CARDIOLOGY TECHNOLOGISTS (TECHNICAL OCCUPATIONS IN MEDICINE) California Occupational Guide Number 2002-E (part) Interest Area: Emerging Occupations 1995
THE JOB 
Cardiology Technologists conduct tests of pulmonary and/or cardiovascular systems of patients to diagnose pulmonary and/or cardiovascular disorders. Cardiopulmonary Technologists perform diagnostic tests of cardiovascular and pulmonary systems of patients to aid physicians in diagnosis and treatment of heart, lung, and blood vessel disorders. They prepare patients for tests and explain procedures to obtain cooperation and reassure patients. Technologists conduct electrocardiogram, phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress testing, and other tests to aid in the diagnosis of the patient's cardiovascular system. They use a variety of specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, and laboratory instruments to aid physicians in diagnosis of pulmonary disorders. Technologists measure and record functions of cardiovascular and pulmonary systems of patients during cardiac catheterization. They also alert physicians to instrument readings outside normal ranges during the procedures and provide test results to the physicians. Stress Test Technicians produce recordings of electromotive variations in the action of the heart muscle, using an electrocardiograph, while the patient walks on a treadmill under the direction of a physician. The technician attaches electrodes to patient's arms, legs, and chest area, according to a specified pattern, and connects electrode leads to an electrocardiograph, to obtain the electrocardiogram. The technician explains the procedure to the patient and obtains a consent form from him/her. During the procedure, the technician stands alongside the patient to lend support if necessary. After the procedure is completed, the technician records the data and informs the physician of any wave abnormalities on the electrocardiogram.
COMPENSATION
Wage information for this occupation is very sparse. A recent survey in the San Francisco Bay Area reported an average of $14.00 an hour. No other information is available.
REQUIREMENTS
Skills for Cardiopulmonary Technologists
-- Ability to perform diagnostic tests of patients'cardiovascular and
pulmonary systems
-- Ability to aid physician in diagnosis and treatment of heart, lung,
and blood vessel disorders.
Skills for Stress Test Technicians
-- Know how to produce recordings of electromotive variations in action
heart muscle using electrocardiograph while patient walks on treadmill
under the direction of a physician
-- Ability to provide required data to help physician diagnose heart
ailments
-- Knowledge of EKG procedures and equipment
-- Knowledge of basic cardiac life support
Training Requirements
-- High School diploma or equivalent with courses in Anatomy and Physiology
-- May need a one-year certificate from an accredited Junior College,
Technical School, or Vocational School
-- May need a two-year Associate Degree from an accredited Junior College,
Technical School, or Vocational School
-- Some employers prefer to train people already in the health care field
-- Certification is not required, but it is available through the National
Board of Cardiovascular Testing
OCCUPATIONAL CODES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., Rev. 1): 078.362-030
078.362-062
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System: 329250
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162
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