When Cardiovascular Jobs Go Begging |
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August 16, 2006
by Gabby Hyman
gabby.hyman@healthcare-programs.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist
The shortage of qualified cardiovascular technologists and technicians in this country is, frankly, shocking. As the American population continues to age, the demand for cardiac assessments will grow even higher. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that sonography and cardiovascular tech job openings will grow faster than the national average over the next decade.
What Cardio Techs Do
Cardiovascular techs train to operate vital electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment. Cardiovascular technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers help physicians to track cardiac arrhythmia in healthcare facilities. They perform cardiac risk assessments and operate decisive heart screens that save patients' lives. Four out of five work in hospitals and specialize in echocardiography, vascular technology, and invasive cardiology where they assist doctors in cardiac catheterization. Catheterization can be used to perform procedures to open blocked arteries and heart chambers or to perform a thorough cardiac risk assessment.
At the Heart of Cardiovascular Training
Very few of today's qualified cardiovascular techs and sonographers train on the job. Most attend two or four-year programs at community colleges, universities, and dedicated medical assisting schools. Sonographers train on non-invasive techniques for performing ultrasound cardiac assessments.
Core Training in the Assessment of Cardiac Risk
Cardiovascular specialists require extensive training in anatomy, medical terminology, diagnostic equipment operation, and patient procedures. There are no state licensure requirements for diagnostic medical sonography techs, but more frequently, professionals seek competency certifications from The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
On-the-Job Training Helps Techs Learn Cardiac Assessment
Some EKG technicians are trained on the job by physicians over an internal office-directed course lasting 8-16 weeks. There are also one-year certification programs that qualify you for EKG work. BLS projections show a "much faster than average" growth of EKG tech positions than all other professions through 2014.
No matter the specialization you choose in the cardiac risk assessment field, you should have little trouble finding work for the next 15 years!
Source
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.
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