How to Become a Cardiac Nurse?

Ok, anyone that knows me can tell you how much I hate cardiac. I REALLY HATE IT! I find it so boring and I feel like its the same stuff over and over again. However, I realized some people might be interested in this field (blah!!) so here are some steps one can follow in order to become a Cardiac Nurse.


Cardiac Nurses work with patients suffering from heart-related ailments, such as heart disease, congestive heart failure or angina. Cardiac Nurses must complete a Nursing program and pass a national licensing exam.

Step 1: Research Cardiac Nursing Careers and Education Requirements

Cardiac Nurses aid patients suffering from heart disease and assist in the rehabilitation of patients who have undergone heart surgery. They may assist with surgeries, procedures or other interventions, and they provide education on management and prevention of heart disease or related conditions. Cardiac Nurses are registered nurses who have completed a Nursing program, the national licensing exam and additional training in cardiac care.

Step 2: Apply to a Nursing Program

Students who wish to pursue a Cardiac Nursing career can choose to earn an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree or a diploma through a hospital program. Diploma programs are becoming less common and students are increasingly advised to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Upon completion of a nursing program, students take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses to become licensed registered nurses, RNs.

Step 3: Gain Additional Training In Cardiac Nursing

Since cardiac nursing is a specialty area, Cardiac Nurses generally require additional training. Most employers require Cardiac Nurses to have Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification. To become certified as Cardiac Nurses, RNs also need a specified amount of clinical practice and continuing education hours. Various universities and organizations may provide training opportunities, including the American College of Cardiovascular Nurses, www.accn.net.

Step 4: Obtain Certification as a Cardiac Nurse

The American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC), www.nursecredentialing.org, provides certification in cardiac rehabilitation nursing and cardiac vascular nursing. Certification requirements include holding an active RN license, two years of experience as an RN and a minimum number of clinical and continuing education hours. According to the ANCC, certification could lead to career advancement and higher pay. The American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine, www.cvncertify.org, is another certifying agency for Cardiac Nurses.

Step 5: Consider Career Advancement

Many Cardiac Nurses continue their education and become clinical nurse specialists in the area of cardiac nursing. Clinical nurse specialists are an advanced practice specialty, which usually requires a Master of Science in Nursing degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, predicts that advance practice nurses will be in increasing demand over the next decade.