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What does a Cardiovascular Technologist do?

Stacy Taylor
Stacy Taylor

A cardiovascular technologist works under a doctor’s direction providing assistance in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and vascular, or blood vessel, problems. A career in this field requires development of interpersonal skills for interacting appropriately with people who have life-threatening illnesses, and the ability to work with a wide range of tools and equipment. A successful candidate is professional, patient, understanding, and works well with people of all cultures.

A cardiovascular technologist performs a variety of administrative and service-related tasks. He or she explains tests and procedures to patients, monitors a patient's safety and comfort for the duration of the testing, and reports any abnormalities or problems to the attending physician. Other duties may include obtaining patient records and test results, maintaining cardiology equipment, monitoring heart rate and blood pressure, and recording diagnostic data using cardiology equipment.

A cardiovascular technologist may administer EKGs.
A cardiovascular technologist may administer EKGs.

There are four areas of specialization for a cardiovascular technologist. Cardiology technologists perform invasive procedures such as implanting cardiac catheters and inserting pacemakers. Echocardiography technologists work with cardiac graphic imaging equipment like the ultrasound machine. Vascular technologists assess blood flow irregularities and perform other, non-invasive vascular procedures. Electrocardiography technologists, or EKG technicians, collect diagnostic data for heart conditions by recording electromotive fluctuations in the heart with an electrocardiograph (ECG) machine.

A cardiovascular technologist may assist with the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.
A cardiovascular technologist may assist with the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.

Typically, careers for a cardiovascular technologist do not offer entry-level positions. Most cardiovascular technologists must complete a two- to four-year education program to receive an associate’s degree. Core curriculum courses offer cardiovascular technology, general and applied sciences, pharmacology, human physiology and anatomy, and medical instrumentation and electronics. After the core curriculum, attention is shifted to specialty areas like invasive cardiology, noninvasive cardiology, and noninvasive vascular studies, depending upon the student's chosen field.

A cardiovascular technologist may work with an ultrasound machine.
A cardiovascular technologist may work with an ultrasound machine.

Most states require certification before a cardiovascular technologist may begin to practice. This certification is obtained through Cardiovascular Credentialing International and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. Although there are some states that do not require this certification, many employers base their hiring on whether or not the cardiovascular technologist applicant has been certified through one of these organizations.

Cardiac monitoring may be done by a cardiovascular technologist immediately following heart surgery to track the heart's function.
Cardiac monitoring may be done by a cardiovascular technologist immediately following heart surgery to track the heart's function.

Employment opportunities in the cardiovascular technology field appear to be growing. Despite this growth, fewer EKG technicians are expected to be employed over the next few years because more hospitals are cross-training nurses and other health professionals to perform the same basic tasks. EKG technicians who have received special training in continuous heart monitoring, also called Holter monitoring, may have better prospects in health care careers than those who only perform basic EKGs.

Discussion Comments

Azuza

@starrynight - I had an EKG awhile back. I'm not sure what type of medical professional performed it though.

I will say that they were very personable. As the article said, I think this is important for this type of worker. Most patients are probably stressed out and nervous if they're getting testing done for their heart. If you can put them at ease, so much the better.

starrynight

I know there are a few other jobs related to the cardiovascular technologist job. My local community college offer cardiovascular technician training. It seems to be one step up from working as an EKG technician, but not as advanced as a cardiovascular technologist.

So even though there aren't entry level cardiovascular technologist positions, someone could start out as an EKG technician or a cardiovascular technician. I think this would be a really good way to get some hands on experience and network a little bit. It would also help someone figure out if they actually wanted to work in the cardiovascular field before spending 2-4 years getting a degree.

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    • A cardiovascular technologist may administer EKGs.
      By: nyul
      A cardiovascular technologist may administer EKGs.
    • A cardiovascular technologist may assist with the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.
      By: digitex
      A cardiovascular technologist may assist with the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.
    • A cardiovascular technologist may work with an ultrasound machine.
      By: Vladislav Gajic
      A cardiovascular technologist may work with an ultrasound machine.
    • Cardiac monitoring may be done by a cardiovascular technologist immediately following heart surgery to track the heart's function.
      By: sudok1
      Cardiac monitoring may be done by a cardiovascular technologist immediately following heart surgery to track the heart's function.