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Healthcare Cardiovascular Technician
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$89 4,300+

What Does a Cardiovascular Technician Do?

Cardiovascular technicians ensure that a patient’s most important organ — the heart — is functioning correctly. They operate special imaging equipment to create images and conduct tests to diagnose and treat heart disease and blood vessel problems.

Technicians manage electrocardiograms (EKGs or ECGs), which show heart rhythms, and assist physicians in diagnosing heart issues. They work closely with doctors and surgeons before, during and after a procedure. Technicians first apply the electrodes that register electronic signals and then they run the EKG monitoring equipment. They also take cardiovascular ultrasounds that provide 2D or 3D images of the heart and its chambers.

Cardiovascular techs may also administer stress tests to check heart functioning during exercise, or apply Holter monitors, which monitor heart rate for several hours or for several days.

Technicians go by many names, including cardiac tech, electrocardiology technician and sometimes cardiovascular technologist or cardiology technologist. However, there’s a difference in education for technologists that we’ll cover in more detail below. 

Are you interested in learning more about the technicians that create such important images? Read on to learn more about what’s required to do this job, including training, education and the personal traits that successful technicians share. 

Female cardiovascular technician applies cardiogram electrodes on a male patient’s chest for an EKG
Cardiovascular technicians specialize in electrocardiograms, which help diagnose heart and lung ailments. (Credit: ALPA PROD/Shutterstock)

Responsibilities

  • Prepare patients for electrocardiogram (EKG) tests, stress tests and other heart tests
  • Explain test procedure
  • Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate during EKG 
  • Operate diagnostic machine and run other tests
  • Review images and identify any abnormalities
  • Analyze findings and discuss with physician
  • Review and record all patient information
  • Prepare and maintain diagnostic medical equipment 

How To Become a Cardiovascular Technician: FAQs

The bottom line:

Job opportunities are plentiful in this field, whether you’re looking for an entry-level technician role or a more advanced one. With an average salary of close to $60,000 and a chance to be part of a life-saving medical team, this is a healthcare career with potential. (That's also why it's considered one of the top-paying skilled jobs that don't require a bachelor's degree.) If this sounds like a good fit for you, check out SkillPointe’s training offerings and get started in your new career!

Cardiovascular technologist Shaun Foust holds a thank-you basket sent to the team for working during COVID-19

Why I became a cardiovascular tech

Shaun Foust became interested in heart health at the age of 12. That's when she read the materials explaining her grandfather's open heart surgery.  

"I always knew I wanted to work in the medical field — I just wasn’t sure which part," she says.

That's what pulled Shaun into the fold, but what has kept her there is the rewarding work. 

Cardiovascular technologists "are constantly reminded that we make a difference during a very difficult time." 

Find out what else she has to say about being a cardiovascular technologist. 

Local Certifications and Requirements

You may need a state license or certificate before you can work in a specific career in your state. Different states may also have different education and experience requirements, fees and application forms. The good news - we make it super easy to find what you need to begin your new career. Just enter your zip code to get started.

Find Cardiovascular Technician Training In Your Area

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