Cardiology technologists diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel disorders. They perform invasive and non-invasive procedures, prepare patients for surgery, and assist physicians. They need an associate degree, good communication skills, and the ability to follow complex instructions. They work in hospitals or doctors’ offices, and may be on call during off-hours.
Cardiology technologists work with physicians to diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel disorders. They usually work in the cardiology departments of hospitals or doctors’ offices. A cardiology technologist usually graduates from a two-year medical program with an associate degree. For a career as a cardiology technologist, a person must be reliable, educated, a good communicator, and able to follow complex instructions with ease. These qualities will facilitate patients and allow the technologist to do the job as efficiently and successfully as possible.
An invasive cardiology technologist performs procedures that involve insertions into the patient’s body. During invasive surgery, the technologist inserts a catheter tube into the patient’s body, from the artery to the groin and into the heart. This is used to determine if blood vessels are blocked, as a clear path is needed to supply blood to the heart. Before surgery, it is also the duty of the invasive cardiology technician to prepare the patient, which may involve positioning on the operating table and numbing the region where the catheter will be inserted. During surgery, the technologist should monitor the patient’s heart rate and blood pressure.
If a catheterization leads to the discovery that a patient’s blood vessels or heart valves are blocked, a balloon angioplasty can be used to unblock these vital parts. Along with a physician, a cardiology technologist inserts another catheter into the patient, but this one has a balloon at the end. The balloon finds the clog point and unblocks it. Another option is an electrophysiology test, which locates the location in the patent’s heart tissue where the blockage occurs by finding irregular electrical impulses.
Cardiology technologists can also perform non-invasive surgery such as an electrocardiogram (ECG). During an EKG, the cardiology technologist places electrodes on the patient’s arms, legs, and chest. The technologist then operates the electrocardiogram machine, which instructs the electrodes to pick up signals from the heart. The patient’s heartbeat patterns are monitored and recorded by the electrocardiogram machine.
Although they are not licensed to perform open-heart surgery, cardiology technologists can prepare patients for these procedures and assist the physician throughout the process. Additional technologist duties include scheduling appointments, performing ultrasounds, reviewing physicians’ documentation, combing through patient files, installing and cleaning equipment, and explaining testing procedures. Cardiology technologists spend a lot of time on their feet, and heavy lifting can be required when handling certain medical equipment. The potential for radiation exposure is also a job hazard. A cardiology technologist typically works 40 hours a week, although they may be on call during off-hours as well.
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