Definition of a Cardiovascular Technician

Cardiovascular technicians work with doctors to care for patients who have illnesses or injuries related to the heart or blood vessels. Cardiovascular technicians can specialize in three main specialty fields: vascular technology, echocardiography and invasive cardiology. The demand for cardiovascular technicians is growing.

Jobs

• About three out of four cardiovascular technicians work in hospital settings; the remainder have jobs in doctors' offices.

Training

• Most cardiovascular technicians complete their training in a two-year community college program; however, some four-year college programs are available.

Other Duties

• When not assisting doctors with diagnosing and treating patients, technicians might also schedule appointments, review doctors' notes and patient files, or care for the testing equipment.

Risks

• Cardiovascular technicians are at risk for potential radiation exposure. The risks can be kept to a minimum when strict safety procedures are followed.

Job Growth

• Through the year 2016, job opportunities for cardiovascular technicians are projected to increase by 26 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.