Cardiovascular Technologist Salary and Career Opportunities

If you’re thinking about a cardiovascular career – especially in allied healthcare – why not consider training to become a cardiovascular technologist?

While passion is crucial for success, you need to be sure that you’re entering into the right field. So what’s an average cardiovascular technologist salary, and what sorts of job opportunities will exist when you finish your education?

Cardiovascular Technologists Responsibilities

Cardiovascular techs assist physicians in diagnosing heart (like hypertension and high blood pressure) and vascular conditions like blockages.

A cardiovascular technologist education prepares students to carry out various procedures and use their tools correctly. On any given day, cardiovascular techs work under the direction of a physician.

What Is the Average Salary for Cardiovascular Technologists

Cardiovascular technologists are some of the highest-paid allied health workers. In fact, in 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics determined that the average salary hovered just under $57,000. This means that the lowest 10% of earners made around $30,000 per year, but the best-paid cardiovascular techs pulled in a whopping $93,000.

Where Do Cardiovascular Techs Work?

Nearly 80% of all American cardiovascular techs are found in hospitals, but private practices are a growing employment sector. You may also see these allied health professionals in medical laboratories and outpatient centers (where the best-paying roles are).

Just like any other career, work location affects your schedule. Hospitals may require all shifts, weekends, and even holiday rotations while private practices tend to stick to a 9-5 shift.

Job Opportunities for Cardiovascular Techs

With the right training and experience, the cardiovascular technologist job outlook is resoundingly strong. Much of this comes down to a rapidly aging Baby Boomer population, which will double by 2060. Qualified allied health professionals will be increasingly relied upon to provide non-invasive procedures, and the 7% growth rate over the next decade is a great indicator of this.

To get your foot in this employment door, education is crucial. When looking at cardiovascular training programs, ensure that the allied health institute is accredited with a governmental agency first.

How to Become a Cardiovascular Technologist

Cardiovascular tech training programs instruct students on how to properly use imaging equipment to take patients’ vitals. Monitoring heart rates, explaining procedures to patients, and reviewing patient details are all important parts of the job, too.

Students will also be expected to set up stress tests on the heart or perform EKGs (electrocardiograms).

This allied health career is great in that you can enter the workforce within two years. So whether you’re raising a family or working part-time, many programs have flexible morning or evening classes to better suit your schedule.