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Career Details : Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

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Description

Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

Tasks

  • Operates diagnostic imaging equipment to produce contrast enhanced radiographs of heart and cardiovascular system.
  • Activates fluoroscope and camera to produce images used to guide catheter through cardiovascular system.
  • Injects contrast medium into blood vessels of patient.
  • Conducts electrocardiogram, phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress testing, and other cardiovascular tests, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, and laboratory instruments.
  • Conducts tests of pulmonary system, using spirometer and other respiratory-testing equipment.
  • Observes gauges, recorder, and video screens of data-analysis system during imaging of cardiovascular system.
  • Records variations in action of heart muscle, using electrocardiograph.
  • Observes ultrasound display screen and listens to signals to acquire data for measurement of blood-flow velocities.
  • Assesses cardiac physiology and calculates valve areas from blood-flow velocity measurements.
  • Alerts physician to abnormalities or changes in patient responses.
  • Explains testing procedures to patient to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
  • Records test results and other data into patient's record.
  • Reviews test results with physician.
  • Prepares and positions patients for testing.
  • Adjusts equipment and controls according to physician's orders or established protocol.
  • Enters factors such as amount and quality of radiation beam, and filming sequence, into computer.
  • Compares measurements of heart wall thickness and chamber sizes to standard norms to identify abnormalities.
  • Records analyses of heart and related structures, using ultrasound equipment.
  • Operates monitor to measure and record functions of cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, as part of cardiac catheterization team.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Consequence of Error
    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
    • Job-Required Social Interaction
    • Indoors

    Related Majors

    Major Add to MyFSA
    Cardiopulmonary Scienceadd Cardiopulmonary Science to MyFSA
    Cardiovascular Health Exerciseadd Cardiovascular Health Exercise to MyFSA
    Cardiovascular Perfusionadd Cardiovascular Perfusion to MyFSA
    Cardiovascular Technologyadd Cardiovascular Technology to MyFSA
    Diagnostic Imagingadd Diagnostic Imaging to MyFSA
    Diagnostic Medical Imagingadd Diagnostic Medical Imaging to MyFSA
    Diagnostic Medical Sonographyadd Diagnostic Medical Sonography to MyFSA
    Ultrasoundadd Ultrasound to MyFSA
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