What Is A Cardiovascular Technologist?

A cardiovascular technologist is a medical professional who assists physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of heart ailments.

As a minimum you will need your high school diploma or equivalent to start your studies which will take between one to four years depending on your existing education and any specialist area you select.

You will need to register for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers examinations.

What is the average cardiovascular technologist salary?

Cardiovascular Technologist

The cardiovascular job description will depend on what area you specialize in. Given the rise in heart disease and associated health problems in the Western world, this cardiovascular technician and assistant certification qualification is in high demand. Salaries depend on which specialty you choose and your level of education and experience but entry level salaries tend to be between $35,000 and $45,000. In addition you will earn on call allowances and other benefits to increase your total remuneration package.

You are not restricted to work with patients either. You could decide on a career in education or research. The technology available is advancing at a rapid rate and therefore teaching future technologists is just as important as working in the role. If you prefer a research position you could become involved in developing even better diagnostic techniques using ultrasound.

If however you decide that you want to work as a cardiovascular technician, you usually specialize in one of three areas:

Invasive cardiology

Invasive is the word used to describe those procedures which involve some level of surgical procedure on the patient. The term invasive is used to describe all procedures from relatively minor operations such as inserting a catheter or performing an angioplasty to the preparation and monitoring of a patient during open heart surgery.

If your coronary arteries become blocked, your oxygen supply in your blood stream will deteriorate leading to a condition known as Angina. Sometimes this condition can be controlled using drugs but often the skills of a cardiovascular technician will be required. He or she will need to preform angioplasty. This is a skilled but in these days a relatively minor operation.

The technician will insert a special catheter into the coronary artery and widen the narrowed vein by inflating a balloon. They will usually also insert a stent to keep the artery open. If that is all that is required the patient may not even have to stay in hospital. Unfortunately as heart disease tends to be silent, by the time a problem is diagnosed you may already have several narrowed arteries and perhaps a number of blockages. If this is the case, the blockage in the coronary artery may need to be completely bypassed.

The cardiovascular technician would assist the cardiac specialist in performing a heart bypass. Once the treatment has been successful and the patient recovered, he or she will need to address their diet and lifestyle if they want to avoid having to see the cardiovascular technician again for a second or third procedure.

Echocardiography

Cardiovascular technologists who specialize in echocardiography will use ultrasound to examine the tissues of the heart, valves and peripheral vascular system. These specialists are also called cardiac sonographers. An echocardiogram is a form of ultrasound i.e. it uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart allowing the doctor to see your heart in action without having to do any invasive procedure.

It is used in the diagnosis of heart murmurs, problems with the valves, pumping mechanism or to diagnose infection in the surrounding sac or tissue. It will also be used following a heart attack to assess the level of damage caused to the patient’s heart. If you have had a stroke, it may be used to find the source of a clot. It will also be used if a patient suffers from pulmonary hypertension.

Usually all the patient has to do is lie down on their side and wait while the technician uses the transducer. Occasionally the image will be distorted by your ribs or other body tissue getting in the way so the technician may have to inject a small amount of dye via an IV to improve visibility.

If you are obese or have existing medical problems such as lung disease, the cardiovascular technician may have to perform a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). This will give a much clearer picture but causes slight discomfort to the patient as a scope has to be inserted down the throat. A sedative is given to help the patient to relax and you cannot drive for twelve hours after this test.

Vascular technology

Vascular technologists specialize in disorders of the circulation system. They use ultrasound to evaluate and assess the blood flow in arteries and veins. They use their skills to diagnose and help treat certain conditions such as blood pressure problems. They are usually present during surgery to monitor the oxygen saturation, and cerebral and peripheral circulation of the blood.

If you want to specialize in electrocardiograms (EKGs) you would become an EKG technician also known as cardiographic technicians.

Now you know the answer to what is a cardiovascular technician, where are the best cardiovascular technologist schools?

Although the ARDMS do not make specific recommendations on cardiovascular technologist schools, they do suggest that you find one that offers clinical experience as part of the curriculum as you will be unable to sit your certification exams without this.