Cardiology is one of the fastest growing specialties in the medical field. Jobs for cardiovascular technicians are expected to grow faster than other jobs over the next ten years. Cardiovascular technician training can usually be completed at a community college over two years. Typically, this results in an associate’s degree.
Cardiovascular technicians assist physicians with tests for illness and defects in the heart or blood vessels by monitoring equipment during procedures. The technicians prepare the patients for procedures, explain the procedures to them and help physicians interpret the results. These jobs can also include administrative duties such as inputting data and test results and properly filing them. Duties also include preparing test results, treatment plans and progress reports as directed by physicians. Technicians may also be required to move and position patients for testing and to clean and maintain equipment.
Cardiovascular technicians typically work in large hospitals. Cardiovascular technician education includes how to perform stress tests, electrocardiograms, and Holter monitoring. Some technicians choose to specialize in running EKGs.
Both cardiovascular technicians and technologists take the same courses in their first year of study. After that, they will go on to study in their area of specialization. Depending on if they are enrolled in a two or four-year program, they may take part in an internship to supplement their schooling.
Cardiovascular technician licensing is available for either vascular cardiovascular technicians or invasive cardiovascular technicians. There are international and American organizations that offer certification for those completing cardiovascular technician educational programs. In some states, passing an exam is required before a license can be issued.
Technicians who wish to become cardiovascular technologists can do so with advanced training. The need for technicians is expected to grow faster than average for these jobs in the future and the median income is $39,000 with a salary range typically between $30,000 and $50,000 for a 40-hour work week. Some part-time positions are available, but they are rarer than full-time jobs.
