Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Typical job duties performed with this occupation include:

TASK DUTIES
Assist surgeons with vascular procedures, such as preparing balloons and stents.
Assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac or peripheral vascular treatments, such as implanting pacemakers or assisting with balloon angioplasties to treat blood vessel blockages.
Perform general administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments or ordering supplies or equipment.
Conduct tests of pulmonary system, using spirometer or other respiratory testing equipment.
Observe ultrasound display screen and listen to signals to record vascular information, such as blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, or cerebral circulation.
Supervise or train other cardiology technologists or students.
Obtain and record patient identification, medical history, or test results.
Conduct electrocardiogram (EKG), phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress testing, or other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, or laboratory instruments.
Explain testing procedures to patients to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to notify the physician if something appears wrong.
Transcribe, type, and distribute reports of diagnostic procedures for interpretation by physician.
Set up 24-hour Holter and event monitors, scan and interpret tapes, and report results to physicians.
Prepare and position patients for testing.
Operate diagnostic imaging equipment to produce contrast enhanced radiographs of heart and cardiovascular system.
Observe gauges, recorder, and video screens of data analysis system during imaging of cardiovascular system.
Monitor patients' comfort and safety during tests, alerting physicians to abnormalities or changes in patient responses.
Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
Inject contrast medium into patients' blood vessels.
Enter factors, such as amount and quality of radiation beam, and filming sequence, into computer.
Compare measurements of heart wall thickness and chamber sizes to standard norms to identify abnormalities.
Check, test, and maintain cardiology equipment, making minor repairs when necessary, to ensure proper operation.
Attach electrodes to the patients' chests, arms, and legs, connect electrodes to leads from the electrocardiogram (EKG) machine, and operate the EKG machine to obtain a reading.
Assess cardiac physiology and calculate valve areas from blood flow velocity measurements.
Adjust equipment and controls according to physicians' orders or established protocol.
Activate fluoroscope and camera to produce images used to guide catheter through cardiovascular system.
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*Note: Not all occupations will have a full list of Task Duties or associated programs

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Training for this occupational program or those in a similar family of programs can be located at the following postsecondary institutions in the State of Kansas. Please check with a program advisor at the postsecondary institution for more information on the particular focus of each program listed. Programs nearest the local area appear first. Click on the program to find more information.

INSTITUTION NAME	CITY	INSTITUTION TYPE	PROGRAM TITLE	AWARDS	HOURS
University of Kansas Medical Center	Kansas City	Public	CARDIOVASCULAR SONOGRAPHY	Postsecondary award/certificate/diploma(>= 2 And <4 years) - CVT	54
National American University - Overland Park	Overland Park	Private	EKG CERTIFICATION PREP COURSE	Certificate - CONED
Vatterott College - Wichita Campus	Wichita	Private	MEDICAL ASSISTANT WITH CARDIOVASCULAR TECHNOLOGY (NON-INVASIVE)	Associate of Occupational Studies - AOST

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