What Does it Take to Be a Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician?
Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician Definition Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests. Includes vascular technologists.
Life As a Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician
- Conduct electrocardiogram (EKG), phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress testing, or other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, or laboratory instruments.
- Assess cardiac physiology and calculate valve areas from blood flow velocity measurements.
- Set up 24-hour Holter and event monitors, scan and interpret tapes, and report results to physicians.
- Obtain and record patient identification, medical history, or test results.
- Operate diagnostic imaging equipment to produce contrast enhanced radiographs of heart and cardiovascular system.
- Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to notify the physician if something appears wrong.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician?
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Echo Technician
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Electrocardiograph Technician
- Electrocardiograph Operator
- Pulmonary Function Technologist
Job Opportunities for Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
There were about 55,000 jobs for Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,500 new jobs for Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 3,500 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician are Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Illinois, or Connecticut. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians Make A Lot Of Money?
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians make between $29,340 and $93,100 a year.

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians who work in District of Columbia, Oregon, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
How much do Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $51,090 |
Alaska | $67,160 |
Arizona | $58,080 |
Arkansas | $49,680 |
California | $72,960 |
Colorado | $69,280 |
Connecticut | $76,800 |
Delaware | $57,740 |
District of Columbia | $80,840 |
Florida | $49,340 |
Georgia | $58,120 |
Hawaii | $58,760 |
Idaho | $58,020 |
Illinois | $60,500 |
Indiana | $53,650 |
Iowa | $52,700 |
Kansas | $50,740 |
Kentucky | $49,370 |
Louisiana | $42,320 |
Maine | $65,610 |
Maryland | $59,820 |
Massachusetts | $77,520 |
Michigan | $57,760 |
Minnesota | $66,130 |
Mississippi | $42,330 |
Missouri | $50,380 |
Montana | $63,460 |
Nebraska | $50,360 |
Nevada | $66,640 |
New Hampshire | $61,110 |
New Jersey | $75,130 |
New Mexico | $58,610 |
New York | $63,690 |
North Carolina | $66,320 |
North Dakota | $60,640 |
Ohio | $54,620 |
Oklahoma | $43,770 |
Oregon | $77,680 |
Pennsylvania | $55,520 |
Rhode Island | $73,380 |
South Carolina | $58,850 |
South Dakota | $49,700 |
Tennessee | $48,050 |
Texas | $54,550 |
Vermont | $52,800 |
Virginia | $61,720 |
Washington | $60,180 |
West Virginia | $35,660 |
Wisconsin | $61,190 |
Wyoming | $54,110 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- JavaScript
- Web browser software
- Word processing software
- Database software
- Hypertext preprocessor PHP
- MEDITECH software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Practice management software PMS
- Pyxis MedStation software
- Information systems integration software
- Diagnostic image review software
- Internet or intranet image distribution software
- Structured data entry software
How do I Become a Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician?
What education is needed to be a Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians work:

Related Careers
Those interested in being a Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
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More about our data sources and methodologies.
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