If you want to work as a cardiology technologist, it’s clear that you need to be well-trained. This is a highly specialized and specific job that takes the right sort of person with the right sort of training to perform procedures successfully. Given the importance of the work they do, students studying to be a cardiology technologist in BC also need to be accredited after they are trained and before they get hired.
CMA Accreditation for Cardiology Technologist Schools
Institutions which offer cardiology technologist training in Canada must be recognized by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and accredited under their Conjoint Accreditation Services program. This program looks at key factors such as:
- Whether or not a training program is designed so students can attain the competencies specified in the profession’s National Competency Profile
- Whether or not a program protects the rights of students while supporting their educational interests
- Whether or not a program provides resources for students which are adequate to allow them to learn and attain their competencies
- Whether or not a program has effective management and a structure which facilitates education
- Whether or not continuous quality improvement is the result of the program’s evaluation process
- Stenberg College’s Cardiology Technologist program has met all of these requirements and the college has been accredited by the CMA for six years.
CSCT Accreditation for Cardiology Technologist Students
Once you have finished your courses at an accredited cardiology technician training institution, it’s time to get accredited yourself. The Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists (CSTC) provides a cardiology technologist accreditation exam for people who have completed their studies and want to work in the field. They also insist that all people with CSCT accreditation uphold industry standards when they enter the workforce.
The CSCT standards relate to ethics, professional accountability, quality of care and professional development. In accordance with these standards, an accredited cardiology technologist:
- Will not discriminate based on a patient’s medical condition, race, gender, ethnicity, creed or religion. They will provide services with dignity and respect for all.
- Will function within the scope of their practise. They will only take on additional duties they are qualified to perform.
- Will completely and accurately document all procedures undertaken.
- Will help educate students and other professionals while on the job.
- During procedures, they will ensure the safety of patients and fellow medical professionals.
- Will answer all patient questions to the best of their ability and direct the patient to resources where they may find additional answers. This is in accordance with the patient’s right to be informed.
- Knows that a patient’s right to privacy is of paramount importance. Disclosure of information is only an option when it is necessary for a procedure or required by law.
The full list of standards is available on the CSCT website.
Do you think you’re up to the task of maintaining the professional standards of an accredited cardiology technologist?
![An ECG demonstrates the extensive antero-septal-lateral myocardial infarction [heart attack] that Taryn witnessed.](https://stenbergcollege.com/wp-content/smush-webp/2022/12/ecg-1024x530.jpg.webp)
