What Do Cardiovascular Technologists Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

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Job Description, Daily Responsibilities, and Work Life

Cardiovascular Technologists

Cardiovascular Technologists 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
$60940
Becoming One
Medium
Education
Associate's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality



Job Description

Job Description

Cardiovascular Technologists 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. They also 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.

Other tasks include:

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

We asked Cardiovascular Technologists how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

Job satisfaction

71%

How meaningful is this job

79%


71% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 79% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.



Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Cardiovascular Technologists observe gauges, recorder, and video screens of data analysis system during imaging of cardiovascular system. They 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.

A typical day for a Cardiovascular Technologist and Technician will also include:

  • Prepare and position patients for testing.
  • Explain testing procedures to patients to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
  • Observe ultrasound display screen and listen to signals to record vascular information, such as blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, or cerebral circulation.
  • Compare measurements of heart wall thickness and chamber sizes to standard norms to identify abnormalities.
  • Operate diagnostic imaging equipment to produce contrast enhanced radiographs of heart and cardiovascular system.

We asked some Cardiovascular Technologists a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job? 61% said yes
How important is it to work in a team in this job? 80% said very important
Do you have group discussions everyday in this job? 84% said yes
Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job? 65% said yes
Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job? 18% said yes
Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job? 68% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Cardiovascular Technologists also conduct tests of pulmonary system, using spirometer or other respiratory testing equipment. They may also perform general administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments or ordering supplies or equipment.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Cardiovascular Technologists Set up 24-hour Holter and event monitors, scan and interpret tapes, and report results to physicians. They might also Check, test, and maintain cardiology equipment, making minor repairs when necessary, to ensure proper operation.

In addition, they Supervise or train other cardiology technologists or students.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Assist surgeons with vascular procedures, such as preparing balloons and stents.

To some Cardiovascular Technologists, it is also their responsibility to Inject contrast medium into patients’ blood vessels.


Working life

Working hours

Standard 40 hour work week

Working schedule

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Cardiovascular Technologist and Technician, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Do Cardiovascular Technologists work in an office-style work environment?

Every day
89%


Never
11%


Do Cardiovascular Technologists work outdoors?

Never
100%


Once a year
0%



Is this right for me

Best personality for this career

The Builders and The Thinkers

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

You can read more about these career personality types here.



Learn more about Cardiovascular Technologists

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Related to Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians Job Description

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians job description, what do Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians do, typical day for Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, what is it like to work as a Cardiovascular Technologist and Technician, how many hours do Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians work, day to day work of a Cardiovascular Technologist and Technician

Additional resources

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm
http://www.acp-online.org/
http://www.ardms.org/
http://www.asecho.org/


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