Cardiac catheterization lab (cath lab) nurses work in the field of heart disease diagnosis. A nursing degree is the beginning of a cardiac cath lab nurse's career. A nurse wishing to improve credentials or increase job opportunities can get certified as a cath lab specialist.
Programs
Many programs prepare nurses for cardiac cath lab certification. Community colleges, such as Spokane Community College, offer these programs. The Mayo Clinic also offers a training program, and preparation courses are online as well.
CCI
RCIS certification is for nurses actively working in a cath lab. Cardiac Credentialing International (CCI) certifies Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialists (RCIS). CCI also places nurses on a registry list upon completion of the required examination.
Qualifications
Basic requirements for the RCIS examination is a high school diploma or equivalent, according to CCI. You will need to hold a nursing degree and have supporting documentation, such as educational transcripts or the completion certificate from a cardiac cath lab program. CCI also requires that you send it a verification of your employment in a cath lab.
CCI Examination
The CCI examination covers duties and tasks in the cath lab. You are tested on areas including pre-procedure, intra-procedure, diagnostic studies, interventional procedures and post-procedure functions. The cost, as of June 1, 2010, for certification is $350 and is valid for three years.
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Valerie Coleman has written online articles since 2004. She specializes in medical topics but has also written career and travel articles with her work appearing on various websites. She majored in business at Rogue Community College in Oregon.