Heart disease, which refers to a wide range of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels, is the number-one killer of people in the United States.
Fortunately, science and technology have advanced so dramatically in recent years that there are now many ways to diagnose and treat people with heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease.
Working under the direction of a licensed physician, cardiovascular technologists and technicians perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in order to document the presence and degree of cardiovascular disease. They work in hospital laboratories, clinics, doctors' offices, ambulatory surgery centers, and other medical settings. Some choose to work in sales, research or education.
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians (CTs) may specialize in invasive cardiology, noninvasive cardiology or peripheral vascular technology. Job titles vary, depending on the specialty, work responsibilities and place of employment.
They include:
- Cardiovascular technologist
- Cardiac catheterization technologist
- Cardiology technician
- Vascular technologist
- Diagnostic medical sonographer
- Electrocardiograph technician
- Cardiac sonographer
Job duties may include:
- Reviewing and recording patient histories
- Measuring cardiovascular parameters
- Performing echocardiography studies
- Conducting stress tests
- Using Doppler ultrasound to detect vascular disease
- Assisting physicians in the performance of procedures such as balloon angiography and cardiac catheterization
While some cardiovascular technologists are trained on the job, graduates from educational programs offered at community colleges, hospitals, vocational schools and other places of learning may have greater job opportunities. Accredited cardiovascular technology programs are offered throughout the country. They average about two years in length and include both classroom instruction and hands-on training.
This is not a licensed profession, and registry and certification are voluntary although highly recommended. Nevertheless, it is a rapidly developing field that requires continuing education throughout a career in order to keep up with the latest techniques, instrumentation and scientific advances.
Job availability in this field is excellent, and salaries and benefits are usually quite good. If you are looking for a healthcare career with a bright future, one that is exciting and ever-evolving, and can provide you with the opportunity to help people feel better and live longer each and every day, then keep reading to learn more.