Cardiovascular Technologist - Job Description

Cardiovascular Technologist - Job DescriptionCardiovascular Technologist - Job DescriptionA cardiovascular technologist (CVT) helps doctors diagnose and treat patients who have or are suspected of having cardiac and vascular disease. He or she may use non-invasive procedures, including ultrasound, or invasive procedures, which involve inserting probes, such as catheters, into patients bodies. Severalsub-specialties fall under this occupational title. A cardiology technologist monitors and treats problems with the heart. A vascular technologist monitors and treats blood flow abnormalities. An echocardiographer, also called a cardiac sonographer, uses ultrasound equipment to take images of the heart and valves. Quick Facts Cardiovascular technologists median annual salaryis $55,270(2017).About55,000 people work in this occupation (2016).The majority workin hospitals. Other employers are medical laboratories, outpatient facilities, and doctors offices.Heart and vascular illnesses do nt adhere to a 9 to 5 schedule and because of this many who work this field cant either. Cardiovascular technologists often work odd hours in order to respond to health emergencies.The Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies this as a Bright Outlook Occupation, because of its excellentjob outlook. This government agencypredicts employment will grow faster than the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026. A Day in the Life of a Cardiovascular Technologist Job announcements on Indeed.com listed the following job duties Under direct supervision of the physician, prepares patients, assembles and operates hemodynamic and electrophysiologic equipment during interventional and diagnostic proceduresAssists physician in performing invasive procedures. Performs related radiographic/fluoroscopic imaging techniques to demonstrate catheter location, position and document findingsMaintains a well stocked and clean work environmentWorks collaboratively with the Cath Lab gruppe to prom ote wellness and optimize patient outcomes and quality care Scanand interpretholter/event monitors and sendto physician for confirmationExplainprocedure in easy-to-understand terms based on professional knowledge to relieve patient of pre-testing anxiety How To Become a Cardiovascular Technologist Most people prepare for this occupation by earning an associate degree at a community college. These two-year programs typically consist of coursework and clinical training under the supervision of an experienced technologist. Some choose, instead, to earn a bachelors degree which will take four years. Another route is to get an associate or bachelors degree in radiologic technology or nursing followed by on-the-job training. Look for an accredited program since that is often a requirement for certification or registration. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredits cardiovascular technologist programs. Although states dont currently license cardiova scular technologists, it is difficult to find an employer who doesnt require certification or registration. Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) is one organization that oversees certification and registration of CVTs. Many employers require their CVTs to have ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and BLS (Basic Life Support) certification. Do You Have the Soft Skills to Succeed in This Field? In addition to your classroom and on-the-job training, in order to succeed in this field, you need particular characteristics. It is essential that you evaluate whether you have these qualities when deciding whether to become a CVT. Are you detail oriented? This quality will allow you to follow physicians instructions. Do you have excellent interpersonal skills? They are needed toestablish rapport with your patients. Are you physically fit? You will be required to move and lift patients, as well as stand on your feet for long periods of time. What Employers Will Expect In jo b announcements on Indeed.comemployers specified candidates must meet the following requirements Ability to work efficiently and cope with emergency situationsHighly effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills to establish working relationships that foster optimal team performance and quality patient careProficient keyboarding, familiarity with hospital electronic medical records and information systemsAbility to multi-task and self-led problem solving skillsMust be able to interact with physicians during emergencies and assist them with interpretation of data collected Must be able to respond to the hospital within 30 minutes of receiving a page Is This Career a Good Fit for You? Aself assessmentwill help you discover if this career is a good fit.It must match yourinterests,personality type, andwork-related values. Cardiovascular technologists should have these traits Interests(Holland Code) IRS (Investigative, Realistic, Social)Personality Type(MBTI PersonalityType s) INTJ,ESFJ, ESFP, ENFJ, INFJ, INFPWork-Related Values Relationships, Support, Independence Occupations With Related Activities and Tasks DescriptionAnnual Salary (2017)Educational RequirementsNuclear Medicine TechnologistPerforms nuclear imaging tests like PET and SPECT scans$75,660Associate or Bachelors Degree in Nuclear Medicine TechnologyUltrasound TechnicianOperates equipment that uses use high-frequency sound waves to diagnose illnesses$71,410Associate or Bachelors Degree in Diagnostic Medical SonographyRadiologic TechnologistUses diagnostic imaging equipment, like x-ray and CT-scans to help doctors diagnose illnesses and injuries$58,440Certificate or Associate, or Bachelors Degree in RadiographySurgical TechnologistAssists members of an operating room team that includes surgeons, RNs, and anesthesiologists$46,310Associate Degree, Diploma, or Certificate in Surgical Technology Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,Occupational Outlook Handbook Emplo yment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,O*NETOnline(visited April 17, 2018).