CARDIOVASCULAR TECHNOLOGIST JOB DESCRIPTION

Diagnostic cardiology depends on a professional who can run an EKG at 7 a.m., conduct a nuclear medicine stress test by midday, and hand a physician clean Holter data before close. A Cardiovascular Technologist is the clinician responsible for performing non-invasive and minimally invasive cardiac diagnostic procedures, from standard 12-lead electrocardiograms to stress echocardiograms, within accredited cardiac laboratory environments. This role operates under physician direction while exercising independent clinical judgment on patient triage, exam appropriateness, and procedure sequencing. Laboratory accreditation standards, including CAAHEP program compliance and ongoing CVT credentialing, set the professional floor for everyone in this seat.

As the Cardiovascular Technologist, you will perform the full range of cardiac diagnostic testing that physicians rely on to evaluate arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and peripheral vascular conditions in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The role contributes directly to the integrity of laboratory accreditation, working within a cardiology department alongside nurses, physicians, and research staff, and is accountable to a department Coordinator or Manager.

Career Impact: Mastery of diagnostic modalities - stress echocardiography, Holter interpretation, and hemodynamic profiling - builds the clinical depth that distinguishes a CVT credential holder in a competitive cardiac services labor market.

Business Impact: Accurate, protocol-compliant exam data directly shapes physician diagnosis and treatment decisions for patients with active cardiovascular disease, making the quality of this role's output a patient safety variable.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to investigational MCS devices and research study protocols opens a path toward senior cardiac specialist or catheterization lab roles that carry broader procedural scope and higher credentialing requirements.

• Perform diagnostic cardiology procedures, including EKGs, stress testing, and Holter monitoring, in compliance with department protocols and ultrasound safety standards.
• Triage patients by acuity level, verify orders, and confirm clinical indications before each exam.
• Submit complete exam images, worksheets, and data sheets to support physician interpretation and laboratory accreditation records.
• Document completed procedures accurately in the department database, log book, and patient records system to maintain accreditation compliance.
• Assist physicians with patient preparation, hemodynamic monitoring, and procedural support during cardiac catheterization and MCS device implementation.
• Monitor patients receiving mechanical circulatory support in critical care environments including the ICU, CCU, OR, and Cath Lab.
• Maintain, clean, and store cardiac diagnostic and support equipment according to manufacturer specifications.
• Participate in quality control activities, department meetings, and orientation of new staff or students as directed.

• Bachelor's degree in Cardiovascular Technology, Allied Health, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of clinical experience performing cardiac diagnostic procedures, with demonstrated competency in EKG, stress testing, and Holter monitoring.
• Active registration or certification as a Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT) or equivalent credential in good standing.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Working knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and arrhythmia interpretation at a level sufficient to triage patients independently.
• Ability to operate treadmill stress testing, fluoroscopy, and Holter scanning systems within established safety and protocol parameters.
• Strong documentation discipline, with accuracy in data entry, exam worksheets, and patient charge records.

• Experience assisting with investigational cardiac devices or research study protocols, including case report form data entry.
• Familiarity with nuclear medicine stress testing or stress echocardiography as a secondary diagnostic modality.
• Completion of a CAAHEP-approved or CMA-approved cardiovascular technology program.
• Prior experience in a high-acuity environment such as an ICU, CCU, or cardiac catheterization laboratory.

• Exam completion rate per shift, measured against scheduled procedure volume and department targets.
• Documentation accuracy rate across NextGen entries, log book records, and data sheets supporting laboratory accreditation audits.
• Patient triage accuracy, tracked by appropriateness of acuity-level assignments relative to physician review outcomes.
• Holter and stress test report turnaround time, reflecting speed from procedure completion to physician-ready data.
• MCS system response time during emergent activations in critical care units, measured against department response benchmarks.
• Typical tools: Cardiac diagnostic systems (commonly EKG machines, treadmill stress testing units, Holter monitors); hemodynamic monitoring platforms (commonly intra-aortic balloon pump consoles, ventricular assist device interfaces).

• Base Salary Range: $52,000 - $78,000 annually, depending on seniority and facility type
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 3 to 6% where offered; uncommon in smaller clinical settings
• Equity: Not typically offered in clinical healthcare roles
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by facility
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus observed federal holidays
• Common Perks: Continuing education reimbursement, credentialing exam support, shift differential pay for evening or weekend rotations

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background check completion, including applicable drug screening where required by facility policy, is a condition of employment for this role. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities are available upon request throughout the hiring process. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States before their start date.

The Cardiovascular Technologist I owns technical support for non-investigational mechanical circulatory support systems, including intra-aortic balloon pumps and ventricular assist devices, across critical care environments such as the OR, ICU, and Cath Lab. Working under physician direction and alongside Coordinators and research staff, the technologist delivers hemodynamic monitoring, device documentation, and patient transport support that keeps MCS programs operational and compliant.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for non-investigational mechanical circulatory support systems, including intra-aortic balloon pump and ventricular assist devices.
• Operate and maintain MCS systems under the direction of a physician.
• Respond rapidly to initiation, maintenance, or troubleshooting of MCS systems in the OR, ICU, CCU, Cath Lab, and ER.
• Perform hemodynamic profile determinations as ordered by physicians.
• Assist research staff with investigational MCS devices and study protocols, including monitoring and data entry on case report forms.
• Assist with transport of patients receiving MCS support to tests and procedures away from the patient's room.
• Maintain cleanliness and storage of all MCS device-related equipment and package pumps for return or study.
• Complete departmental documentation for record keeping, patient charges, and communicate critical activities to Manager or Coordinator.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's Degree or completion of an accredited cardiovascular training program.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification required.
• 1 or more years of experience in a cardiovascular or clinical setting, or completion of a relevant training program.
• Experience with Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) systems.
• Basic understanding of cardiovascular physiology and anatomy.

Embedded within a clinical cardiology team, the Cardiovascular Technologist works closely with physicians and nursing staff to operate monitoring, recording, and radiographic fluoroscopy equipment that produces diagnostic images of coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease. The technologist delivers accurate patient data and safe procedural support that enables physician diagnosis across a diverse inpatient and outpatient population.

Core Functions

• Operate monitoring and recording devices under physician direction to obtain necessary medical data and ensure patient safety.
• Operate radiographic fluoroscopy equipment to obtain diagnostic images of coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease.
• Order equipment in a timely and cost-efficient manner and prepare radiographic equipment at the start of each shift.
• Assist nurses in checking patients in and adapt communication and behavior to diverse patient populations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Knowledge of heart and vascular catheterization procedures.
• Proficiency with Windows-style applications and software packages specific to the role.
• Good computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of information.
• Detail orientation with ability to perform complex tasks and detect equipment malfunctions in high-risk environments.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse group of patients and visitors in stressful situations.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn new procedures and adapt to evolving clinical demands.

Reporting to department leadership, the Cardiovascular Technologist performs electrocardiograms, cardiac stress testing, and Holter monitoring in accordance with clinical protocols and CSCT registration standards. Partnering with Internal Medicine Physicians and inter-professional care teams, this role produces final diagnostic reports and risk assessments that support safe, accurate cardiac care for a diverse patient population.

Primary Duties

• Perform electrocardiograms, including initial interpretation of patient condition and generated results.
• Perform cardiac stress testing with the guidance of an Internal Medicine Physician and produce final reports.
• Complete patient preparation, patient history, documentation, and electrode application.
• Complete Holter monitor application, assist with monitoring, and complete monitor readings when required.
• Perform routine maintenance and care of the testing room and equipment, and complete monthly statistics.
• Complete payroll and administrative functions as required and provide leadership for cardiac testing procedures.
• Identify risks to team members, patients, and visitors and notify department leadership for risk mitigation.

Skills & Qualifications

• Cardiovascular Technologist diploma or equivalent with active registration and membership in good standing with the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists (CSCT).
• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification required.
• Recent experience performing ECG, stress testing, and Holter monitoring.
• Advanced arrhythmia interpretation skills.
• Working knowledge of Cerner, PACS, Philips Holter Software, and M-Health.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of patients and stakeholders.
• Self-directed and able to work independently, prioritize tasks, and apply advanced decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain patient privacy and confidentiality and attend work regularly.

Accurate diagnostic cardiology outcomes depend on the Cardiovascular Technologist, who delivers EKGs, stress testing, nuclear medicine stress testing, stress echocardiograms, and Holter monitor scanning in compliance with department protocols and laboratory accreditation standards. Based within a cardiology department and accountable to a direct supervisor, this role shapes the quality of physician interpretation by ensuring every exam is triaged, imaged, and documented to standard.

Duties

• Perform diagnostic cardiology procedures including EKGs, stress testing, nuclear medicine stress testing, stress echocardiograms, and Holter monitor scanning using proper technique and protocol.
• Triage patients by acuity level, verify patient identification, review orders for appropriateness, and provide pertinent clinical history for each exam.
• Submit accurate and complete exam images, worksheets, and data sheets for physician interpretation in accordance with department protocols.
• Perform all data entry and clerical procedures to ensure completed exams are recorded in department systems for laboratory accreditation.
• Maintain CVT credential and continuing education requirements needed for laboratory accreditation and comply with all applicable policies and regulations.
• Participate in risk management activities, quality control, QI initiatives, and department meetings.
• Assist with orientation and cross-training of students and employees, including proctoring, and support projects assigned by direct supervisor.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma required, Associate's Degree desirable, with preference for graduates of a CAAHEP-approved or CMA-approved cardiovascular program.
• 1 to 2 years of related cardiovascular technology experience preferred.
• Knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and safety practices, including emergency protocols.
• Can operate treadmill stress testing and Holter scanning systems and follow detailed exam protocols.
• Ability to work with patients with limited mobility and severe cardiovascular disease.