Cath Lab Tech Certification Guide

A cath lab technician, or cath lab tech, is a specialized healthcare professional who works alongside cardiologists in the cardiac catheterization lab. Cath lab techs are the backbone behind some of the most advanced, high-tech, and life-saving cardiac procedures.

Cath lab techs assist in stent placements, ablations, angiograms, pacemaker placements, and additional cardiac procedures. They prep patients, operate advanced equipment, assist cardiologists, monitor patients, and much more.

General Requirements to Become a Cath Lab Tech

To get started in this field, you will need a high school diploma. Here’s what comes next:

• Apply for and complete an invasive cardiovascular technology (ICT or ICVT) program. These programs are typically associate degree programs or advanced certificate programs.
• Your ICT program will include classes in anatomy, physiology, diagnostic and interventional cardiology, and cardiac medications.
• ICT programs also include significant clinical training to prepare you for your first job as a cath lab tech. Here, you will gain real-life experience in the cath lab as you practice your skills.
• It typically takes two years to become a cath lab tech through an associate's degree program. Some certificate programs can be completed sooner.

After you have completed an ICT program, your next step is to obtain a cardiac cath lab tech certification.

Cath Lab Tech Certifications

While you do not need certification to begin working in all cath labs, certification is strongly recommended and is becoming more of a general requirement across the board. Certification sets you apart when applying for jobs and can be necessary to advance your cath lab tech career. Trusted requires that you have at least one of the following certifications:

Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)

The RCIS certification is a national cardiac cath lab tech certification showing dedication and commitment to your patients and profession. The RCIS exam is a three-hour, 170-question computer-based exam that tests your knowledge of cardiac catheterization procedures.

Cardiac Interventional Radiography

The Cardiac Interventional Radiography Certification is offered by the American Association of Radiologic Technologists, or ARRT. This national certification requires specific clinical experience, specific education, and passing a 145-question exam related to cardiac interventional radiography.

Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES)

The RCES certification is a national certification in the cardiac electrophysiology specialty. The RCES exam is a three-hour, 170-question exam encompassing the fundamental and advanced knowledge of electrophysiology.

Vascular Interventional Radiography (VI)

The VI certification is offered by the American Association of Radiologic Technologists, or ARRT. This national certification requires clinical experience, specific education, and passing a 160-question exam focused on the specialty of vascular interventional radiography.

Cath Lab Tech Licensure Requirements by State

Currently, 37 states require cath lab technicians to obtain state-specific licensure. Below is a state-by-state guide for cath lab tech requirements:

Alabama

• No additional state-specific licensure required

Alaska

• No additional state-specific licensure required

Arizona

• Temporary/Limited Permit: No. License needed for interventional radiology only.
• Initial Licensing Fee: $100
• Renewal: $100
• More Information: Arizona Department of Health

Arkansas

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $45
• Renewal: $45.00, Every two years
• More Information: Arkansas Department of Health

California

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $112
• Renewal: $104
• More Information: California Department of Health

Colorado

• No additional state-specific licensure required

Connecticut

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $200
• Renewal: $105, every two years
• More Information: Connecticut Department of Health

Delaware

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $50
• Renewal: $50
• More Information: Delaware Department of Health

Florida

• Temporary/Limited Permit: No
• Initial Licensing Fee: $45
• Renewal: $50, every two years
• More Information: Florida Department of Health

Georgia

• No additional state-specific licensure required

Hawaii

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $60
• Renewal: $60, every two years
• More Information: Hawaii Department of Health

Idaho

• No additional state-specific licensure required

Illinois

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $120
• Renewal: $120
• More Information: Illinois Emergency Management

Indiana

• Temporary/Limited Permit: No/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $60
• Renewal: Contact Indiana Department of Health
• More Information: Indiana Department of Health

Iowa

• Temporary/Limited Permit: No/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $100
• Renewal: $75, every two years
• More Information: Iowa Health & Human Services

Kansas

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/No
• Initial Licensing Fee: $60
• Renewal: $50, annually
• More Information: Kansas State Board of Healing Arts

Kentucky

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $100
• Renewal: $50, annually
• More Information: Kentucky Board of Medical Imaging

Louisiana

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/No
• Initial Licensing Fee: $100
• Renewal: $100, every two years
• More Information: Louisiana State Radiologic Technology

Maine

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $121
• Renewal: $50, every two years
• More Information: Maine Professional Regulation

Maryland

• Temporary/Limited Permit: No/No
• Initial Licensing Fee: $150
• Renewal: $161, every two years
• More Information: Maryland Department of Health

Massachusetts

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/No
• Initial Licensing Fee: $150
• Renewal: $150, every two years
• More Information: Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Michigan

• No additional state-specific licensure required

Minnesota

• No additional state-specific licensure required

Mississippi

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $50
• Renewal: $50, every two years
• More Information: Mississippi State Department of Health

Missouri

• No additional state-specific licensure required

Montana

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes. License needed for interventional radiology only.
• Initial Licensing Fee: $100
• Renewal: $75, annually
• More Information: Montana Department of Labor & Industry

Nebraska

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes. License needed for interventional radiology only.
• Initial Licensing Fee: $146
• Renewal: $146, every two years
• More Information: Nebraska Department of Health

Nevada

• No additional state-specific licensure required

New Hampshire

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $155
• Renewal: $155, every two years
• More Information: New Hamshire Board of Imaging and Radiation

New Jersey

• Temporary/Limited Permit: No/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $60
• Renewal: $90, every two years
• More Information: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

New Mexico

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $110
• Renewal: $110, every two years
• More Information: New Mexico Environmental Department

New York

• Temporary/Limited Permit: No/No
• Initial Licensing Fee: $120
• Renewal: $20, annually
• More Information: New York Department of Health

North Carolina

• No additional state-specific licensure required

North Dakota

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $150
• Renewal: $150, annually
• More Information: North Dakota Medical Imaging Board website

Ohio

• Temporary/Limited Permit: No/No
• Initial Licensing Fee: $65
• Renewal: $45, every two years
• More Information: Ohio Department of Health

Oklahoma

• No additional state-specific licensure required

Oregon

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: Oregon’s online licensure program calculates your initial license fee based on your birth month; click here for more information.
• Renewal: Every two years. Click here for more information.
• More Information: Oregon Board of Medical Imaging

Pennsylvania

• No additional state-specific licensure required

Rhode Island

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/No
• Initial Licensing Fee: $60
• Renewal: $60, annually
• More Information: Rhode Island Department of Health

South Carolina

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $50
• Renewal: $50, every two years
• More Information: South Carolina Radiation Quality

South Dakota

• No additional state-specific licensure required

Tennessee

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $110
• Renewal: Renewal fee is specified on your renewal notice. Click here for more information.
• More Information: Tennessee Department of Health

Texas

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $75
• Renewal: $64, every two years
• More Information: Texas Medical Board

Utah

• Temporary/Limited Permit: No/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $70
• Renewal: $47, every two years
• More Information: Utah Division of Professional Licensing

Vermont

• Temporary/Limited Permit: No/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $115
• Renewal: $175, every two years
• More Information: Vermont Radiologic Technology

Virginia

• Temporary/Limited Permit: No/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $130
• Renewal: $135, every two years
• More Information: Virginia Board of Medicine

Washington

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/No
• Initial Licensing Fee: $150, annually
• Renewal: $105
• More Information: Washington State Department of Health

Washington, D.C.

• No additional state-specific licensure required

West Virginia

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/No
• Initial Licensing Fee: $92
• Renewal: $60, every two years
• More Information: West Virginia Medical Imaging

Wisconsin

• Temporary/Limited Permit: No/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $60
• Renewal: $54, every two years
• More Information: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

Wyoming

• Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
• Initial Licensing Fee: $225
• Renewal: $100, every two years
• More Information: Wyoming Board of Radiologic Technologists

What Comes Next After Cath Lab Technician Certification?

Once you have obtained your initial certification, you will need to renew your certification based on the requirements of the issuing body. Generally, you can expect to pay a fee to renew your certification and complete continuing education requirements.

This will also be true for your state license if you’re working in a state with a license requirement. You can check in with the state board for their renewal requirements.

Now that you have completed your ICT program and gotten certified, it’s time to start looking at cath lab job postings! Cath lab technicians are in high demand and are needed in all areas of the United States.

As a cath lab tech, you are an integral part of a highly specialized team that performs life-saving procedures every day. This career path has its own unique set of challenges, but the rewards are great.

Cath lab techs are also able to take their skills on the road! Travel cath lab technicians are some of the highest-paid and in-demand cath lab techs and are instrumental in ensuring patients receive the specialized cardiac care they need despite local staffing challenges.

Start Your Travel Cath Lab Tech Career with Trusted Health

Embark on your journey in cardiac care as a travel cath lab tech. Trusted Health is here to guide you every step of the way, offering personalized support, streamlined job placement, and valuable resources to empower your career. Embrace the adventure and impact of traveling while providing essential cardiac care where it's needed most.