Cardiovascular Technologist and Technician
What They Do:
CVTs 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.
Types of Positions:
Invasive cardiology:
Insert catheters during balloon angioplasty or electrophysiology tests.
Monitor patients’ blood pressure and heart rate during procedures.
Noninvasive cardiology:
Record/photograph ultrasound images for interpretation and diagnosis by a physician
Create echocardiograms.
Vascular technologists:
Evaluate and assess blood flow in arteries and veins.
Record vascular information.
Cardiographic technicians:
Perform electrocardiograms (EKGs) and provide results to physician for interpretation
Perform Holter monitoring and stress testing.
Qualifications:
Many cardiovascular technologists and vascular technologists obtain an associate’s degree after completing a 2 –year junior or community college program.
Most EKG technicians are trained on the job by an EKG supervisor or cardiologist in a 4- to 6-week program.
Credentialing is voluntary, but it is the professional standard and most employers require it.
What They Make:
The 2016 mean annual salary was $57,100 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Where They Work:
Hospitals, physicians offices, medical or diagnostic laboratories.
Career Outlook:
The demand for cardiovascular technologists and technicians is expected to grow by 22% between 2014 and 2024, creating 11,500 new jobs. This is a much faster than the average for all occupations.
Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292031.htm
https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/cardiovascular-technologist
Updated November 2018
