Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic, therapeutic, or research purposes. They conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests.
If you are a person who relies on external stimuli to be happy, such as people and your surroundings then seek an opportunity to become a cardiovascular technologist. Cardiovascular technologists and technicians are crucial members of a cardiologist’s team. They are experts who prepare patients and assist physicians during operations such as cardiac catheterization and open-heart surgery. They also monitor patients' heart rate, blood pressure, and lung functioning, and explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members. They analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment and maintain sterile operative fields.
A cardiovascular technologist's job is to play an important role in patient care. Though a formal high school education is a must, you can earn credentials with either a diploma in cardiovascular technology from a university, hospital, or clinic, an undergraduate certificate in cardiovascular technology, an associate degree in cardiovascular technology or a bachelor’s degree in cardiovascular technology. Subsequently, you can be trained on the job through an internship or job. You may also choose to attend a certificate program or earn an associate degree leading to a decent cardiovascular technologist salary.
As a successful cardiovascular technologist and technician, you will be a key player in helping cardiovascular consultants diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel ailments.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- M.Sc. Cardiovascular Technology
- B.Sc. Cardiovascular Technology
- Diploma Cardiovascular Technology
Tasks
- Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to notify the physician if something appears wrong.
- Monitor patients' comfort and safety during tests, alerting physicians to abnormalities or changes in patient responses.
- Explain testing procedures to patients to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
- Observe gauges, recorder, and video screens of data analysis system during imaging of cardiovascular system.
- Conduct electrocardiogram (EKG), phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress testing, or other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, or laboratory instruments.
- Prepare and position patients for testing.
- Obtain and record patient identification, medical history, or test results.
- Attach electrodes to the patients' chests, arms, and legs, connect electrodes to leads from the electrocardiogram (EKG) machine, and operate the EKG machine to obtain a reading.
- Adjust equipment and controls according to physicians' orders or established protocol.
- Check, test, and maintain cardiology equipment, making minor repairs when necessary, to ensure proper operation.
Progression Routes
READY FOR MORE?
Subscribe to any of our Premium packages and you'll unlock a wealth of extra information about your favourite careers and gain access our library of immersive 360° VR careers experience.
As a Premium user you'll find out more about the day-to-day demands of any career, what you could earn and, importantly, receive expert advice on study routes, preparation expenses, and where & what to study to fulfil your potential.