surgical team, you’ll work alongside a range of specialists. Here’s a list of the professionals you’ll likely encounter in a cardiovascular surgery setting:
- Operating room nurses
- Circulating nurses
- Scrub nurses
- Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs)
- Cardiac nurses
- Cardiovascular surgeons
- Anesthesiologists
- Physician assistants
What Does a CVOR Technician Do?
If you’re thinking about joining this specialty, it’s essential to understand whether the responsibilities match your interests and skills. Let’s break down what a CVOR technician does on a daily basis.
| Pre-procedure | During procedure | Post-procedure |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
How to Become a CVOR Tech
To become a CVOR technician, you will need formal education and specialized training. Let’s explore the key steps to start your journey into this specialty.
1. Finish High School
A high school education is the first requirement. You’ll need a diploma or GED to enroll in a surgical technology or cardiovascular technology program. Depending on the program you’re interested in, there may also be prerequisites to complete.
2. Enroll in a CVOR Technology Program
Enroll in an accredited surgical technology or cardiovascular technology program. These programs are offered at community colleges, technical schools, or universities, and they typically take 9 months to 2 years to complete, depending on whether you pursue a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.
3. Gain Experience
Building clinical experience is essential to get you ready to practice. You could start out in a general operating room and transition to cardiovascular surgery once you’ve gained some experience, or you might dive right into the specialty — it all depends on the employer.
If you decide to gain broad experience in various types of surgeries, here are some options to explore when looking for jobs:
- General surgery
- Trauma surgery
- Outpatient surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Transplant surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Urologic surgery
4. Get a CVOR Tech Certification
Getting certified is highly recommended and often preferred by employers. Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) certification, offered by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), is a great option for surgical techs working in the cardiovascular specialty. If you’re looking for a broader certification that gives you the flexibility to switch specialties, you can also consider these options:
How Much Do CVOR Techs Make?
The average CVOR tech salary in the U.S. is about $ 54,000 per year. You might make more or less depending on your location, education, experience, and work setting. Where you work can make a big difference, too. Check out these top five highest-paying states for surgical techs:
Want to know how much surgical techs earn near you? Visit our job board for the latest surgical tech roles and pay ranges.
FAQs: CVOR Technician
How long does it take to become a CVOR technician?
Becoming a CVOR technician typically takes one to two years, depending on the educational path. Here’s a breakdown of the timeline:
- Certificate/diploma program: These programs are offered at technical schools or community colleges and take about 9 months to a year to complete.
- Associate degree: This degree provides a more in-depth education and is typically offered at community colleges or universities and takes about 2 years to complete.
SCOR scrub tech vs. CVOR technician: What’s the difference?
The main difference between a surgical care operating room (SCOR) technician and a CVOR technician lies in their specialty. SCOR scrub techs work in various surgical settings, assisting in a wide range of procedures, while CVOR technicians specialize in cardiovascular surgeries.
What are the eligibility requirements for CCT certification?
What do you need for cardiovascular technology certification? When it comes to CCT certification, you have three qualification pathways:
| Pathway: | Requirements: |
|---|---|
| CCT1
Currently enrolled in, or a graduate of, a cardiovascular or allied health program |
One of the following:
|
| CCT2
Currently or previously employed in cardiovascular technology or an allied health field |
Employment verification letter that includes information about the dates, job responsibilities, and relevant clinical skills |
| CCT3
Completed a graduate or undergraduate degree in a science or health-related field from a recognized institution |
One of the following:
|
What are the benefits of being a CVOR technician?
The benefits of this career path include working in a specialized and high-demand field, contributing to life-saving surgeries, and having opportunities for career advancement. It also offers competitive pay, the chance to work closely with a skilled medical team, and the ability to make a real impact on patient care.
Looking for Great Healthcare Job Opportunities?
Whether you’re a CVOR tech or looking for a different healthcare role, IntelyCare can connect you with the latest job opportunities in your preferred specialty and location. Get started today and discover the right fit for you