Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Also called : Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Technologist, Cardiac Catheterization Technician, Cardiac Technician, Cardiology Technician, Cardiopulmonary Technician, Cardiovascular Technician, Cardiovascular T

What they do

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

On the job, one would

Conduct electrocardiogram (EKG), phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress testing, or other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, or laboratory instruments.

Explain testing procedures to patients to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.

Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to notify the physician if something appears wrong.

Obtain and record patient identification, medical history, or test results.

Monitor patients' comfort and safety during tests, alerting physicians to abnormalities or changes in patient responses.

KNOWLEDGE

Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

SKILLS

Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.

ABILITIES

Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

PERSONALITY

People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;

Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.

Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.

Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Related Occupations

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Radiation Therapists

Critical Care Nurses

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Surgical Technologists

Respiratory Therapists

TECHNOLOGY

Data base user interface and query software

Information retrieval or search software

Internet browser software

Inventory management software

Medical software

Office suite software

Spreadsheet software

Web platform development software

Word processing software

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Preparation
Medium Preparation Needed
Education
Training in vocational schools or an Associate deg
Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.
Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.