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Healthcare

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
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Median pay

$67,260
Median annual pay for Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

3,800
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

64,700
Estimated U.S. employment for Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+1,900
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Associate's degree
Typical education needed to enter Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2Medicine and Dentistry
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Computers and Electronics
  5. 5Education and Training
  6. 6Mathematics

Abilities

  1. 1Problem Sensitivity
  2. 2Near Vision
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Oral Expression
  5. 5Deductive Reasoning
  6. 6Inductive Reasoning

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Investigative
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cooperation
  4. 4Cautiousness
  5. 5Self-Control
  6. 6Stress Tolerance

Work activities

  1. 1Assisting and Caring for Others
  2. 2Documenting/Recording Information
  3. 3Working with Computers
  4. 4Getting Information
  5. 5Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  6. 6Controlling Machines and Processes

Work context

  1. 1Contact With Others
  2. 2Physical Proximity
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  5. 5Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  6. 6Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

Representative tasks

  • Conduct electrocardiogram (EKG), phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress testing, or other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, or laboratory instruments.
  • Explain testing procedures to patients to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
  • Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to notify the physician if something appears wrong.
  • Obtain and record patient identification, medical history, or test results.
  • Monitor patients' comfort and safety during tests, alerting physicians to abnormalities or changes in patient responses.
  • Prepare and position patients for testing.
  • 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.

Software and tools

MEDITECH software · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyJavaScript · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologySmart Digital Holter MonitorPyxis MedStation softwarePractice management software PMSDatabase softwareInternet or intranet image distribution softwareInformation systems integration software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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