Cardiology Technologist Job Description & Guides
Each school has a slightly different curriculum. However, you will usually have the chance to learn in a classroom setting, in a lab setting for practical skills, and in person at a real healthcare or diagnostic testing center.
Your training as a cardiac technician will likely include a wide range of topics, including:
- Specialized language
- Human anatomy and general Physiology
- Pathology
- Simple computer abilities
- Research in the health sciences and statistical interpretation
- Cardiovascular pathophysiology, physiology, anatomy, and pharmacology
- Instruments and technology for the heart
- Electrophysiology
- The ECG trace
- Holter monitoring and stress testing during exercise
- Basics of pacemakers
- Having conversations in medical lab settings
- Medical data systems and records
- Simple Phlebotomy
- Routine medical treatment
You will learn how to conduct diagnostic tests during your program, and you’ll become acquainted with the tools and techniques employed in the process. Additionally, you’ll learn about numerous cardiac conditions that you can encounter in the course of your work.
Cardiology Technologist Education Programs
Among the skills you can master in programs for cardiology technologists are the following:
- Employing EKG/ECG equipment to record the heartbeats of medical patients
- Analyzing EKG/ECG traces
- identifying potentially fatal heart beats
- Testing for exercise tolerance
- Monitoring heart patients’ 24-hour cardiac activity with portable devices like Holter monitors
- Examining the effectiveness of pacemakers
- Modifying pacemaker software
- Doing cardiac ultrasonography examinations
Additionally, if you’re enrolled in an invasive cardiology technologist program, you might learn catheterization and balloon angioplasty techniques, which are used to identify and treat heart valve and blood vessel blockages.
Numerous programs additionally include teaching on how to obtain certification in things like:
- Professionalism, leadership, and service
- Managing and preventing workplace violence
- Avoiding workplace accidents
- Using the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- CPR and first aid
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Cardiology Technologist Job Description and Cardiovascular Technologists Duties
Cardiologists (i.e., doctors who specialize in the heart) and other healthcare professionals rely on cardiac technologists to assist them obtain the diagnostic data they need to treat patients effectively. The majority of the time, this entails using electrocardiogram (also known as ECG or EKG) equipment to record heartbeat tracings of patients inside of a hospital, medical facility, or diagnostic lab.
Cardiology technicians, however, frequently carry out other activities that help with the diagnosis or treatment of heart or blood vessel disorders, depending on the patient. For instance, many cardiologists:
- Conduct assessments to determine a patient’s capacity for exercise
- Set up portable ECG equipment to continuously record a patient’s cardiac activity (Holter monitoring).
- Program pacemakers and ensure that other cardiac equipment is operationally sound.
- Produce test findings summaries for cardiologists to analyze.
- A cardio tech may also choose to focus on a discipline like exercise tolerance testing, earning them the title of cardiac stress technologist.
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Two categories of Cardiology Technology
There are two main subfields in cardiology technology:
Non-invasive Cardiology
Non-invasive cardiology focuses on conducting diagnostic tests on patients’ hearts from the outside, without placing any objects or medical equipment inside the body.
The following job titles are frequently linked to non-invasive procedures:
- Cardiovascular Technician
- Cardiology Assistant
- cardiology Specialist
- Cardiac Technician
Invasive Cardiology
The major goal of invasive cardiovascular technology is to aid cardiac surgeons in the treatment and diagnosis of patients by performing small surgeries using internal medical devices and tools.
The following job titles are frequently linked to invasive procedures:
- Cardiovascular Invasive Technologist
- Invasive cardiovascular Specialist
- Cardiac Catheterization Technician
When patients experience symptoms like heart palpitations, chest discomfort, dizziness, shortness of breath, or arrhythmia, non-invasive cardiology technologists frequently evaluate them (i.e., abnormal heart rhythm). Invasive cardiovascular technologists are frequently required in more severe instances where invasive testing or treatments may be required.
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Best Schools for Cardiology Technology Education
Here is a list of a few recognized Cardiology technology programs in the US.
Clemson University:
The curriculum at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina, is a fantastic option for individuals who have solid academic backgrounds and are prepared for the rigors of a four-year university.
The university grants a bachelor of science (BS) in health science with a leadership concentration in cardiovascular imaging. Principles of echocardiography, vascular sonography, and a small amount of business administration are among the courses in the concentration. 30 semester hours of transferrable credits and a minimum 3.0 GPA are requirements for applicants.
University of Florida, Jacksonville:
A 77-credit associate of science (AS) degree in cardiovascular technology is available at Florida State College at Jacksonville, which is situated in Jacksonville. In this program, students develop the skills necessary to work as registered cardiac sonographers and support doctors during diagnostic and interventional procedures. These services include surgery and stress echocardiograms, as examples.
Cardiovascular practicum and non-invasive cardiology are among the courses. Students can also become ready for invasive and noninvasive cardiovascular technology registry tests through this CAAHEP-accredited program.
Louisiana State University (LSU) Health:
The LSU New Orleans School of Allied Health Professions, which has a campus for healthcare in New Orleans, provides a number of educational opportunities, including a bachelor’s degree program in cardiovascular tech and vascular sonography through its department of cardiopulmonary science.
To be considered for admission to this program, candidates must finish at least 60 hours of preparatory coursework with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Additionally, graduates of this program are qualified to sit for certification tests provided by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) (CCI). Graduates from the class of 2018–2020 boast a 100% first-time pass rate and a 9% employment rate.
Mayo Clinic:
The Mayo Clinic, one of the top non-profit academic medical systems in the U.S., collaborates with FSC-Jacksonville to offer an internship program in cardiovascular technology. Students who have finished the prerequisite coursework for FSC-Jacksonville are eligible to apply for the six-week internship at the Mayo Clinic in Florida.
In addition to what the student has already achieved as part of their community college experience, no formal degree or certification is granted, but students do acquire supervised clinical practice. Students who successfully complete this experience are qualified to take the CCI-offered Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) exam.
Trinity Health, New England:
The Hartford, Connecticut-based School of Invasive Cardiovascular Tech at Trinity Health of New England provides a 12-month certificate program. Students in this program take didactic, lab, and clinical courses in hospitals throughout Connecticut after learning the foundations of heart and vascular function. The emphasis is on diagnostic and interventional procedures, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
A paramedic school graduate, a student enrolled in a recognized cardiovascular technology program with 100 course credits, a foreign or domestic MD or DO degree holder, or a bachelor’s degree in health science or a non-health science with science course work are all requirements for admission.
FAQs about Cardiology Technology Career
What is a cardiac technologist’s job description?
For diagnostic purposes, the cardiovascular technologist will perform tests on the cardiovascular or respiratory systems of patients. Additionally, the cardiovascular technologist may do or help with cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary function, lung capacity, and other comparable tests.
Is working in cardiovascular technology demanding?
They must stand and walk for extended periods of time. Moving patients or moving equipment may require heavy lifting. Because they are in constant touch with patients who have severe heart problems, those who work in catheterization laboratories may have stressful working conditions.
How long is the training process to become a Cardiology Technologist?
One of the most well-liked courses in this subject is a 3-year full-time undergraduate program in cardiovascular technology. Depending on their qualifications, candidates can enroll in a variety of cardiovascular technology courses.
Are stethoscopes used by Cardiology Technologists?
You can use a stethoscope if necessary. In comparison to doctors, cardiac technicians typically didn't require the stethoscope as frequently.
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