Nature of the Job

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians schedule appointments perform ultrasound or cardiovascular procedures, review doctors interpretations and patient files, and monitor patients heart rates. They also operate and care for testing equipment, explain test procedures, and compare findings to a standard to identify problems. Other day-to-day activities vary significantly between specialties.

Training

Although a few cardiovascular technologists, vascular technologists, and cardiac sonographers are currently trained on the job, most receive training in 2- to 4-year programs. The majority of technologists complete a 2-year junior or community college program, but 4-year programs are increasingly available. The first year is dedicated to core courses and is followed by a year of specialized instruction in either invasive, noninvasive cardiovascular, or noninvasive vascular technology.

Employment Opportunities

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians held about 45,000 jobs in 2006. About 3 out of 4 jobs were in hospitals (public and private), primarily in cardiology departments. The remaining jobs were mostly in offices of physicians, including cardiologists, or in medical and diagnostic laboratories, including diagnostic imaging centers.

Additional Resources:

Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
American Society of Echocardiography
Cardiovascular Credentialing International
Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs
Society for Vascular Ultrasound