Employment Cardiovascular technologists and technicians held about 30,000 jobs in 1994. Most worked in hospital cardiology departments, while some worked in cardiologists' offices, cardiac rehabilitation centers, or health maintenance organizations. About one-half were EKG technicians. 1-year certificate programs exist, although most EKG technicians are still trained on the job by an EKG supervisor or a cardiologist. Applicants must be high school graduates.
Most employers prefer to train people already in the health care field, nursing aides, for example.
Most vascular technologists are trained on the job although some have backgrounds in nursing and sonography. Cardiology technologists need to complete a 2-year junior or community college program. One year is dedicated to core courses followed by a year of specialized instruction in either invasive, noninvasive, or noninvasive peripheral cardiology. Those who are qualified in a related allied health profession only need to complete the year of specialized instruction. Cardiovascular technologists must be reliable, have mechanical aptitude, and be able to follow detailed instructions.