Cardiovascular Technician and Technologist

 

Career Description

Cardiovascular technicians and technologists are trained technical professionals who specialize in cardiac (heart) and vascular (blood vessel) functioning. Electrocardiograph technicians (ECG or EKG technicians) use electrodes to connect patients to a machine that monitors the heart’s electrical properties.

Cardiology technologists are cardiovascular technologists who specialize in invasive heart procedures. They perform cardiac catheterization procedures such as angioplasty, which involves inserting a catheter into the heart. Noninvasive technologists called echocardiographers use ultrasound to create images of the heart for diagnostic purposes.

Annual Salary

Entry: $38,043	Mean: $47,923	Experienced: $57,824
Source: Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, 2006 Salary Data

Hourly Wage

Entry: $18.29	Mean: $23.04	Experienced: $27.80
Source: Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, 2006 Salary Data

Academic Requirements

Technician positions encompassing basic EKG, Holter monitor and stress tests may be given to individuals without previous formal training because on-the-job training offers the necessary experience. The same skills also are taught to student technicians who enroll in a one-year certifi cate program. Cardiovascular technologists require specialized instrumentation and must complete two to four years of study at an accredited community or junior college.

Schools

For a list of accredited schools with programs for cardiovascular technologists, please visit the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Professional Associations

National
Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals
American Society of Echocardiography
Society for Vascular Ultrasound

Additional Information

Learn More About Technical Instrumentation for Diagnostic Imaging Services