Item saved to your backpack!

A growing population and new medical advances may generate more career opportunities for health care professionals, including cardiovascular technologists and technicians. While their title may be a mouthful, these professionals have an important role to play in the field of cardiac medicine.

What cardiovascular technologists and technicians do

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians help physicians treat cardiac and vascular problems by providing the images necessary to diagnose them. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov, 2012), these professionals often adopt specialties: Cardiology technologists tend to the heart while vascular technologists specialize mostly in the arteries and veins.

Whatever their specialty, bls.gov reports that cardiovascular technologists and technicians typically do the following:

• Prepare and care for imaging equipment
• Prepare patients for procedures
• Perform noninvasive procedures, like ultrasounds
• Analyze images and discuss findings with physicians
• Record findings and track patient records

Bls.gov notes that cardiovascular technologists and technicians must spend a great deal of time on their feet, and may be required to work nights, evenings and weekends. They must be detail oriented, have an excellent bedside manner, and be comfortable with and knowledgeable about medical technologies.

How to become a cardiovascular technologist or technician

Because patients' health -- and, at times, lives -- depends on accurate testing and diagnosis, it is essential that cardiovascular technologists and technicians receive formal training. According to bls.gov (2012), associate-level cardiovascular technologists and technician degrees may be sufficient, though some employers also require professional certifications. In some cases students can complete some of their cardiovascular technologists and technician training online, though the hands-on nature of the profession will typically require some lab training through a local college or teaching hospital.

According to bls.gov, typical cardiovascular technology coursework includes training in either invasive or noninvasive cardiovascular or vascular technology in addition to introductory medical classes, like anatomy and medical terminology.

Cardiovascular technologist and technician salary trends

Cardiovascular technologists' and technicians' salaries may be impacted by their level of education and experience. According to the bls.gov (2012), the national cardiovascular technologist and technician median salary in 2011 was $51,020 with the lowest 10 percent earning up to $27,430 and the top 10 percent earning up to $79,290. It is important to note that salary can vary tremendously from one position to the next. According to bls.gov (2012), those working in doctors' offices, management companies and specialty hospitals may earn the most.

Location can also impact your earnings. According to the bls.gov (2012), the following states were among the highest-paying for cardiovascular technologists and technicians in 2011:

• Alaska: $82,070 mean
• Massachusetts: $68,500 mean
• New Jersey: $65,250 mean

These states may offer good salaries, but also tend to have higher-than-average living costs, which can quickly offset any additional earnings. According to 2011 data provided by bls.gov and 2012 data from the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the following states offer a lower cost of living and the following yearly wages:

• Ohio: $49,030 mean
• Michigan: $49,920 mean
• Illinois: $47,010 mean

Career outlook for cardiovascular technicians and technologists

Bls.gov has interesting news for tomorrow's cardiovascular technicians and technologists: Employment for these professionals is expected to grow by 29 percent between 2010 and 2020, much higher than the average for all occupations nationally. Medical advancements and an aging population may help drive this growth, as may third-party payers who will encourage the use of noninvasive imaging over more costly, invasive procedures.

If you would like to take advantage of these trends, it might pay to invest in your education now. Cardiovascular technician and technologist schools may be able to provide you with the training you need to either enter this field or advance your established career.