Cardiovascular technologists and technicians assist physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiac (heart) and peripheral vascular (blood vessel) ailments. Cardiovascular technologists who specialize in cardiac catheterization procedures, also known as invasive technology, are called cardiology technologists. They assist a physician who winds a small tube, or catheter, through a patient’s blood vessel, from a spot on the patient’s leg into the heart to determine if a blockage exists and for other diagnostic purposes. Cardiovascular technicians who obtain electro (electrical)-cardio (heart)- grams (records), abbreviated EKG’s or ECG’s, which trace electrical impulses transmitted by the heart, are known as electrocardiograph (ECG or EKG) technicians. To take a “basic” EKG, technicians attach electrodes to the patient’s chest, arms, and legs, then manipulate switches on a electrocardiograph machine to obtain the reading. The test is done before most kinds of surgery and as part of a routine physical examination for persons who have passed a certain age. For a treadmill stress test, EKG technicians take a medical history, explain the procedure, connect the patient to an EKG monitor, and obtain a baseline reading and resting blood pressure. They then monitor the patient’s heart while on a treadmill, gradually increasing the speed of the treadmill to observe the effect of increased exertion. Those who do EKG and stress tests are also known as noninvasive technicians. Cardiovascular technologists and technicians may also specialize in noninvasive peripheral vascular tests. They use ultrasound equipment that transmits sound waves, then collects the echoes to form an image on a screen. Individuals who focus on blood flows and circulation problems are known as vascular technologists, while those who use ultrasound on the heart are referred to as echocardiographers. A person who enters either of these jobs should have an interest in and an ability to handle complicated electrical equipment. He or she should also have the ability to deal sympathetically with people and reassure them when they are apprehensive about the test procedure.

For Technicians, the minimum requirement is a high school diploma. For basic EKGs, Holter monitoring, and stress testing, 1-year certificate programs exist, although most EKG technicians are still trained on the job by an EKG supervisor or a cardiologist. On-the-job training usually lasts about 8 to 16 weeks. Most employers prefer to train people already in the health care field, nursing aides, for example. Technologists have completed a 2 year training program and are board certified. Therefore, they can generally command higher pay, and are able to advance to supervisory levels.

• Less than 2 years
• 2 year Associates Degree

There are often openings in hospitals and other kinds of health care centers for those interested in this important work. For Technicians, there is less opportunity for promotion to other positions without further education; however, hospital employees usually find that if they are interested in job advancement, their employer will encourage and often sponsor additional education. Information about current openings in specific areas may be obtained by contacting the personnel department of the hospital of your choice. Overall employment in this field is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005, but technicians and technologists will experience different patterns of employment change. Employment of EKG technicians is expected to decline. Although the number of cardiac tests and procedures performed is anticipated to grow, demand for EKG technicians is not likely to keep pace because many hospitals are expected to train registered nurses and others to perform basic EKG procedures. Some openings will occur as EKG technicians transfer to other jobs or leave the labor force. Employment of cardiology technologists is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations. Growth will occur as the population ages, because older people have a higher incident of heart problems.

$33,350

• St. Louis College Of Health Careers

• Aft Healthcare
• Alliance Of Cardiovascular Professionals
• American Medical Technologists
• National Association For Medical Equipment Services