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A cardiac laboratory technician assists medical professionals in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions. They work in a catheterization laboratory, preparing patients for procedures, monitoring vital signs, and recognizing signs of trouble. Requirements vary, but typically include a high school diploma and an associate’s degree or certification.
A cardiac laboratory technician, or catheterization laboratory technician, is a person trained to assist medical professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of patients who have or are suspected of having conditions related to the cardiovascular system. Typically, a person in this position works in a cardiac catheterization laboratory, assisting cardiologists or those responsible for diagnostic imaging. A person in this field can also help a chief technologist. The exact tasks a person in this field can perform depends on their employer’s needs, but can range from ensuring patient comfort during procedures, such as cardiac catheterizations, to monitoring the patient’s vital signs.
Cath lab technicians usually work under the supervision of another medical professional and may be called upon to perform a variety of roles. An individual with this title may be responsible for preparing patients for procedures, which may include ensuring they are reasonably comfortable; cleaning and shaving the area where a cardiac catheter will be inserted; and monitor vital signs such as blood pressure. Often, a person in this field is responsible for assisting with both invasive and non-invasive procedures. In some cases, a catheterization lab technician may even administer some forms of anesthesia or help implant pacemakers.
A cath lab technician is usually trained to recognize signs of trouble in patients and provide emergency care when needed. For example, a person with this title is usually trained to use emergency equipment to resuscitate patients. Sometimes a cath lab technician also helps nurses care for patients after procedures. For example, a person with this job might assist a head nurse with tasks needed for patients who have been placed in recovery rooms following cath lab procedures.
The requirements a person needs to meet to become a Cath Lab Technician may depend on where he wants to work and the preferences of his prospective employer. Typically, however, a person looking to pursue this career path must begin by graduating from high school or earning a general educational development (GED) diploma. In many cases, employers may prefer to hire candidates who earned an associate’s degree in a related course. Some employers may also prefer those who have obtained related certification. In fact, there may be some employers who will only hire people who have achieved certification, and there are some jurisdictions in which cath lab technicians are required to apply for licensure.
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