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Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

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.

SOC: 29-2031.00

Common Job Titles

  • Cardio Tech (Cardiovascular Technician)
  • Cardiology Technician
  • Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT)
  • Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • Hands-onOperate electrocardiography equipment and cardiac catheterization systems during diagnostic and therapeutic cardiovascular procedures, following established clinical protocols.
  • Hands-onPerform cardiac catheterization procedures and electrophysiology studies in interventional laboratories, maintaining sterile technique and patient safety.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate cardiac rhythm patterns and waveforms from monitoring equipment during stress tests, Holter monitoring, and continuous telemetry, recognizing critical arrhythmias.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate equipment functionality and procedural compliance with regulatory standards through routine quality control checks and adherence to infection control protocols.
  • MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with technical procedural requirements when managing patients during invasive cardiovascular interventions and emergency situations.
  • Hands-onCoordinate sterile field preparation, instrument setup, and procedural timing, collaborating with physicians and nursing staff during complex interventional cardiology procedures.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze cardiovascular diagnostic data including hemodynamic measurements and cardiac imaging to identify abnormalities and ensure data quality for physician interpretation.
  • MindsetEngage patients during cardiovascular testing procedures, explaining procedures, addressing concerns, and ensuring patient comfort throughout diagnostic examinations.
  • Hands-onCalibrate hemodynamic monitoring systems, fluoroscopes, and pressure transducers to ensure accurate measurement and imaging quality before each procedure.
  • KnowledgeApply radiation safety principles and contrast media protocols during fluoroscopic procedures, minimizing patient and staff exposure while maintaining diagnostic quality.
  • KnowledgeExplain cardiovascular test results and procedural findings to patients and healthcare team members, using appropriate medical terminology and lay language.
  • KnowledgeApply knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology when selecting appropriate imaging views and interpreting hemodynamic data during diagnostic procedures.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

61,180

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $37,890. 25th percentile: U.S. $46,470. 50th percentile: U.S. $67,260. 75th percentile: U.S. $91,430. 90th percentile: U.S. $108,900. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$37,890
10% of workers earn the following or more$108,900
Workers on average earn$72,890

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Customer and Personal Service4.3/5
  • Medicine and Dentistry3.9/5
  • English Language3.9/5
  • Computers and Electronics3.3/5
  • Education and Training3.3/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • JavaScript
  • MEDITECH software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word

Technology Skills

  • Database software
  • Diagnostic image review software
  • Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM-compatible image acquisition and integration software products
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • Hypertext preprocessor PHP
  • Information systems integration software
  • Internet or intranet image distribution software
  • Practice management software PMS
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • 3, 4, and 5 stopcock manifolds
  • Activated clotting time ACT lab equipment
  • Angiojets
  • Arterial line stop-cocks
  • Automated external defibrillators AED
  • Automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator AICD implants
  • Balloon catheters
  • Bird's nest inferior vena caval filters
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment