Cardiovascular Technologist

    Surgical Technician

    CIP Name: Cardiovascular Technologist|CIP Code: 51.0901
    SOC Codes: 25-1071, 29-2031

    Perform invasive, noninvasive, and peripheral examinations of the cardiovascular system at the request of physicians to aid in diagnoses and therapeutic treatments.

    $86K
    Median Salary
    +10.15%
    Job Growth
    6mo-2.5yr
    Training
    15.6K
    Jobs/Year

    What Cardiovascular Technologists Do

    Perform invasive, noninvasive, and peripheral examinations of the cardiovascular system at the request of physicians to aid in diagnoses and therapeutic treatments.

    Common Tasks

    Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

    • 1Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
    • 2Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
    • 3Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
    • 4Supervise laboratory sessions.
    • 5Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.

    What You'll Learn

    reviewing and recording patient histories and clinical datapatient careinvestigative and examination proceduresdiagnostic proceduresdata analysis and documentationphysician consultationequipment operation and monitoringprofessional standards and ethics

    Types of Cardiovascular Technologists

    Assistant ProfessorAssociate ProfessorClinical ProfessorInstructorLecturerOccupational Therapy ProfessorPharmacology ProfessorPhysical Therapy ProfessorProfessorPublic Health ProfessorCardiac Cath Lab Technologist (Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Technologist)Cardiac Catheterization TechnicianCardiac TechnicianCardio Tech (Cardiovascular Technician)Cardiology TechnicianCardiopulmonary TechnicianCardiovascular Technologist (CVT)Electrocardiogram Technician (EKG Tech)Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Hospitals
    • • Cardiac catheterization labs
    • • Outpatient cardiology clinics
    • • Diagnostic imaging centers
    • • Pulmonary function labs

    Schedule

    Most work full time on a set schedule, but many roles include early starts, on-call coverage, or occasional evenings/weekends due to time-sensitive procedures.

    Physical Demands

    The job involves a mix of standing and sitting, frequent handling of equipment, and repetitive motions during testing and monitoring. You may need to bend or twist often and stay alert under high time pressure while ensuring patient safety.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $86,440
    $44,829$108,908+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $44,829
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $60,434
    Median
    50th percentile
    $86,440
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $133,763
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $108,908+

    National Employment: 354,300 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    An aging population and higher rates of heart and vascular disease can increase the need for diagnostic testing and monitoring. Expanded use of noninvasive imaging and cardiac procedures in hospitals and outpatient centers can also drive hiring.

    Skills You'll Need

    Patient communication and calming anxious patientsAttention to detail in measurements and documentationOperation of EKG, stress test, and imaging equipmentClinical judgment and rapid response to abnormal findingsInfection control and patient safety practicesManual dexterity and comfort handling medical devicesTeamwork with physicians and nurses in procedure settingsBasic data analysis and accurate recordkeeping

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Direct impact on patient diagnosis and treatment
    • Strong pay for an allied health role
    • Work uses advanced medical technology
    • Variety of specialties (EKG, echo, cath lab, vascular)
    • Clear pathways to certifications and advancement

    Cons

    • High time pressure and responsibility during procedures
    • Physical strain from standing, bending, and repetitive tasks
    • Exposure to bodily fluids and infectious risks
    • On-call, weekend, or holiday shifts in some settings
    • Emotionally challenging patients and urgent cases
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Cardiovascular Technologist Trade

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