Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Career summary

Cardiovascular technologists, depending on their training, may also be called invasive cardiovascular specialists, cardiology technologists, echocardiographers, electrocardiograph technicians, cardiac monitor technicians or vascular technologists.

#review 3/26/19 lh

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians do the following tasks:

• Monitor video screens and gauges
• Measure blood flow rates
• Assess how the heart and its systems are working
• Compare data to healthy heart data
• Answer patient questions
• Convey information to doctors
• Document test results in patient records

Technologists

Cardiovascular technologists conduct tests on patients' hearts and blood vessels. Some testing procedures require inserting small tubes, called catheters, into patients. Other tests, such as ultrasound, are done externally.

Technologists help prepare patients for these tests and procedures. They explain the tests to patients. If tubes will be inserted, they shave and clean the area where the tubes will go. They apply anesthesia to the skin. They help doctors insert a small tube into the body. They activate the scope and camera that doctors use to guide the tube through the body. During these tests, they monitor patients' blood pressure and watch the heart's activity. They also monitor patients during open heart surgery and other heart procedures.

Technologists who use ultrasound on the heart are called echocardiographers. Ultrasound instruments record how blood vessels are working. The ultrasound wand sends out sound waves and collects the echoes to form an image on a screen. Technologists position the wand so it is over the heart. They adjust the amount and quality of the sound waves to improve the images.

Technicians

Cardiovascular technicians who conduct electrocardiograms (EKG) tests are called electrocardiograph technicians. An EKG machine traces the rhythm of the heart. To run EKG tests, technicians put electrodes on patients' chests, arms, and legs. They monitor the equipment as the test proceeds.

Some EKG tests are run while patients exercise on a treadmill. Technicians control the speed of the treadmill. They may fit some patients with portable heart monitors. Technicians provide the data from this test to doctors.

Related careers

This career is part of the Health Science cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Medical Assistants
• Medical Sonographers
• Nuclear Medicine Technologists
• Ophthalmic Technicians
• Pharmacy Technicians
• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Radiation Therapists
• Radiologic Technologists
• Respiratory Therapists
• Surgical Technologists

Military careers

• Cardiopulmonary and EEG Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to cardiovascular technologists and technicians.

• Monitor patients' blood pressure, heart rate, and comfort during medical tests and procedures.
• Prepare and position patients for testing. Explain procedures to them, answering any questions.
• Record variations in action of heart muscle, using electrocardiograph (EKG).
• Review test results with physician.
• Observe gauges and video screens of data analysis systems, during tests of cardiovascular system.
• Assist surgeons with procedures such as preparing balloons and stents.
• Operate equipment that measures and records heart activity.
• Explain test procedures to patients to reduce their anxiety.
• Record test results and other data in patients' records.
• Conduct tests on the heart that measure its rate, sound of the valves, and how the system is working.
• Adjust amount and quality of ultrasound waves to improve images.
• Calculate valve areas from blood flow speed measurements.
• Compare findings against standards to identify problems.
• Operate imaging equipment to produce good pictures of the heart and cardiovascular system.
• Activate camera to produce images used to guide catheter (tube) through the body.
• Maintain a sterile environment during all procedures.

Common work activities

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Assist and care for others
• Document and record information
• Use computers
• Get information needed to do the job
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Control machines and processes
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Evaluate information against standards
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Handle and move objects
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Perform for or work with the public
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Analyze data or information
• Process information
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Develop and build teams
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, cardiovascular technologists and technicians:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact with patients and staff.
• Are greatly responsible for the health and safety of patients. If they do not alert doctors about problems, they could harm patients.
• Are responsible for the work results of the technicians they supervise.
• Often are placed in conflict situations where patients or family members may be unpleasant and angry due to illness.
• Always work as part of a medical team.
• Communicate with coworkers and patients daily by telephone and in person.
• Sometimes communicate via e-mail.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Sometimes wear a uniform, depending on hospital requirements.
• Work with patients that have diseases and infections daily. Exposure is reduced by wearing protective clothing and following safety procedures.
• Often wear protective gear, especially if they are helping with surgery or taking x-rays.
• Work around radiation daily, such as radioactive medicines, dyes, and x-ray equipment.
• Apply test equipment directly to patients' bodies.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their job and be sure that all details are completed. Errors could result in incorrect test results and create serious situations for patients.
• Often make decisions that affect others.
• Must repeat the same physical activities throughout the day.
• Can set most tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor.
• Can make most decisions without consulting a supervisor.
• Make decisions that strongly impact the hospital or clinic where they work.
• Must constantly be aware of time and the schedules of patient visits.
• Must match the pace of work to the speed of equipment.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time.
• May work weekends.
• May work longer hours and may work evenings, if working in catheterization labs.
• May be on-call during the nights and on weekends.

Physical demands

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Sit for long periods of time.
• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for cardiovascular technologists and technicians to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for cardiovascular technologists and technicians to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Determine the distance between objects.

Skills and abilities

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.

Perceive and visualize

• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Cardiovascular and Cardiopulmonary Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Ultrasound and Sonography Technology

Training

To work as a cardiovascular technologist or technician, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have at least an associate degree.

Education after high school

Both associate and bachelor's degree programs are available in cardiovascular technology. Most people complete the associate program. In these programs, you spend the first year studying anatomy, biology, and chemistry. During the second year, you learn how to do many types of procedures. If you have a degree in a related health care field, such as nursing, you may need to complete only the second year of training.

Many EKG technicians receive training on the job. However, a one-year certificate is also available. In this program, you learn how to do basic stress testing, EKGs, and Holter monitoring. Professional-technical schools, two-year colleges, and hospitals offer this program.

On-the-job training

Most EKG technicians receive training on the job. EKG supervisors or cardiologists lead the training. This type of training takes anywhere from two to six months.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be cardiopulmonary technicians. Training lasts 26 to 30 weeks, depending on your specialty. Further training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Computer Fundamentals
• Introduction to Health Care
• Safety and First Aid

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Some employers prefer to hire cardiovascular technologists and technicians who have attended formal training programs. Other employers may hire people who they can train on the job. Most employers prefer to train people already in the health care field, such as nursing aides. Some employers hire EKG technicians who have high school diplomas and course work in biology and the physical sciences.

Employers look for technologists and technicians who are reliable and are able to follow detailed instructions. They look for people with mechanical abilities, such as the ability to set up and adjust medical equipment. Employers also look for technologists and technicians who are pleasant and able to put patients at ease.

In Washington, for many invasive and non-invasive cardiovascular technology jobs, a two-year degree is necessary. For jobs in catheterization labs, some employers prefer applicants who also have experience as an x-ray technician. Employers also look for applicants who are willing to learn and are self-motivated. Some employers seek applicants who are certified through Cardiovascular Credentialing International which is listed in the Other Resources section of this description.

Tips

Hospitals often train workers who are already on their staffs. Volunteer work in a hospital, cardiac rehabilitation program, or clinic EKG department is helpful. Certification in CPR as well as training in recognizing abnormal heart rhythms are also helpful.

#Added, certfication through CCI, CPR, & abnormal heart comments 3/14/06, CJ. Certification still available 3/10/08, cj.

Costs to workers

Workers are expected to purchase comfortable shoes and either lab coats to be worn over street clothes or uniforms. Workers who are required to wear uniforms may spend at least $200. Workers may also be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and monthly dues. They may also pay annual national association membership dues along with certificate renewal expenses.

Licensing/certification

Cardiovascular invasive specialists must be licensed in order to practice in Washington State. Licensing requirements include:

• graduation from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) certified cardiovascular invasive specialist education program; and
• passing one of the following examinations: Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RWOIS) examination through the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI); registered Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES) examination through CCI; International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE) examination through the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS); International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE) examination (formerly the NASPE) through HRS; or these post-primary examinations through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT): Cardiac Interventional Radiographer (RTR-CI), Vascular Interventional Radiographer (RTR-VI), or Cardiovascular Interventional Radiographer (RTR-CV);
• good moral character;
• answering personal data questions;
• completion of seven-clock hours of HIV/AIDS training; and
• submit an application and licensure fee.

The application fee is $150 and the renewal fee is $105 every two years.

For more information on licensure, contact The Washington State Health Systems Quality Assurance , PO Box 47877, Olympia, WA 98504-7877, 360.236.4700.

#fine 3/24/15 lh & 3/22/16 cj. okay 2/13/17 lh. Restated the ARRT exam listing above to make it shorter and added personal data questions, rest ok 2/16/18 cj. updated url rest fine 3/26/19 lh

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Pay varies with the technologist's or technician's level of education and skill. Those with formal training generally earn more than those who are trained at hospitals.

Technologists and technicians who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include medical plans and paid vacation and sick time. Some employers may pay for continuing education courses. Others may pay for or supply uniforms.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, the use of cardiovascular technology to assess and treat patients is increasing. This is due to the ease and positive outcomes of treatment and greater health awareness. In addition, angioplasty is becoming more common in smaller hospitals so more technologists may be needed to assist with these types of procedures.

#national covers ekg techs 3/13/09 lh

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Hospitals
• Doctors' offices
• Medical laboratories
• Outpatient care centers

National outlook

Job growth will be very strong in this occupation. This is due to developments in technology that allow non-invasive treatments for cardiac problems. The aging population will create more need for cardiac treatments. The strongest job growth will occur in health clinics because more procedures are done outside hospitals.

Opportunities will be best for those who are certified and trained to do a wide range of procedures.

Other resources

Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals 
PO Box 2007
Midlothian, VA 23113
804.632.0078

American Society of Echocardiography 
2530 Meridian Parkway
Suite 450
Durham, NC 22713
919.861.5574

Cardiovascular Credentialing International 
1500 Sunday Drive, Suite 102
Raleigh, NC 27607
800.326.0268
919.861.4539

Explore Health Careers: Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician 

Health Occupation Students of America 
548 Silicon Drive, Suite 101
Southlake, TX 76092
800.321.HOSA

Society for Vascular Ultrasound 
4601 Presidents Drive, Suite 260
Latham, MD 20706
800.788.3846
301.459.7550

Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 
1850 Samuel Morse Drive
Reston, Virginia 20190

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists 
1255 Northland Drive
Saint Paul, MN 55120-1155
651.687.0048

References

Career cluster

• Health Science

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians (29-2031.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Cardiopulmonary Technologist (078.362-030) 
• Cardiopulmonary Technologist, Chief (078.161-014) 
• Echocardiograph Technician (078.364-014) 
• Holter Scanning Technician (078.264-010) 
• Perfusionist (078.362-034) 
• Pulmonary-function Technician (078.262-010) 
• Special Procedures Technologist, Cardiac Catheterization (078.362-050) 
• Stress Test Technician (078.362-062) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Investigative/Social

COPSystem

• Science Skilled