Health Career: Cardiovascular Technologist
Who are cardiovascular technologists and what do they do?
Cardiovascular technologists test and treat patients for heart, lung and blood problems. They can specialize in invasive (internal) or noninvasive (external) cardiovascular technology. They work with sophisticated lab equipment such as catheters (long tubes that are inserted into a person's veins), pacemakers (devices that help regulate a person's heartbeat) and Holter machines (machines that can be hooked up to a person to keep track of his or her heart rate). They are also trained to perform emergency medical services, including CPR and anti-choking procedures.
How do cardiovascular technologists typically spend their workday?
Most cardiovascular technologists work in invasive health labs or medical or surgical intensive care units. You will work with sophisticated equipment such as heart probes, catheters and pacemakers while helping other health professionals perform heart surgeries and studies. During a typical day, you may assist in a minor heart surgery and visit with patients who have recently had surgery to test their heart rates and monitor their recovery. As a noninvasive cardiovascular technologist, you will most likely work in a cardiologist's office, cardiac rehabilitation center or for a hospital or health insurance agency. You may choose to specialize in areas like stress testing, phonocardiography or Doppler technology. Depending upon your specialty, you will use sophisticated equipment to test peoples' heart rate and functions. For example, if you work in stress testing, you may attach a patient to a heart monitor and lead him or her through aerobic exercises to test his or her cardiovascular responses. After the test, you will submit the results to the patient's doctor for him or her to come up with an appropriate treatment. You will also be in charge of researching, ordering and maintaining lab equipment.
What does it take to be a good cardiovascular technologist?
As a cardiovascular technologist you should enjoy math and working with technical equipment. You should also be able to work well with others and have patience and good communication skills.
What are some health-related jobs that are similar to that of a cardiovascular technologist?
EEG technician or technologist, EKG technician, respiratory technician or therapist, surgical technologist, ultrasound technologist, X-ray technologist.
Related links and more information:
- Career Education Advisor – Cardiovascular Technologist Training
- JobBankUSA.com – Cardiovascular Technologist Occupation Description
- Cardiovascular-Technician.com
