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Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician

What Does it Take to Be a Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician?

Position Description Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests. Includes vascular technologists.

Life As a Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician

  • Conduct tests of pulmonary system, using spirometer or other respiratory testing equipment.
  • Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
  • Transcribe, type, and distribute reports of diagnostic procedures for interpretation by physician.
  • Monitor patients’ blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to notify the physician if something appears wrong.
  • Activate fluoroscope and camera to produce images used to guide catheter through cardiovascular system.
  • Assess cardiac physiology and calculate valve areas from blood flow velocity measurements.

What Every Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician Should Know

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

  • Pulmonary Function Technician
  • EKG/ECG Technician (Electrocardiogram Technician)
  • Echocardiographer
  • Cath Lab Radiological Technologist (Catheterization Laboratory Radiological Technologist)
  • Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist

Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician Job Outlook

There were about 55,000 jobs for Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,500 new jobs for Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician by 2026. The BLS estimates 3,500 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician are Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Illinois, or Connecticut. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does a Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician Make?

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians make between $29,340 and $93,100 a year.

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Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians who work in District of Columbia, Oregon, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $51,090
Alaska $67,160
Arizona $58,080
Arkansas $49,680
California $72,960
Colorado $69,280
Connecticut $76,800
Delaware $57,740
District of Columbia $80,840
Florida $49,340
Georgia $58,120
Hawaii $58,760
Idaho $58,020
Illinois $60,500
Indiana $53,650
Iowa $52,700
Kansas $50,740
Kentucky $49,370
Louisiana $42,320
Maine $65,610
Maryland $59,820
Massachusetts $77,520
Michigan $57,760
Minnesota $66,130
Mississippi $42,330
Missouri $50,380
Montana $63,460
Nebraska $50,360
Nevada $66,640
New Hampshire $61,110
New Jersey $75,130
New Mexico $58,610
New York $63,690
North Carolina $66,320
North Dakota $60,640
Ohio $54,620
Oklahoma $43,770
Oregon $77,680
Pennsylvania $55,520
Rhode Island $73,380
South Carolina $58,850
South Dakota $49,700
Tennessee $48,050
Texas $54,550
Vermont $52,800
Virginia $61,720
Washington $60,180
West Virginia $35,660
Wisconsin $61,190
Wyoming $54,110

What Tools & Technology do Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • JavaScript
  • Web browser software
  • Word processing software
  • Database software
  • Hypertext preprocessor PHP
  • MEDITECH software
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • Practice management software PMS
  • Pyxis MedStation software
  • Information systems integration software
  • Diagnostic image review software
  • Internet or intranet image distribution software
  • Structured data entry software

How do I Become a Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician?

What education is needed to be a Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician?

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What work experience do I need to become a Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician?

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You May Also Be Interested In…

Those thinking about becoming a Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician might also be interested in the following careers:

Are you already one of the many Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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