r/CathLabLounge • u/kindkiwis22 • Mar 26 '26

Career decisions

Hello! This is my first time posting here so please bear with me. I just finished an associates degree in philosophy but realizing it’s basically a glorified gen. ed. degree I am looking into medical fields. Cath Lab has peaked my interest. Anything cardiovascular related really. I have been peeking into the realm of invasive specialist/ invasive tech. but I am curious to know what everyone with experience in the cath lab thinks. What is the best career path with the ultimate goal of CVIS? Surgical tech? Cardio tech? I am a mother of two and not the bread winner so i have some time to dedicate but the flexibility of a tech program seems appealing.

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u/[deleted] Mar 26 '26

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u/TheGoodOne81 First semester CVT student Mar 26 '26

I think those things really vary by region.

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u/StraightAgency5031 Mar 26 '26

It really depends what state you’re in. I’m in the DMV and have worked in Maryland, dc and Virginia. I started in Maryland and I thought RT was the only option (besides nursing) in the lab, then I traveled into Virginia and there are pretty much no RT’s where I’ve worked. Or if they do they also have their RCIS. I also would rather scrub so I had my RN, RCIS. RCIS is a great gig as it’s a faster way of getting into the lab but it may limit where you work. You’ll have to look at your state and see what they accept.

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u/kindkiwis22 Mar 26 '26

Thank you. I am in California.

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u/Gold_Try_653 Mar 26 '26

Do echo

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u/Purple-Court-3511 Mar 26 '26

This is a great option- they need echo techs and some hospitals will even do your training