This occupation is part of the Healthcare Practitioner and Technical cluster
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About the Job
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. Includes vascular technologists.
It is also Called
- ARRT Technologist (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Technologist)
- Cardiac Catherization Laboratory Technologist
- Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Technologist
- Cardiac Catheterization Special Procedures Technologist
- Cardiac Catheterization Technician
- Cardiac Catheterization Technologist
- Cardiac Monitor Technician
- Cardiac Technician
- Cardiograph Operator
- Cardiographer
What They Do
- Prepare and position patients for testing.
- Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to notify the physician if something appears wrong.
- Explain testing procedures to patients to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
- Observe gauges, recorder, and video screens of data analysis system during imaging of cardiovascular system.
- Monitor patients' comfort and safety during tests, alerting physicians to abnormalities or changes in patient responses.
- Obtain and record patient identification, medical history, or test results.
- Attach electrodes to the patients' chests, arms, and legs, connect electrodes to leads from the electrocardiogram (EKG) machine, and operate the EKG machine to obtain a reading.
- Adjust equipment and controls according to physicians' orders or established protocol.
- Check, test, and maintain cardiology equipment, making minor repairs when necessary, to ensure proper operation.
- Supervise or train other cardiology technologists or students.
Interests
People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: RIS.
This means people who work in this occupation generally have Realistic interests, but also prefer Investigative and Social environments.
Work Values
People who work in this occupation generally prize Relationships, but also value Support and Independence in their jobs.
Things They Need to Know
- 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.
- 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.
- Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Things They Need to Be Able to Do
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- 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.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Additional Resources
- California Occupational Guide - A detailed guide to this occupation provided by the California Employment Development Department (EDD)
Education Required
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Wages
In 2012, the average annual wage in California was $59,910.00 with most people making between $34,920.00 and $91,530.00
Outlook
During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 3,600 people in California. It is projected that there will be 4,500 employed in 2020.
This occupation will have about 90 openings due to growth and about 60 replacement openings for approximately 150 total annual openings.
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