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Field Description
Cardiac electrophysiology is a medical specialty dealing with the clinical diagnosis and treatment of the electrical function of the heart. Cardiac rhythm disturbances such as bradyarrhythmia, tachyarrhythmia and heart block can be diagnosed and treated through procedures such as pacemaker or defibrillator implantation and radiofrequency ablation. Electrophysiology is a highly technical, rapidly growing field in cardiology that is making advances in identifying the causes of heart rhythm abnormalities and the treatment of these arrhythmias.
Technologists and nursing staff assist physicians in the study of the heart’s electrical function, analysis of cardiac arrhythmias, interventional procedures and treatment.
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Career Opportunities
Allied health professionals who specialize in electrophysiology typically have cardiac catheterization or cardiac nursing experience. Nationwide, there is a high clinical need for professionals with electrophysiology experience and credentialing. Programs that offer opportunities to obtain clinical experience in electrophysiology are limited. As the field of electrophysiology continues to expand, a growth in clinical programs is anticipated in the future.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of cardiovascular technologists and technicians is expected to increase by 26 percent through the year 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur as the population ages, because older people have a higher incidence of heart disease and other complications of the heart and vascular system.
Earning Potential
The median annual earnings of cardiovascular technologists was $42,300 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $29,900 and $55,670.
Professional Organizations
To learn more about electrophysiology, visit these Web sites:
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