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Cardiovascular Technologists Job Overview

Cardiovascular technologists help physicians care after patients suffering from cardiac and blood vessel diseases. They study the files of the patients, measure their heart rate and execute ultrasound or cardiovascular procedures. They explain the methods of the tests to the patients, evaluate findings by weighing them against the standards and classify the problems. Cardiovascular technologists may focus in echo cardiology, invasive cardiology or vascular technology.

Cardiovascular Technologists Schools and Degrees

Most cardiovascular technologists possess an associate’s degree in allied health or some other related subject. The first year of study is usually dedicated to the study of core subjects, while specialized areas like invasive and noninvasive cardiology and vascular technology are focused on for the next few years.

Job Requirements

On-the-job training is very important for a cardiovascular technologist. Aspiring cardiovascular technologists generally receive training in two or four year programs. Those who attend programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Professionals are eligible for professional certification.

Many States require cardiovascular technologists to be licensed, while some States ask for certification in order to grant licensure. Certifications can be obtained from the Credentialing International and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. CCI awards four certifications - Registered Cardiac Sonographer, Certified Cardio graphic Technician, Registered Vascular Specialist and Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist.

Cardiovascular technologists need to have an eye for detail. They need to be reliable and should be able to follow instructions. They are also required to have good communication skills as they need to discuss technical details with physicians and explain procedures to patients. A pleasant disposition is an added advantage for cardiovascular technologists as it helps put patients at ease.

Nature of Work

Cardiovascular technologists specializing in invasive procedures help physicians with cardiac catheterization process. Those involved in non invasive tests perform scans, record images and recommend relevant treatments to physicians. Some cardiovascular technologists also perform electrograms and sonograms of the heart.

Cardiovascular technologists often have to lift heavy instruments or move patients while on duty. They usually wear protective aprons while carrying out some procedures.

Cardiovascular Technologists Jobs and Outlook

According to research in 2006, cardiovascular technologists held about 45,000 jobs in the US. Employment is the highest in the following industries:

• Ambulatory Health Care Services
• Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
• Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories
• Offices of Physicians

The mean hourly wage for cardiovascular technologists in the US is about $22.37, while the mean annual wages are around $46,530.

Job Numbers and Growth

Nationally, there are 45,000 cardiovascular technologists. The occupation is characterized by a very low joblessness level. The unemployment rate for employees was 1% in 2008.

Area Job Conditions

Looking at cardiovascular technologists per capita, Gainesville (Florida), Bowling Green (Kentucky), and Flint (Michigan) rise to the top of the list. Seattle (Washington), El Paso (Texas), and Santa Ana (California) have the fewest per capita.

The highest salaries for workers are in and around Santa Rosa (California), Seattle (Washington), and Portland (Oregon). The lowest-paying areas are Gainesville (Florida), Abilene (Texas), and Baton Rouge (Louisiana).

Training and Education

Successful employees find it useful to have an associate degree. According to recent surveys, 25% of cardiovascular technologists had received a degree. Workers with some schooling beyond high school, but not a college degree, total about 68%. A high school degree was all that was needed for 7% of employees. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.

Part-Time Work and Self-Employment

Cardiovascular technologists working less than full time, whether by design or chance, were 17% of the total. If you have this occupation and work on your own rather than for another company, you are part of the 1% of workers who do so.

Cardiovascular Technologists by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)

In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.

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