Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Cardiovascular Technologist
What cardiovascular technologists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Set up the cath lab. From there, the day usually includes perform EKGs and stress tests, do echocardiograms, and scan blood vessels with ultrasound. Most work full-time; cath lab staff take call for heart attack emergencies.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a cardiovascular technologist working full time.
- Set up the cath lab.
- Assist with a diagnostic catheterization.
- Monitor vital signs during a stent placement.
- Run a treadmill stress test.
- Perform an echocardiogram.
- Scan legs for blood clots.
- Prepare reports for cardiologists.
Where cardiovascular technologists work
Technologists work in hospitals, cardiology clinics and imaging centers, including cath labs.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time; cath lab staff take call for heart attack emergencies.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Perform EKGs and stress tests
- Do echocardiograms
- Scan blood vessels with ultrasound
- Assist in cardiac catheterization
- Monitor patients during procedures
- Prepare images and measurements for physicians
- Maintain equipment
Tools you’ll use every day
- EKG machines
- Ultrasound systems
- Stress test equipment
- Hemodynamic monitors
- Catheterization lab equipment
- Imaging software
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Important role in heart care
- Good pay for an associate degree
- Hands-on technology
- Several specialties
What’s hard
- Cath lab call
- Radiation exposure in cath labs
- Physically demanding scanning
- High-stress emergencies
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I’m interested in the heart
- I like technology
- I stay calm in emergencies
- I want a two-year degree
- I like patient contact
- I’m detail-oriented
Not sure? Take the free Cardiovascular Technologist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use radiation protection in the cath lab
- Follow sterile technique
- Use ergonomic scanning posture
- Know emergency response procedures