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Field Description
Invasive cardiology is an exciting and challenging career involving
highly sophisticated equipment to create images that aid physicians
in diagnosing cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease.
Cardiovascular technologists who perform invasive procedures are
called cardiovascular invasive specialists. They assist physicians
with cardiac catheterization procedures in which a small tube, or
catheter, is guided through the patient's blood vessels into the
heart.
This procedure can determine if a blockage exists in the blood
vessels that supply the heart muscle and can help diagnose other
problems. Part of the procedure may involve balloon angioplasty
or stenting, which treat blockages of blood vessels or heart valves,
without the need for heart surgery.
Cardiovascular invasive specialists also prepare patients for cardiac
catheterization and interventions, and monitor blood pressure and
heart rate using electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) equipment during procedures
and the implantation of pacemakers.
The following program is offered:
Career Opportunities
Nationwide there is a high clinical need for cardiovascular invasive
specialists. More than 2,100 cardiac catheterization laboratories
and more than 600 electrophysiology/pacemaker laboratories operate
in the United States today. About eight of 10 jobs are hospital-based.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of cardiovascular
technologists is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations
through the year 2010. Growth will occur as the population ages,
because older people have a higher incidence of heart problems.
Earning Potential
Starting salaries for the cardiovascular technologists average $39,000
to $40,000 annually. Salary depends upon location and employer.
Median annual earnings of cardiovascular technologists and technicians
in 2002 were $33,350. The middle 50 percent earned between $24,590
and $43,450. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $19,540, and
the highest 10 percent earned more than $52,930.
Professional Organizations
Visit the following Web sites to find out more about the rewards
of the cardiovascular invasive specialist profession:
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