Cardiovascular Technologist
A cardiovascular technologist (CVT) works with other medical professionals to diagnose and treat patients with heart and blood vessel conditions and diseases. The vocation has been recognized by the American Medical Association as an official allied health profession since 1981. Accredited educational programs have been available since 1983.
What does a cardiovascular technologist do?
A CVT may be involved with a cardiac patient from the beginning through the end of treatment, using both non-invasive (external) and invasive (internal) methodologies. Activities can range from setting appointments and carrying out preliminary diagnostic procedures, to assisting during surgical procedures, to overseeing therapeutic monitoring services. Procedures can range from recording simple EKGs (electrocardiograms) to assisting with inserting stents during complex open heart surgeries.
Job duties of a cardiovascular technologist
The specific job responsibilities of cardiovascular technologists depend on the specialty areas in which they have education and experience. But as a broad overview, they work with medical records by taking patient histories and interpreting doctors' instructions. They work with and maintain specialized medical equipment. And they work directly with both patients and physicians, explaining procedures and their results.
Cardiovascular technologist specialties
Cardiovascular techs can specialize in one or more areas that may include both invasive and non-invasive procedures. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) recognizes the following areas of specialization within its accredited Cardiovascular Technologist Programs: Adult Echocardiography, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Noninvasive Vascular Study, and Pediatric Echocardiography.
Invasive cardiology and cardiology technologists
Cardiology technologists specialize in invasive (internal) procedures. For example, cardiac catheterization involves inserting a long, thin tube through an artery in the patient's groin and into the heart. The procedure is used both to locate vascular (blood vessel) blockages, and during balloon angioplasty, which opens blocked blood vessels. Cardiology techs may also assist during open heart surgeries when stents (which open blocked arteries) and pacemakers (which regulate heartbeats) are inserted.
Noninvasive cardiology—Echocardiography
Echocardiographers (cardiac sonographers) work with external Doppler ultrasound equipment to create and record diagnostic images of the heart chambers, heart valves and its arteries and blood vessels using sound waves.
Noninvasive peripheral vascular study—Vascular ultrasound
Vascular technologists (vascular sonographers) use external ultrasound equipment to monitor blood flow through the circulatory system in the rest of the body, including the brain, arms, legs and stomach. These tests provide important information about blood volume, oxygen saturation and circulation during and after surgical procedures.
Cardiac electrophysiology
Electrocardiographers (EKG technicians) work with external (noninvasive) equipment that tracks and records the heart's electrical activity. With additional training, they can perform stress testing and oversee Holter monitors—the portable EKG equipment that patient's wear over a 24-hour period. EKG technicians are often trained on the job, and don't require the education and credentials needed to become a certified cardiovascular technologist.
