Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians operate sophisticated imaging equipment and monitoring devices to help physicians diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel conditions. They prepare patients for procedures by explaining tests, positioning them correctly, and attaching electrodes or sensors to capture vital information. During diagnostic tests, they may perform electrocardiograms (EKGs) to record heart rhythms, conduct ultrasound imaging to visualize blood flow through vessels, or assist physicians during cardiac catheterizations where thin tubes are threaded through arteries. Some specialize in particular areas like echocardiography, which uses sound waves to create moving images of the heart, or vascular technology, which focuses on blood circulation throughout the body.