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Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Overview
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Examples

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.

Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic, therapeutic, or research purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $30K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $39K
Median Salary: $59K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $78K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $96K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

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.

Compare measurements of heart wall thickness and chamber sizes to standard norms to identify abnormalities.

Explain testing procedures to patients to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.

Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.

Assist surgeons with vascular procedures, such as preparing balloons and stents.

Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to notify the physician if something appears wrong.

Observe ultrasound display screen and listen to signals to record vascular information, such as blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, or cerebral circulation.

Assess cardiac physiology and calculate valve areas from blood flow velocity measurements.

Assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac or peripheral vascular treatments, such as implanting pacemakers or assisting with balloon angioplasties to treat blood vessel blockages.

Monitor patients' comfort and safety during tests, alerting physicians to abnormalities or changes in patient responses.

Observe gauges, recorder, and video screens of data analysis system during imaging of cardiovascular system.

Obtain and record patient identification, medical history, or test results.

Operate diagnostic imaging equipment to produce contrast enhanced radiographs of heart and cardiovascular system.

Attach electrodes to the patients' chests, arms, and legs, connect electrodes to leads from the electrocardiogram (EKG) machine, and operate the EKG machine to obtain a reading.

Inject contrast medium into patients' blood vessels.

Prepare and position patients for testing.

Transcribe, type, and distribute reports of diagnostic procedures for interpretation by physician.

Adjust equipment and controls according to physicians' orders or established protocol.

Enter factors, such as amount and quality of radiation beam, and filming sequence, into computer.

Conduct tests of pulmonary system, using spirometer or other respiratory testing equipment.

Activate fluoroscope and camera to produce images used to guide catheter through cardiovascular system.

Set up 24-hour Holter and event monitors, scan and interpret tapes, and report results to physicians.

Check, test, and maintain cardiology equipment, making minor repairs when necessary, to ensure proper operation.

Supervise or train other cardiology technologists or students.

Perform general administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments or ordering supplies or equipment.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Data base user interface and query software
Structured data entry software
Information retrieval or search software
Information systems integration software
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Inventory management software
Pyxis MedStation software
Medical software
MEDITECH software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Web platform development software
JavaScript
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Desktop computers
Emergency and field medical services products
Automated external defibrillators AED
Intravenous and arterial administration products
Central venous catheters
Laboratory and scientific equipment
Sterile blood lancets
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Glucometers
Medical diagnostic imaging and nuclear medicine products
Contrast power injectors
Medical sterilization products
Chemical sterilizers
Patient care and treatment products and supplies
Intravenous IV syringes
Patient exam and monitoring products
Electrocardiography EKG electrodes
Physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation products
Therapeutic treadmill exercisers
Respiratory and anesthesia and resuscitation products
Plethysmography machines
Surgical products
Lasers
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Customer and Personal Service
86%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

English Language
78%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Medicine and Dentistry
78%
Importance

Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

Computers and Electronics
67%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Education and Training
66%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Mathematics
58%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Clerical
55%
Importance

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Public Safety and Security
55%
Importance

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Physics
53%
Importance

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

Psychology
52%
Importance

Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Top 10 Skills
Active Listening
78%
Importance

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
75%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring
75%
Importance

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Operations Monitoring
75%
Importance

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Speaking
75%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension
73%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Social Perceptiveness
73%
Importance

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Judgment and Decision Making
65%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Service Orientation
65%
Importance

Actively looking for ways to help people.

Active Learning
63%
Importance

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Top 10 Abilities
Problem Sensitivity
83%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Near Vision
80%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Oral Comprehension
80%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Oral Expression
80%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Deductive Reasoning
73%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Inductive Reasoning
73%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Speech Clarity
73%
Importance

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Speech Recognition
73%
Importance

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Information Ordering
70%
Importance

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Written Comprehension
70%
Importance

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Top 10 Work Activities
Assisting and Caring for Others
92%
Importance

Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Documenting/Recording Information
90%
Importance

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Interacting With Computers
86%
Importance

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Getting Information
84%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
83%
Importance

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Controlling Machines and Processes
81%
Importance

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
79%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
79%
Importance

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
79%
Importance

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Handling and Moving Objects
78%
Importance

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Detailed Work Activities

Test patient heart or lung functioning.

Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.

Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members.

Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.

Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.

Record patient medical histories.

Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.

Position patients for treatment or examination.

Prepare patients physically for medical procedures.

Adjust settings or positions of medical equipment.

Examine medical instruments or equipment to ensure proper operation.

Maintain medical equipment or instruments.

Repair medical facility equipment.

Train medical providers.

Supervise patient care personnel.

Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.

Maintain sterile operative fields.

Monitor video displays of medical equipment to ensure proper functioning.

Assist healthcare practitioners during surgery.

Calculate numerical data for medical activities.

Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.

Administer medical substances for imaging or other procedures.

Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.

Perform clerical work in medical settings.

Enter patient or treatment data into computers.

Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.

Schedule patient procedures or appointments.

Order medical supplies or equipment.

Work Context
Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?

Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Work With Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?

Frequency of Decision Making

How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

Education
Majors
Major
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Interests
Investigative
77%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Realistic
77%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Social
77%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Conventional
53%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Enterprising
34%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Artistic
19%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Top 10 Work Styles
Concern for Others
94%
Importance

Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Attention to Detail
92%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Cooperation
92%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Dependability
91%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Self Control
89%
Importance

Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Stress Tolerance
89%
Importance

Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Integrity
88%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Adaptability/Flexibility
85%
Importance

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Initiative
85%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Independence
82%
Importance

Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Work Values
Relationships
86%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Support
86%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Independence
72%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Achievement
62%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Working Conditions
62%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Recognition
58%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.