A cardiovascular technologist acts as a sort of an assistant for a cardiovascular physician, aiding them in locating the problems in a patient and applying the treatment correctly. The cardiovascular technologist is normally better-acquainted with the different types of instruments and technology that’s used in the process of examination and treatment, and is an invaluable asset in a medical team. A cardiovascular technologist is also directly responsible for preparing the patient for treatment correctly, such as removing body hair from locations where the invasive procedures will be performed, and they’re also tasked with monitoring the patient’s vital indicators during the operation.
Training to become a cardiovascular technologist is generally not as demanding as the procedures regular physicians go through. Education normally lasts between 2 to 4 years, with the first year focusing on more general topics related to medicine, after which the student needs to pick their specific area of operation in cardiovascular medicine. A lot of experience is attained directly on the job as well, more so than other medical disciplines, which makes cardiovascular technologists somewhat stand out.
The median salary for cardiovascular technologists in 2009 was $38,000, and the job tends to be on the lower end of the pay scale compared to other jobs in the field of medicine. The more successful cardiovascular technologists are able to earn up to $65,000 annually. The standard annual income ranges from $35,000 to $55,000 depending primarily on the location of employment, and experience as a secondary factor.