Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
SOC Code: 29-2031Also known as:
ARRT Technologist (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Technologist), Cardiac Cath Lab Technician (Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Technician), Cardiac Cath Lab Technologist (Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Technologist), Cardiac Catheterization Special Procedures Technologist, Cardiac Catheterization Technician
Median Annual Salary
$67,260
+3.0% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
65K
Current Jobs
What Cardiovascular technologists and technicians Do
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.
💰 Salary
$67,260
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.0%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
4K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
64,700
Projected Employment (2034)
66,600
Related Careers
Radiation therapists
$101,990 •
+1.9% growth
Respiratory therapists
$80,450 •
+12.1% growth
Diagnostic medical sonographers
$89,340 •
+13.0% growth
Radiologic technologists and technicians
$77,660 •
+4.3% growth
Health technologists and technicians, all other
$48,790 •
+5.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Check, test, and maintain cardiology equipment, making minor repairs when necessary, to ensure proper operation.
- Supervise or train other cardiology technologists or students.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Associate's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a cardiovascular technologists and technicians:
Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist
1,540 degrees awarded •
86 colleges offer this program
Electrocardiograph Technology/Technician
677 degrees awarded •
46 colleges offer this program
Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist
156 degrees awarded •
14 colleges offer this program
Cardiopulmonary Technology/Technologist
45 degrees awarded •
6 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become cardiovascular technologists and technicians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cardiovascular technologists and technicians make?
The median annual salary for cardiovascular technologists and technicians is $67,260.
What education do cardiovascular technologists and technicians need?
Most cardiovascular technologists and technicians positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist, Electrocardiograph Technology/Technician, Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist.
Is becoming cardiovascular technologists and technicians a good career choice?
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians is projected to see +3.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 3,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for cardiovascular technologists and technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring cardiovascular technologists and technicians include
Duke University, University of South Carolina-Columbia, Associated Technical College-Los Angeles, American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education, Sinclair Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to cardiovascular technologists and technicians?
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians may also be known as: ARRT Technologist (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Technologist), Cardiac Cath Lab Technician (Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Technician), Cardiac Cath Lab Technologist (Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Technologist), Cardiac Catheterization Special Procedures Technologist, Cardiac Catheterization Technician, Cardiac Catheterization Technologist, Cardiac Monitor Technician, Cardiac Technician, Cardio Tech (Cardiovascular Technician), Cardiograph Operator, Cardiographer, Cardiology Technician, Cardiology Technologist, Cardiopulmonary Technician, Cardiopulmonary Technologist, Cardiovascular Interventional Technologist, Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist, Cardiovascular Radiologic Technologist, Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT), Cath Lab Radiological Technologist (Catheterization Laboratory Radiological Technologist).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.