healthcare

How to Become a Cardiac Nurse

Goodwork author

06 May 2025 — 3 min read

Becoming a Cardiac Nurse

Every 36 seconds, someone dies in the U.S. due to cardiovascular disease, making it the leading cause of death for both men and women across various ethnic and racial groups. Heart-related issues, including arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and hypertension, significantly affect cardiovascular health.

This article will cover:

What does a cardiac nurse do?
What skills are essential for a cardiac nurse?
What educational qualifications are necessary?
What are the licensing requirements for cardiac nurses?
What certifications are beneficial?
What is the job outlook and salary range for cardiac nurses?

What Does a Cardiac Nurse Do?

Cardiac nurses are essential members of healthcare teams tasked with caring for patients with cardiovascular conditions. These registered nurses (RNs) receive specialized training relating to the cardiovascular system, working closely with patients after heart surgery and implementing treatment plans. Cardiac nurses typically work in settings like cardiac care units, intensive care units (ICUs), and specialized heart centers such as the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic, both known for their cardiovascular care.

What Skills Are Essential for Cardiac Nurses?

In addition to knowledge of the human body, cardiac nurses require expertise in heart conditions. They must also excel in soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, organization, and teamwork. An analysis of recent job postings indicates high demand for technical skills such as:

Acute care
Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)
Catheterization
Critical care
Life support
Patient care
Pediatrics
Telemetry
Treatment planning

Cardiac nurses dedicate much of their time to informing patients and their families about treatment options and care pathways. Effective communication is crucial in this nursing specialty.

NURSE TIP:
"Not certain if the role of a cardiac nurse is the right fit for you? Connect with the Nurse Community for feedback from RNs across various specialties."

What Are the Educational Prerequisites?

To pursue a career as a cardiac nurse, you must first obtain RN credentials. Prospective nurses have several pathways to becoming an RN:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from an accredited nursing institution, typically taking 18-24 months, often at community colleges.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited college or university, generally a four-year program.
ADN to BSN bridge programs, allowing those with an ADN to further their education in 12-18 months.
RN-BSN bridge programs that help registered nurses obtain a BSN in about 1-2 years.

While a minimum of an ADN is necessary to practice as a cardiology nurse, most employers prefer candidates with a BSN. Those interested in academia or cardiology research should consider pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which also equips cardiac nurses to operate independently from cardiologists and other supervisory roles in patient care.

What Are the Licensing Requirements for Cardiac Nurses?

After completing your ADN or BSN program, you can take the NCLEX-RN examination. The exam features questions tailored to each nursing candidate's proficiency and area of specialty, allowing up to six hours to complete, including scheduled breaks. The NCLEX assesses knowledge, practical skills, critical thinking abilities, and problem-solving proficiency. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you are required to wait 45 days before retrying.

What Certifications Benefit Cardiac Nurses?

Although certification is not mandatory to work as a cardiology nurse, many employers prefer candidates who possess them. The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) provides various certifications, including:

Adult Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC): Aimed at nurses caring for critically ill patients after cardiac surgeries within the first 48 hours, applicable in surgical clinics and recovery units.
Adult Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC): A specialty for RNs providing care for acutely ill cardiac patients, beneficial for nurses aiming to work in cardiac care units or ICUs.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing Certification (RN-BC): Designed for nurses involved in rehabilitating heart patients post-surgery and assisting them in adhering to treatment plans.
Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC): A highly specialized credential for those working in catheterization labs.

The American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine (ABCM) also offers certifications across various aspects of cardiology care. Eligibility criteria differ, with most requiring two years of RN experience and 2,000 clinical hours within the last three years. Continuing education is also typically required for initial certification and future renewals.

What Is the Job Outlook and Salary Range for Cardiac Nurses?

The demand for cardiac nurses remains strong, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 6% growth in employment opportunities between 2021 and 2031. However, high demand does not always translate to increased salaries. According to Indeed, the national average salary for cardiology nurses is $58,911, with states like California, Illinois, Oregon, and Pennsylvania offering higher-than-average wages. Conversely, South Carolina ranks as the lowest-paying state, with salaries that can be significantly below the national average.

Top cardiac nursing positions include: