Lost Your
Job?

Print This Page  |  Email This Page  |  FAQs  |   Rate This Page | A A A A
Topics A to Z      
Job Banks Go
Go to More Resources
Explore Careers
America's Career InfoNet



Collapse Occupation Information
Occupation Profile
Military to Civilian Occupation Translator
Tools and Technology
Fastest-Growing
Most Openings
Largest Employment
Declining Employment
Highest-Paying
Compare Local Wages
Compare Metro Wages
Compare Employment Trends
Industry/Occupation Trends
Expand Industry Information
Collapse State Information
State Profile
Labor Market Information
Expand Career Tools
Expand Videos
Expand Find It By Topic


 
Help on this page          Printer-Friendly Version 
Occupation Profile
Selected Criteria:
Occupation: Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians Change Occupation
State: Pennsylvania Change State
Profile Content: (content listed below) Modify Profile Content
Wages  |  Employment Trends  |  Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities  |  Tasks & Activities
Tools & Technology  |  Education & Training  |  Related Occupations
Web Resources

CARDIOVASCULAR TECHNOLOGISTS AND TECHNICIANS: PENNSYLVANIA

Occupation 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. Include vascular technologists.


Career Video

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
View career video with one of the following:
Windows Media Real One Player
Additional videos and more information available on CareerOneStop.

State and National Wages

Location Pay
Period		 2008
10% 25% Median 75% 90%
United States Hourly $12.26 $15.77 $22.60 $29.60 $35.94
Yearly $25,500 $32,800 $47,000 $61,600 $74,800
Pennsylvania Hourly $13.07 $15.79 $21.35 $28.54 $36.77
Yearly $27,200 $32,800 $44,400 $59,400 $76,500
Annual Wages for Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

United States - $74,800 United States - $47,000 United States - $25,500 Pennsylvania - $76,500 Pennsylvania - $44,400 Pennsylvania - $27,200
  • High is the wage at which 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
  • Middle is the wage at which 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
  • Low is the wage at which 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.

Hourly Wages for Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

United States - $35.94 United States - $22.6 United States - $12.26 Pennsylvania - $36.77 Pennsylvania - $21.35 Pennsylvania - $13.07
  • High is the wage at which 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
  • Middle is the wage at which 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
  • Low is the wage at which 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.

Occupation Wages FAQs

Median Wage by Occupation Across States
Compare Wages by Occupation and Local Area
Compare Wages by Metropolitan Areas

National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey
State Data Source: Pennsylvania Workforce Statistics

State and National Trends

United States Employment Percent
Change		 Job Openings 1
2008 2018
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians 49,500 61,400 +24% 1,910
Pennsylvania Employment Percent
Change		 Job Openings 1
2006 2016
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians 3,050 3,750 +21% 100
1Job Openings refers to the average annual job openings due to growth and net replacement.

Note: The data for the State Employment Trends and the National Employment Trends are not directly comparable. The projections period for state data is 2006-2016, while the projections period for national data is 2008-2018.

Occupation Trends FAQs

Employment Trends by Occupation Across States
Compare Employment Trends by Occupation
Employment Trends by Industry and Occupation

National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections
State Data Source: Pennsylvania Center for Workforce Information & Analysis

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The most important knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) are listed for Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians.

Knowledge:

  • Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
  • Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Skills:

  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities:

  • Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  • Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Source: Occupational Information Network: Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians.

Tasks and Activities

Occupation specific tasks and the most important generalized work activities are listed for Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians.

Occupation Specific Tasks:

  • Activate fluoroscope and camera to produce images used to guide catheter through cardiovascular system.
  • Adjust equipment and controls according to physicians' orders or established protocol.
  • Assess cardiac physiology and calculate valve areas from blood flow velocity measurements.
  • Assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac and peripheral vascular treatments, such as implanting pacemakers or assisting with balloon angioplasties to treat blood vessel blockages.
  • 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.
  • Check, test, and maintain cardiology equipment, making minor repairs when necessary, to ensure proper operation.
  • Compare measurements of heart wall thickness and chamber sizes to standard norms to identify abnormalities.
  • Conduct electrocardiogram (EKG), phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress testing, or other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, and laboratory instruments.
  • Conduct tests of pulmonary system, using spirometer and other respiratory testing equipment.
  • Enter factors such as amount and quality of radiation beam, and filming sequence, into computer.
  • Explain testing procedures to patient to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
  • Inject contrast medium into patients' blood vessels.
  • Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
  • Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to notify the physician if something appears wrong.
  • Monitor patients' comfort and safety during tests, alerting physicians to abnormalities or changes in patient responses.
  • Observe gauges, recorder, and video screens of data analysis system during imaging of cardiovascular system.
  • Observe ultrasound display screen and listen to signals to record vascular information such as blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation and cerebral circulation.
  • Obtain and record patient identification, medical history or test results.
  • Operate diagnostic imaging equipment to produce contrast enhanced radiographs of heart and cardiovascular system.
  • Perform general administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments or ordering supplies and equipment.
  • Prepare and position patients for testing.
  • Set up 24-hour Holter and event monitors, scan and interpret tapes, and report results to physicians.
  • Supervise and train other cardiology technologists and students.
  • Transcribe, type, and distribute reports of diagnostic procedures for interpretation by physician.

Generalized Work Activities:

  • Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
  • Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
  • Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • administer injections
  • administer medications or treatments
  • analyze medical data
  • collect clinical data
  • communicate technical information
  • explain testing procedures to patient
  • follow clinical radiation safety procedures
  • follow dental or medical office procedures
  • follow infectious materials procedures
  • follow patient care procedures
  • follow patient observation procedures
  • inventory medical supplies or instruments
  • make decisions
  • make presentations on health or medical issues
  • observe patient condition
  • prepare patient reports
  • prepare patients for tests, therapy, or treatments
  • record medical history or data
  • take vital signs
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use clinical sterilizing technique
  • use emergency medical procedures
  • use hazardous materials information
  • use interpersonal communication techniques
  • use knowledge of medical terminology
  • use medical diagnostic equipment
  • use quality assurance techniques
  • use sanitation practices in health care settings

Source: Occupational Information Network: Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians.

Tools and Technology

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians  View Detailed Report

Tools:

  • Cardiac pacemaker generators or implantable defibrillators or accessories - Automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator AICD implants, Dual chamber pacemakers, Pacemaker analyzers, Pacemakers, Pacing generators
  • Cardiac ultrasound or doppler or echo units or cardioscopes - 3D-ultrasound processing and analysis tools, Cardiac color Doppler ultrasound equipment, Continuous-wave Doppler ultrasound units, Duplex imaging sonographic equipment, Echocardiography systems
  • Cardiovascular implants - Bird's nest inferior vena caval filters, Caval filters, Distal embolic protection devices, Vena caval filters
  • Diagnostic or interventional vascular catheters or sets - Angiojets, Grollmann catheters, Heart catheters, Mechanical thrombolytic devices, Miller catheters
  • Medical ultrasound or doppler or echo transducers or accessories - Adult/pediatric cardiac transducers, Biplane transducers, Linear array vascular transducers, Monoplane transducers, Multiplane transducers

Technology:

  • Data base user interface and query software - Database software, Structured data entry software
  • Internet browser software - Web browser software
  • Inventory management software - Cardinal Health Pyxis CII Safe
  • Medical software - Diagnostic image review software, Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM-compatible image acquisition and integration software products, Electronic medical record EMR software, Information systems integration software, Internet or intranet image distribution software

Source: Occupational Information Network: Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians.

Education and Training

Occupation: Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Most Common Educational/Training Level: Associate degree
Related Instructional Programs:

  • Cardiopulmonary Technology/Technologist
  • Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist
  • Electrocardiograph Technology/Technician
  • Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist
Distribution of Educational Attainment
Occupation Percent of employees aged 25 to 44 in the occupation whose highest level of educational attainment is
Less than high school diploma High school diploma or equivalent Some college, no degree Associate's degree Bachelor's degree Master's degree Doctoral or professional degree
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians 0.7% 8.7% 21.6% 45.3% 19.4% 2% 2.3%
Health Technologists and Technicians 1.9% 19.6% 29.5% 25.6% 19.1% 2.3% 2.1%
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 1.2% 10.4% 15.4% 15.4% 20.7% 11.6% 25.2%
Total, All Occupations 10.7% 27.6% 20.6% 8.9% 19.4% 8.3% 4.5%

Find colleges, training schools and instructional programs for this occupation.

Find education and training programs where you can earn a certificate, diploma, or award in less than 2 years with the Short-Term Training Finder.

Access additional Education Resources in the Career Resource Library.

Use the Financial Aid Advisor to help find funds for financing education.

WIA Eligible Training Provider List: http://www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us/homeframe.asp?function=trainprov

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections (Education/Training Level, Educational Attainment); National Center for Education Statistics (Typical Instructional Programs)

Related Occupation Profiles
Occupations with similar skill requirements

Web Resources

The following resources are related to occupations in the job family
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners
Health Technologists and Technicians
Other Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations

Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners
Health Technologists and Technicians
Other Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations


Modify Occupation Profile Content :







Select or deselect profile options individually or use the Select All button below to change the report. To view the new results, select the Update button.

                         


Related Content: 

New Profile
Department of Labor CareerOneStop is sponsored by the U. S. Department of Labor,
Employment and Training Administration
Home | Explore Careers | Salary + Benefits | Education + Training | Job Search | Resumes + Interviews | People + Places to Help
About Us | Site Privacy | Contact Us | Link to Us | Site Map | Copyright © 2010 State of Minnesota