Cardiovascular technologists and technicians assist physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiac (heart) and peripheral vascular (blood vessel) ailments.
Cardiovascular technicians who obtain electro (electrical)-cardio (heart)-grams (record), abbreviated EKG's or ECG's, which trace electrical impulses transmitted by the heart, are known as electrocardiograph (ECG or EKG) technicians. To take a basic EKG, technicians attach electrodes to the patient's chest, arms, and legs, then manipulate switches on a electrocardiograph machine to obtain the reading. The test is done before most kinds of surgery and as part of a routine physical examination for persons who have passed a certain age.
More skilled EKG technicians perform Holter monitor and stress testing. For a Holter monitoring, technicians place electrodes on the patient's chest and attach a portable EKG monitor to the patient's belt. After 24-48 hours of normal routine for the patient, they remove a tape from the monitor, place it in a scanner and read it for electrical interference before sending it to a physician.
For a treadmill stress test, EKG technicians take a medical history, explain the procedure, connect the patient to an EKG monitor, and obtain a baseline reading and resting blood pressure. They then monitor the patient's heart while on a treadmill, gradually increasing the speed of the treadmill to observe the effect of increased exertion. Those who do EKG and stress tests are also known as noninvasive technicians.
Cardiovascular technologists who specialize in cardiac catheterization procedures, also known as invasive technology, are called cardiology technologists. They assist a physician who winds a small tube, or catheter, through a patient's blood vessel, from a spot on the patient's leg into the heart to determine if a blockage exists and for other diagnostic purposes. In balloon angioplasty, a procedure used to treat blockages of blood vessels, technologists assist physicians who insert a catheter with a balloon on the end to the point of the obstruction. Technologists may prepare patients for these procedures by positioning them on an examining table, then shaving, cleaning, and administering anesthesia to the top of the patient's leg near the groin. During the procedures, they monitor patients' blood gases and heart rate using EKG equipment and notify the physician if something appears wrong. Technologists may also prepare and monitor patients during open heart surgery and the implantation of pacemakers.
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians may also specialize in noninvasive peripheral vascular tests. They use ultrasound equipment that transmits sound waves, then collects the echoes to form an image on a screen. Individuals who focus on blood flows and circulation problems are known as vascular technologists, while those who use ultrasound on the heart are referred to as echocardiographers.
Some cardiovascular technologists and technicians schedule appointments, type doctor's interpretations, maintain patient's files, and care for equipment.
Technologists and technicians generally work a 5-day, 40-hour week, which may include Saturdays and Sundays. Those in catheterization labs tend to work longer hours and also may work evenings. They may also be on call during the night and on weekends.
EKG technicians operate machines that record electrical impulses transmitted by the heart.
In addition, they spend a lot of time walking and standing. Cardiology technologists may face stressful working conditions during operating procedures and are in contact with patients who have serious heart ailments.
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians held about 31,000 jobs in 1992. Most worked in hospital cardiology departments, while some worked in cardiologists' offices, cardiac rehabilitation centers, or health maintenance organizations. More than half were EKG technicians.
For basic EKGs, Holter monitoring, and stress testing, 1-year certificate programs exist, although most EKG technicians are still trained on the job by an EKG supervisor or a cardiologist. On-the-job training usually lasts about 8 to 16 weeks. Applicants must be high school graduates. Most employers prefer to train people already in the health care field, nursing aides, for example.
Most vascular technologists are trained on the job although some have backgrounds in nursing and sonography.
Cardiology technologists need to complete a 2-year junior or community college program. One year is dedicated to core courses followed by a year of specialized instruction in either invasive, noninvasive, or noninvasive peripheral cardiology. Those who are qualified in a related allied health profession only need to complete the year of specialized instruction.
Cardiovascular technologists must be reliable, have mechanical aptitude, and be able to follow detailed instructions. A pleasant, relaxed manner for putting patients at ease is an asset.
Overall employment in this field is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005, but technicians and technologists will experience different patterns of employment change. Employment of EKG technicians is expected to decline. Although the number of cardiac tests and procedures performed is anticipated to grow, demand for EKG technicians is not likely to keep pace because many hospitals are expected to train registered nurses and others to perform basic EKG procedures. Individuals trained in Holter monitoring and stress testing are expected to have more favorable job prospects than those who can only perform a basic EKG. Some openings will occur as EKG technicians transfer to other jobs or leave the labor force.
Employment of cardiology technologists is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations. Growth will occur as the population ages, because older people have a higher incidence of heart problems.
According to a University of Texas Medical Branch national survey of hospitals and medical centers, the median annual salary of EKG technicians, based on a 40 hour week and excluding shift and area differentials, was $17,222 in October 1992. The average minimum salary was $15,223 and the average maximum was $21,868.
According to the American Society for Cardiovascular Professionals, the average salary for cardiovascular technologists was $28,756 in 1991.
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians operate sophisticated equipment to help physicians and other allied health practitioners diagnose and treat patients, so do radiologic technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers, electroencephalographic technologists, perfusionists, and respiratory therapists.
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Reprinted with Permission of U. S. Department of Labor