68N Cardiovascular Technologist MOS; Any tips about the course or the MOS in general?

2014-04-22T23:05:22-04:00

I am being retrained for this MOS and would like to know what is the army training worth in the civilian side? My understanding is that the course is over a year, just not sure how much of a help would that be to get a civilian job. Any tips about the course or the MOS in general is HIGHLY appreciated. 

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2014 11:17 PM

2014-04-22T23:17:37-04:00

I am interested in reclassing to this MOS as well. I have no valuable info, I'm hoping for tips as well. Good luck!

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2014 7:34 PM

2014-04-23T19:34:40-04:00

Upon completion of the course you will take the RCIS. which is a credential for cardiac invasive procedures. I just graduated from the course a few months ago. Did you see the army recruiting video? I was going through the course when they created it because it's a new MOS. It used to be ASI Y6. Youtube "army 68N". It's one of the few recruiting videos where the training/job were very accurate and probable

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2014 9:10 PM

2014-04-23T21:10:28-04:00

I used to be 4H, which is the AF equivalent of this MOS (actually, it's two Army MOS rolled into one, because we both work in cardiology and respiratory). Definitely take the civilian credentialing from Cardiovascular Credentialing International. I did, I got reimbursed by VA. Some units will reimburse you, unfortunately mine didn't that's why I researched further and found out that VA can reimburse me. It's not required to work in military medical facilities but it is required to work in civilian hospitals if you chose to work part time somewhere where you're stationed at. Hone your skills and earn the trust of your staff cardiologists (whether they're interventionalists or EP docs). Some of them choose to open up their own clinic when they get out of the military (most of the ones I worked for before did after they complete their minimum obligation) and offer you to work for them.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 2:57 PM

2015-08-20T14:57:23-04:00

Your military training will help you immensly when finding a civilian job. The only down fall for the cath lab is that some states require cath lab techs to have a radiology certification because of operating the C-arm. You could definitely find a job as an echo tech, you just have to be willing to relocate. I'm a cath lab tech on the civilian side. On the military side I used to be a 68W, but now am a 68J.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 4:06 PM

2015-08-28T16:06:38-04:00

Find a Sgt Carissa Lara she has this same MOS

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Aug 28 at 2015 4:24 PM

2015-08-28T16:24:31-04:00

The ARMY medical courses are superior to what you get in the civilian world, which means that when you leave the service there will be a job waiting for you. My advice is go for it, and think of the cholesterol filled bloods vessels of most Americans. Kaching.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2015 2:40 AM

2015-09-05T02:40:49-04:00

On the civilian side, invasive cardiovascular technologists typically work installing pacemakers, but they can work in a variety of roles. They often do much of the "dirty work" for a cardiovascular surgeon.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 10:58 AM

2016-02-14T10:58:08-05:00

I am looking to reclass into this MOS. I currently have 4 years in the Army Reserves as a 92F. Any information would be appreciated whether it be joining a reserve unit or switching to active duty. Thank you

Response by Cadet SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2016 11:33 PM

2016-04-11T23:33:04-04:00

I have some questions about 68N and future career options.
- Can this specialty segue into becoming a perfusionist?
- What other careers can this MOS lead me into as far as cardio and the medical field in general? and what careers have you heard people go on to after completing this MOS?
- Which is better active duty 68N or reserve (in your opinion)?
- Can this MOS get boring at times? Has this MOS tested your will to continue or switch to a new MOS?
- Is anyone currently in college and doing this job simultaneously? how are you balancing your time?

Response by SGT John Childs made Oct 25 at 2016 11:29 AM

2016-10-25T11:29:04-04:00

8 years experience, high volume top ten lab, large metropolitan area. Total compensation 130k. Phase II site was Madigan.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2017 1:09 PM

2017-08-08T13:09:41-04:00

I see this thread is over 2 years old, however, I am currently looking into reclassing myself, and 68N is on of the MOS' I am looking at. I'm curious as to if this information is still valid or if anyone has more information for me?

Response by CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern made Aug 8 at 2017 3:10 PM

2017-08-08T15:10:21-04:00

Mazin,

I was a Cardiopulmonary Technologist and Director of the Cardiopulmonary program at Bethesda, Md. The program taught techs to work in Cath Labs, Respiratory Therapy, Pulmonary Function Testing, Echocardiograms, Stress Testing, ECG Interpretation, and much more.

The Cardiopulmonary Program became the current Cardiovascular Program. The Program today is much different than the one I attended. Regardless, the program is highly desirable in the civilian sector, especially for working in the Cath lab and Open Heart Surgery. If I were you, I would call the school and ask them for a curriculum vitae.

I can tell you there is a great market for people who successfully finish the program, There are several accreditations you can obtain to be more competitive. Also, if possible get a BS. This program is one of the best in the military and in the civilian sector. There are many universities that offer degrees related to the Cardiovascular field.

Good luck...not everyone gets the opportunity to attend this school. It is highy competitive.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 10:05 PM

2018-03-07T22:05:51-05:00

I am looking into reclassing as well and i am at a loss i am offered 68N and or 68C i dont know which one would be more benificual if i were to become a civilan afterward

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 8 at 2018 10:43 AM

2018-03-08T10:43:45-05:00

You don't think hospitals in civilian life have something similar?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2018 2:58 PM

2018-04-22T14:58:02-04:00

I'm reclassing to 68N as well. I'm looking for good study materials so that way I can go in with a better understanding. I'm just needing answers on study guides for this class.