DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
29-2031 Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Occupational Description:
Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests. Includes vascular technologists.| Percentiles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Minnesota | 940 | 101 | $27.44/hr | $0.60/hr | $18.17/hr | $22.22/hr | $27.05/hr | $32.71/hr | $37.64/hr |
| U S | 50,410 | 756 | $25.62/hr | $0.10/hr | $13.48/hr | $17.80/hr | $25.06/hr | $32.57/hr | $38.95/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change - | |
| Medical Assistants | 140 | $14.60/hr | N/A |
| Dental Assistants | 130 | $22.35/hr | N/A |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 70 | $12.32/hr | N/A |
Tasks for Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
- Operates diagnostic imaging equipment to produce contrast enhanced radiographs of heart and cardiovascular system.
- Activates fluoroscope and camera to produce images used to guide catheter through cardiovascular system.
- Injects contrast medium into blood vessels of patient.
- Conducts electrocardiogram, phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress testing, and other cardiovascular tests, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, and laboratory instruments.
- Conducts tests of pulmonary system, using spirometer and other respiratory testing equipment.
- Observes gauges, recorder, and video screens of data analysis system, during imaging of cardiovascular system.
- Records variations in action of heart muscle, using electrocardiograph.
- Observes ultrasound display screen and listens to signals to acquire data for measurement of blood flow velocities.
- Assesses cardiac physiology and calculates valve areas from blood flow velocity measurements.
- Alerts physician to abnormalities or changes in patient responses.
- Explains testing procedures to patient to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
- Records test results and other data into patient s record.
- Reviews test results with physician.
- Prepares and positions patients for testing.
- Adjusts equipment and controls according to physicians' orders or established protocol.
- Enters factors such as amount and quality of radiation beam, and filming sequence, into computer.
- Compares measurements of heart wall thickness and chamber sizes to standard norms to identify abnormalities.
- Records analyses of heart and related structures, using ultrasound equipment.
- Operates monitor to measure and record functions of cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, as part of cardiac catheterization team.