Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Carry out diagnostic, therapeutic, or exploratory procedures on patients' pulmonary or cardiovascular systems.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT CARDIOVASCULAR TECHNOLOGIST AND TECHNICIAN CAREERS

It takes a team of professionals to perform the everyday wonders of contemporary cardiac care. Cardiovascular technologists and technicians play an important role on that team. 

Technologists are trained to assist physicians and prepare patients for operations like as cardiac catheterization, balloon angioplasty, and open-heart surgery. They also keep track of the patients' blood pressure and heart rate. The complexities of these activities necessitate a high level of precision and concentration. 

Technicians measure the electrical impulses produced by the heart, which is known as an electrocardiogram, or EKG. Technicians attach sensors to the patient before using one of several equipment to provide physicians with a printed record of the heart's beating. They may also perform stress testing. 

The diligent work of these specialists, who are trained at hospitals and community colleges, is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of heart and blood vessel disorders. EKG technicians may also receive on-the-job training. People who want to work in these fields must be dependable, mechanically inclined, and able to follow thorough instructions. 

The ability to put patients at ease is a huge plus. Because someone's life is on the line every hour of every day, the profession can be both stressful and gratifying.

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Characteristics

Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
Exposure to job hazards
Physical demands
Dealing and handling conflicts
Leadership
Critical decision making
Level of responsibilities
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
Competition for this position
Communication with others
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
Comfort of the work setting

Activities

Assisting and Caring for Others Know More
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Know More
Controlling Machines and Processes Know More
Documenting/Recording Information Know More
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Know More
Getting Information Know More
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Know More
Interacting With Computers Know More

Areas of Study

Clerical Know More
Computers and Electronics Know More
Customer and Personal Service Know More
Education and Training Know More
English Language Know More
Mathematics Know More
Medicine and Dentistry Know More
Public Safety and Security Know More

Degrees

Colleges

Top Skills

Active Listening Know More
Critical Thinking Know More
Judgment and Decision Making Know More
Monitoring Know More
Operation Monitoring Know More
Reading Comprehension Know More
Social Perceptiveness Know More
Speaking Know More