What is the job of a cardiovascular technologist?
Cardiovascular technologists work in the exciting and rewarding field of cardiology assisting cardiologists, and their job is highly-important. The cardiovascular technologist’s job is to help the cardiologist to diagnose any unknown blood vessel or heart problems of patients.
Working as a cardiovascular technologist you can expect to assist with cardiac catheterizations for therapeutic and/or diagnostic purposes. A cardiac catheterization is used for the examination of arteries in order to check for any blockages. If blockages are found, they are repaired with medical devices which include balloons or stents.
Other tasks of the cardiovascular technologist may include:
- Preparing and positioning the patient for a procedure
- Connecting the patient to the appropriate monitoring equipment
- Loading necessary balloons for patient implantation
- Injecting contrast dye into the patient for artery monitoring
- Assisting the cardiologist by handing the physician any necessary and needed medical supplies
- Assisting the cardiologist with the closing of the patient’s incision following the procedure
- Operating the appropriate and necessary cardiology medical equipment
- Assisting the cardiologist with the implantation of any pacemakers, ICD’s, and/or testing devices
- Assisting the cardiologist in the event that a patient goes into cardiac arrest
Cardiovascular technologists typically work in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories and/or physician’s offices, and require a minimum education of a two year degree.
Cardiovascular Technologist Educational Requirements in Florida
The field of the cardiovascular technologist is expected to grow exponentially up to 24 percent over the next decade, with the expectation of an increased demand for cardiovascular technologists. But in order to get started down this exciting career path, you’ll need to meet the educational requirements.
To become a cardiovascular technologist in Florida, you’ll need to pursue a two-to-four year degree program at a technological college or university, as well as becoming certified. When training to become a cardiovascular technologist in Florida, you may choose to specialize in any one of these specialties: invasive technology, echo-cardiology, non-invasive technology, or vascular technology.
It is important to note that it is becoming increasingly common for employers to require a four year degree of candidates. The state of Florida itself does not require cardiovascular technologists to hold certification, but many employers prefer candidates who are certified.
Certification is earned through the passing of an exam offered by many organizations within the field of cardiology. These certification programs require candidates to continue on and further their education by staying up-to-date on the latest developments within their field in order to maintain proper certification.
Cardiovascular Technologist Training Programs
Cardiovascular technologist training programs are available both offline and online through most college campuses. When choosing a school for your cardiovascular technologist training, make sure to choose an accredited campus. If you’re not able to attend school offline, there are many online cardiovascular technologist programs available for those who wish to pursue this career field, but prefer to study online.
