[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cardiac nurses play a vital role in healthcare and the lives of their patients. They help people facing life-or-death situations and patients with chronic ailments.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following guide explores the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/cardiac-care-nurse/how-to-become/”]cardiac nursing profession[/hen-ui-link] and duties, common work environments, pros and cons, and career data. Keep reading to see if this rewarding career is the right match for you.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Does a Cardiac Nurse Do?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cardiac nurses work under cardiologists and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/cardiac/how-to-become/”]cardiac nurse practitioners[/hen-ui-link]. They take on many tasks to treat acute and chronic heart conditions. For patients with acute heart failure, like heart attacks or cardiac arrest, they use tools like defibrillators. Cardiac nurses may assist surgeons with heart surgery as well.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These nurses may monitor and assess heart conditions for patients with chronic ailments. They carry out or help with various treatments, including the following:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Where Do Cardiac Nurses Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cardiac nurses find employment in many types of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, intensive care settings, medical clinics, and rehabilitative or long-term care facilities. Explore how cardiac nurses’ roles differ in these various settings below:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900 text-xl”]ICU[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cardiac nurses in ICUs may need to administer certain drugs or use a defibrillator after cardiac arrest or heart attack. They may use hemodynamic or telemetry monitoring, along with intracardiac devices like catheters and balloon pumps. Many cardiac ICUs also help patients recover after surgeries.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900 text-xl”]Hospital Cardiology Unit[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In these settings, cardiac nurses monitor patients’ heart activity and electrocardiograms, administer medication and other treatments, and educate patients and their families about their conditions.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900 text-xl”]Cardiac Cath Lab[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cath lab nurses monitor and examine patients before, during, and after cardiac catheterizations. They also administer medications and assist the medical team.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Cardiac Nursing: Pros and Cons[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If becoming a cardiovascular nurse appeals to you, make sure to evaluate the pros and cons of the profession before deciding to pursue this career.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become a Cardiac Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]BSN[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-adn-to-msn-bridge-programs/”]ADN[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A four-year BSN or two-year ADN prepares students to become professional nurses. These programs consist of didactic lectures and clinical rotations during which aspiring nursing professionals can practice their skills.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nclex/guide/”]NCLEX-RN[/hen-ui-link] to Receive RN Licensure.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every state requires registered nursing (RN) candidates to pass this exam, which evaluates their nursing knowledge and skills. Then candidates should apply for licensure from their state board.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Experience in Cardiac Nursing.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs can begin to work in cardiac nursing through entry-level roles. If they wish to pursue certifications, they need at least two years of experience, 2,000 hours of clinical cardiac-vascular nursing experience, and 30 continuing education hours.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Consider Becoming Certified in Cardiac Nursing.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Requirements vary by employer, but certification can improve potential employment and salary prospects. Candidates have several options for certifications, outlined below.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Advance Your Career With a Graduate Degree.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finally, nurses can move up in their careers with a master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) if they wish to become cardiac nurse practitioners.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Certification Options for Cardiac Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Cardiovascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), this certification evaluates nurses’ knowledge of cardiovascular assessment techniques and tools. Candidates must possess at least two years of full-time RN experience, at least 2,000 hours of work experience within the last three years in cardiovascular nursing, and 30 hours of continuing education in cardiovascular nursing within the last three years to qualify.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) offers this credential to nurses who provide care to critically ill patients after surgery. To qualify, nurses need 1,750 hours in direct care of acutely ill adult patients during the previous two years, including 875 hours in the most recent year. Those 875 hours need to be in the care of acutely ill adult cardiac surgery patients within 48 hours after surgery.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An alternative eligibility requirement is 2,000 hours in direct care of acutely ill adult patients within the past five years, with 144 of those hours accrued in the most recent year. Candidates must accrue 1,000 of their 2,000 hours in the care of acutely ill adult cardiac surgery patients within the first 48 hours postoperatively.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CMC credentials from the AACN suit registered nurses who care for acutely ill cardiac patients. Nurses applying for this certification can work in cardiac care units, ICUs, telemetry, and other medical settings. There are two eligibility options.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses need 1,750 hours in direct care of acutely ill adult patients during the previous two years, with 875 of those hours accrued in the most recent year. Within this requirement, 875 need to occur in the care of acutely ill adult cardiac patients.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The second option requires 2,000 hours in direct care of acutely ill adult patients in the previous five years, with 144 hours accrued in the most recent year. One thousand hours need to be in the care of acutely ill adult cardiac patients.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Basic Life Support (BLS)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The American Red Cross grants BLS Certification, which evaluates RNs’ CPR, defibrillator, and other life support skills. For this certification, registered nurses need to take training courses from the Red Cross or the [hen-ui-link href=”https://cpr.heart.org/en/?utm_source=google.com&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=AlwaysOn&utm_content=CPR&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6auyBhDzARIsALIo6v9QaXUxnn_wRyH3c2Ph3c8urQXEjcIM9Xw7NfLwQOeBSbMZ012T9asaAsg_EALw_wcB” target=”_blank”]American Heart Association[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This credential assesses nurses’ knowledge of life saving skills in cardiopulmonary emergencies. Their skills include resuscitation, bag mask ventilations, and other airway management techniques. Candidates must take a course to qualify for this certification.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Do Cardiac Nurses Make?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Cardiovascular_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]Payscale data from September 2025[/hen-ui-link], cardiac nurses earn an average annual salary of $88,646. Their [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/cardiac-care-nurse/”]salaries vary[/hen-ui-link] based on different factors, including location, years of experience, and facility.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of all registered nurses to grow by 5% from 2024-2034, which is faster than average for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About a Career as a Cardiac Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a cardiac nurse?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you pursue certification, then it can take 4-6 years to become a cardiovascular nurse. This timeline depends on multiple factors, like whether you pursue a two-year ADN or a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/four-year-bsn-degree/”]four-year BSN[/hen-ui-link] and whether you enroll in these programs full- or part-time. Aspiring cardiac nurses also need 2,000 relevant experience hours.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do cardiac nurses work with other healthcare professionals?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cardiovascular nurses sometimes work in teams with fellow nurses. They also work under the direction of cardiologists and heart surgeons, assisting these physicians with complex medical tasks.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can cardiac nurses prescribe medicine?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes and no — it depends on their education level. Cardiac nurses cannot prescribe medicine unless they’re cardiac nurse practitioners working in states that grant [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/np-practice-authority-by-state/”]full practice authority[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are cardiac nurses in demand?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the registered nurse profession will grow by 5% from 2024-2034, which is promising for a nurse in any specialty. Cardiovascular health also remains a particularly in-demand part of the healthcare system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports heart disease is the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm” target=”_blank”]leading cause of death[/hen-ui-link] for Americans — in fact, one person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much do cardiac nurses make?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cardiovascular nurses earn [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/cardiac-care-nurse/”]competitive salaries[/hen-ui-link]. Payscale data indicates that, as of September 2025, they earn an annual salary of $88,646. Their salaries may vary based on their years of experience, facility, and location.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]