Cardiovascular Technologist
Surgical Technician
Perform invasive, noninvasive, and peripheral examinations of the cardiovascular system at the request of physicians to aid in diagnoses and therapeutic treatments.
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
Types of Cardiovascular Technologists
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
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
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
Common Questions About the Cardiovascular Technologist Trade
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