Invasive Cardiovascular Technology at a Glance

What does an invasive cardiovascular technologist do?

• Assists physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiac and vascular diseases
• Helps doctors conduct invasive cardiac catheterization procedures in which a small tube, or catheter, is used to help determine blockages or monitor abnormal electrical impulses
• Prepares and positions patients for procedures, administers anesthesia, monitors blood pressure and heart rates during procedures, may perform EKGs and other tests, and may help doctors during surgeries
• Has direct patient contact, often with critically ill patients during tests or surgery, and interacts with doctors and medical staff

What is the career outlook?

• Most work in hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices
• Typical five-day, 40-hour work week may include weekends, nights or on-call hours; those who work in heart catheterization labs tend to work longer hours and evenings
• Will be in increasingly high demand with aging population and higher incidence of heart disease with necessary procedures to diagnose and correct
• Those with multiple credentials, trained to perform a wide variety of procedures, will have best job prospects
• In Texas: 37 percent projected job growth through 2018 with median salaries $25.67 per hour or $53,400 annually* 
  Dallas County: $27.31 per hour or $56,800 annually*

Statistics are included only as guidelines and will vary with fluctuations in the economy and job market. More specific local hiring and salary information can be obtained at college information sessions.

Invasive Cardiovascular Technology program

Who can help me decide which health sciences career is right for me?

Contact the Health Careers Resource Center.

What more do I need to know?

• Acceptance to the Invasive Cardiovascular Technology program is by a competitive selection process based on a weighted point system.
• Learn more about Invasive Cardiovascular Technology. 
• *America’s Career Infonet 2011 data for cardiovascular technicians
  **Licensure Data Reporting System from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board 2009-2010
  ***Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Perkins 2009-2010