CARDIOVASCULAR TECHNOLOGISTS AND TECHNICIANS

Nature of the Work

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians assist physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiac (heart) and peripheral vascular (blood vessel) ailments.

Cardiovascular technicians who obtain electro (electrical)-cardio (heart)-grams (record), abbreviated EKG's or ECG's, which trace electrical impulses transmitted by the heart, are known as electrocardiograph (ECG or EKG) technicians.  More skilled EKG technicians perform Holter monitor and stress testing.  Cardiovascular technologists who specialize in cardiac catheterization procedures, also known as invasive technology, are called cardiology technologists. 

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

For basic EKGs, Holter monitoring, and stress testing, 1-year certificate programs exist, although most EKG technicians are still trained on the job by an EKG supervisor or a cardiologist.  On-the-job training usually lasts about 8 to 16 weeks.  Most vascular technologists are trained on the job although some have backgrounds in nursing and sonography.  Cardiology technologists need to complete a 2-year junior or community college program. 

Job Outlook

Overall employment in this field is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005, but technicians and technologists will experience different patterns of employment change.  Employment of EKG technicians is expected to decline.  Although the number of cardiac tests and procedures performed is anticipated to grow, demand for EKG technicians is not likely to keep pace because many hospitals are expected to train registered nurses and others to perform basic EKG procedures.  Individuals trained in Holter monitoring and stress testing are expected to have more favorable job prospects than those who can only perform a basic EKG.  Some openings will occur as EKG technicians transfer to other jobs or leave the labor force.

Employment of cardiology technologists is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations.  Growth will occur as the population ages, because older people have a higher incidence of heart problems.

Earnings

According to a University of Texas Medical Branch national survey of hospitals and medical centers, the median annual salary of EKG technicians, based on a 40 hour week and excluding shift and area differentials, was $17,222 in October 1992.  The average minimum salary was $15,223 and the average maximum was $21,868.

According to the American Society for Cardiovascular Professionals, the average salary for cardiovascular technologists was $28,756 in 1991.

Sources of Additional Information

Local hospitals can supply information about employment opportunities.

For general information about a career in EKG and cardiovascular technology contact:

American Society for Cardiovascular Professionals, 10500 Wakeman Dr., Fredericksburg, VA 22407.

For a list of accredited programs in cardiovascular technology, contact:

Division of Allied Health Education and Accreditation, American Medical Association, 515 N.  State St., Chicago, IL 60610.

For information on vascular technology, contact:

The Society of Vascular Technology, 1101 Connecticut Ave.  NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036.

For information on cardiovascular technology, contact:

American College of Cardiology, 9111 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814-1699.


