Cardiac technologists are also known as cardiovascular technologists and they assist physicians with diagnosing and treating heart and blood ailments.
When an individual chooses to be a cardiac technologist, he must begin this journey by completing the educational requirements for this line of work. The next step that must be taken within this process is to become a certified and registered cardiac technologist. This field is expected to grow 24 percent by the year 2018 and the medium wage in this particular area of employment is $47,000 annually.
Job Description
Cardiac technologists are commonly known as cardiovascular technologists. Their primary role in the health care field is to assist physicians with diagnosing and treating cardiac and blood vessel ailments. Technologists are above technicians and they normally specialize in different areas of practice. These different areas include echocardiography, invasive cardiology, and non-invasive technology. Cardiovascular technologists also review patient files, explain testing procedures to patients, and operate testing equipment.
Education
Many cardiac technologists acquire their certification through a two-year associate degree program at a community college. There are four-year programs available within this field that will help to increase a student's salary once they obtain a bachelor's degree. Four-year programs are starting to become more widespread for this type of training. Qualified allied health professionals are required to only take one year of specialized training within the field.
Courses
Training for cardiac technologists involves teaching students about the procedures that are used to evaluate and treat the heart. Students are also taught aid physicians who perform this type of work. Coursework that is related to this profession includes cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and intro into health care. Once the coursework is completed, students will known prep a patient for endoscopic catheterization and monitor vitals and EKG signs.
Certification
Obtaining certification is a voluntary choice for a cardiovascular technologist, although it is recommended because most employers probably won't hire cardiac technologists who are not certified. The Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ADRMS) are two organizations that register cardiac technologists once they pass their examination and complete their other requirements. Ongoing learning and education is a requirement for maintaining a registered status within this field.
Work Routine
Cardiac technologists work in hospitals, physician offices, diagnostic imaging centers, and medical laboratories. Interpersonal and communication skills are also strongly recommended for this field since interacting with patients and staff is a requirement. Top earning professionals within this field make as much as $75,000 or more annually. This is typically a 40-hour per week job that offers overtime and many cardiovascular technologists have to remain on call as a part of their employment.
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