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.
Is this the career path for you? Let’s talk about the cath lab tech certifications you need to get started. We’ll go over the degrees and certificates needed and tell you everything you need to know about RCIS certification. Don’t forget to check out our Cath Lab Tech Career Guide and Salary Guide for more information!
General Requirements to Become a Cath Lab Tech
Now, let’s take a closer look at how to become a cath lab tech in the United States and what cath lab technician requirements are necessary. 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 (abbreviated as 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 invasive cardiovascular technology 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 Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist, or 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 Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist, or 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 Vascular Interventional Radiography, or 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 you will find Trusted Health’s state-by-state guide for cath lab tech requirements, with helpful tips and links to licensure information and employment opportunities.
Alabama
- No additional state-specific licensure required
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Alabama
Alaska
- No additional state-specific licensure required
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Alaska
Arizona
- Temporary/Limited Permit: No. License needed for interventional radiology only.
- Initial Licensing Fee: $100
- Renewal: $100
- More Information: Arizona Department of Health website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Arizona
Arkansas
- Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $45
- Renewal: $45.00, Every two years
- More Information: Arkansas Department of Health website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Arkansas
California
- Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $112
- Renewal: $104
- More Information: California Department of Health website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in California
Colorado
- No additional state-specific licensure required
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Colorado
Connecticut
- Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $200
- Renewal: $105, every two years
- More Information: Connecticut Department of Health website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Connecticut
Delaware
- Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $50
- Renewal: $50
- More Information: Delaware Department of Health website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Delaware
Florida
- Temporary/Limited Permit: No
- Initial Licensing Fee: $45
- Renewal: $50, every two years
- More Information: Florida Department of Health website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Florida
Georgia
- No additional state-specific licensure required
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Georgia
Hawaii
- Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $60
- Renewal: $60, every two years
- More Information: Hawaii Department of Health website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Hawaii
Idaho
- No additional state-specific licensure required
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Idaho
Illinois
- Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $120
- Renewal: $120
- More Information: Illinois Emergency Management website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Illinois
Indiana
- Temporary/Limited Permit: No/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $60
- Renewal: Contact Indiana Department of Health
- More Information: Indiana Department of Health website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Indiana
Iowa
- Temporary/Limited Permit: No/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $100
- Renewal: $75, every two years
- More Information: Iowa Health & Human Services website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Iowa
Kansas
- Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/No
- Initial Licensing Fee: $60
- Renewal: $50, annually
- More Information: Kansas State Board of Healing Arts website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Kansas
Kentucky
- Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $100
- Renewal: $50, annually
- More Information: Kentucky Board of Medical Imaging website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Kentucky
Louisiana
- Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/No
- Initial Licensing Fee: $100
- Renewal: $100, every two years
- More Information: Louisiana State Radiologic Technology website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Louisiana
Maine
- Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $121
- Renewal: $50, every two years
- More Information: Maine Professional Regulation website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Maine
Maryland
- Temporary/Limited Permit: No/No
- Initial Licensing Fee: $150
- Renewal: $161, every two years
- More Information: Maryland Department of Health website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Maryland
Massachusetts
- Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/No
- Initial Licensing Fee: $150
- Renewal: $150, every two years
- More Information: Massachusetts Department of Public Health website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Massachusetts
Michigan
- No additional state-specific licensure required
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Michigan
Minnesota
- No additional state-specific licensure required
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Minnesota
Mississippi
- Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $50
- Renewal: $50, every two years
- More Information: Mississippi State Department of Health website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Mississippi
Missouri
- No additional state-specific licensure required
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Missouri
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 website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Montana
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 website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Nebraska
Nevada
- No additional state-specific licensure required
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Nevada
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 website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in New Hampshire
New Jersey
- Temporary/Limited Permit: No/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $60
- Renewal: $90, every two years
- More Information: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in New Jersey
New Mexico
- Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $110
- Renewal: $110, every two years
- More Information: New Mexico Environmental Department website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in New Mexico
New York
- Temporary/Limited Permit: No/No
- Initial Licensing Fee: $120
- Renewal: $20, annually
- More Information: New York Department of Health website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in New York
North Carolina
- No additional state-specific licensure required
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in North Carolina
North Dakota
- Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $150
- Renewal: $150, annually
- More Information: North Dakota Medical Imaging Board website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in North Dakota
Ohio
- Temporary/Limited Permit: No/No
- Initial Licensing Fee: $65
- Renewal: $45, every two years
- More Information: Ohio Department of Health website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Ohio
Oklahoma
- No additional state-specific licensure required
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Oklahoma
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 website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Oregon
Pennsylvania
- No additional state-specific licensure required
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
- Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/No
- Initial Licensing Fee: $60
- Renewal: $60, annually
- More Information: Rhode Island Department of Health website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Rhode Island
South Carolina
- Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $50
- Renewal: $50, every two years
- More Information: South Carolina Radiation Quality website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in South Carolina
South Dakota
- No additional state-specific licensure required
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in South Dakota
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 website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Tennessee
Texas
- Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $75
- Renewal: $64, every two years
- More Information: Texas Medical Board website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Texas
Utah
- Temporary/Limited Permit: No/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $70
- Renewal: $47, every two years
- More Information: Utah Division of Professional Licensing website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Utah
Vermont
- Temporary/Limited Permit: No/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $115
- Renewal: $175, every two years
- More Information: Vermont Radiologic Technology website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Vermont
Virginia
- Temporary/Limited Permit: No/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $130
- Renewal: $135, every two years
- More Information: Virginia Board of Medicine website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Virginia
Washington
- Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/No
- Initial Licensing Fee: $150, annually
- Renewal: $105
- More Information: Washington State Department of Health website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Washington
Washington, D.C.
- No additional state-specific licensure required
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Washington, D.C.
West Virginia
- Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/No
- Initial Licensing Fee: $92
- Renewal: $60, every two years
- More Information: West Virginia Medical Imaging website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in West Virginia
Wisconsin
- Temporary/Limited Permit: No/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $60
- Renewal: $54, every two years
- More Information: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Wisconsin
Wyoming
- Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/Yes
- Initial Licensing Fee: $225
- Renewal: $100, every two years
- More Information: Wyoming Board of Radiologic Technologists website
- Explore Cath Lab Jobs in Wyoming
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 Invasive Cardiovascular Technology 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.
Sign up today to discover diverse experiences, professional growth, and the joy of making a difference in cardiac care.