Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Cardio Tech (Cardiovascular Technician)
- Cardiology Technician
- Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT)
- Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)
Alternate Job Titles
- ARRT Technologist (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Technologist)
- Cardiac Cath Lab Tech (Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Technician)
- Cardiac Cath Lab Technologist (Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Technologist)
- Cardiac Catheterization Special Procedures Technologist
- Cardiac Catheterization Technician
- Cardiac Catheterization Technologist
- Cardiac Monitor Technician
- Cardiac Technician
- Cardio Tech (Cardiovascular Technician)
- Cardiograph Operator
- Cardiographer
- Cardiology Technician
- Cardiology Technologist
- Cardiopulmonary Technician
- Cardiopulmonary Technologist
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Explain testing procedures to patients to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
- Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to notify the physician if something appears wrong.
- Obtain and record patient identification, medical history, or test results.
- Monitor patients' comfort and safety during tests, alerting physicians to abnormalities or changes in patient responses.
- Prepare and position patients for testing.
- 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.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Perform general administrative tasks, such as answering telephones, scheduling appointments, or ordering supplies or equipment.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Problem Sensitivity
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Near Vision
- Deductive Reasoning
- Speech Recognition
- Inductive Reasoning
- Speech Clarity
- Information Ordering
- Written Expression
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Cautiousness
- Self-Control
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: 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.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- JavaScript
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- 3, 4, and 5 stopcock manifolds
- Activated clotting time ACT lab equipment
- Angiojets
- Arterial line stop-cocks
- Automated external defibrillators AED
- Automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator AICD implants
- Balloon catheters
- Bird's nest inferior vena caval filters
- Blood collection syringes
- Blood gas analyzers
- Brachial artery needles
- Brockenbrough needles
- C-clamps
- Cardio-page writers
- Cardiovascular catheter sheaths
Work Environment
- Contact With Others
- Physical Proximity
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $37,890 |
| Median | $67,260 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $108,900 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 61,180
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $89,340
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $48,790
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $77,660
Radiation Therapists
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $101,990
Respiratory Therapists
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $80,450
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.