Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians work side by side with physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiac and peripheral vascular disease. Cardiac treatment involves work with the heart. Study of the blood vessels is considered peripheral vascular. Cardiovascular technologists and technicians usually specialize in three areas: invasive cardiology, echocardiography, and vascular technology.
Career Opportunities
Cardiology technologists focus on invasive cardiology procedures. They are often responsible for preparing patients for cardiac catheterization or balloon angioplasty. These procedures require insertion of a tube, or catheter, into a patient’s blood vessel. The catheter is then maneuvered towards the heart. These procedures can diagnose problems or remove blockage without surgery. Cardiology technologists also assist physicians during open-heart surgery or during pacemaker implantation. Cardiovascular technologists sometimes specialize in echocardiography or vascular technology. These technologists are responsible for noninvasive testing such as ultrasound. These tests require no insertion of catheters into the blood vessels. Their duties include performing ultrasound testing, choosing appropriate images showing damage or disease for reports, taking a patient’s medical history, and explaining the procedures to the patient. All reports are given to the physician for diagnosis. Vascular technologists, or vascular sonographers, work specifically with circulation disorders. Ultrasound is used to listen for artery abnormalities, determine blood flow, blood pressure, and other circulation issues. These tests are typically done during or immediately following surgery. Cardiac sonographers, or echo cardiographers, use ultrasound instruments to study the heart chambers, heart valves, and blood vessels. They create echocardiograms while patients are resting or physically active. They are also responsible for assisting physicians with more invasive procedures like transesophageal echocardiography. This involves inserting a tube through the esophagus to obtain ultrasound images. Electrocardiograph (EKG) technicians specialize in EKGs. Electrodes are attached to a patient’s arms, chest, legs, and back and electrical impulses made by the heart are traced. Readings are reported to a physician for diagnosis. EKGs are usually done prior to surgery or as part of a routine physical. Advanced EKG technicians perform Holter monitoring and stress tests, as well.
Necessary Qualifications
Most cardiovascular technologists and technicians are required to complete a two or four-year training program. Most candidates choose a program with a community college. The first year of this two-year program consists of classroom instruction. The second year focuses on specialized fields – invasive, noninvasive cardiovascular, or noninvasive vascular technology. Most EKG technicians are trained on the job. All technologists and technicians should have a pleasant bedside manner so as to put patients at ease. They should be reliable and possess mechanical abilities. The ability to follow detailed instructions is a must.
Salary and Advancement
Salaries range from $21,000 to $56,000 a year. Cardiovascular technologists and technicians typically work five days a week and forty hours per week. Some are required to be on call nights or weekends. Advancement requires a degree in another field.
*This is a summarized article created to allow for a quick career review. For the most accurate and up-to-date information visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor website to learn more about Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians.
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copyright 2005
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