Becoming a Cardio Diagnostic Professional
Cardio Diagnostic Professionals play a key role during the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and other heart problems of the patients. They operate special imaging equipments to administer noninvasive tests like EKGs, ECG, ultrasounds and cardiac sonograms as well as prepare the patients for invasive procedures like cardiac catheterization. Their other responsibilities include cleaning, operating, and maintaining sophisticated equipments, preparing and positioning the patients, documenting patients’ medical records, communicating the patients and the physicians before, after and during the procedures etc.
Cardio Diagnostic Professionals work in both government and private medical settings. They are employed at hospitals, physician’s offices, outpatient clinics, cardiac rehabilitation facilities, medical laboratories, intensive care units, etc. These professionals need to work even in weekends and night shifts or on call, when required.
Educational Requirements
To become a Cardio Diagnostic Professional, the aspiring candidates must have to complete at least a two-year associate’s degree in cardiovascular technology. However, students can pursue a bachelor’s degree or higher studies in cardiovascular technology or related field to get better job opportunities. The students cover the syllabus of cardiac anatomy, pathology, physiology, medical terminology, electrocardiography, cardiovascular pharmacology, ventricular rhythms, echo interpretation etc.
Certification
Since most of the employers in USA prefer Cardio Diagnostic Professional to hold a certification, the aspiring candidates can obtain it by passing an examination administered by American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
Skill Set
Besides the clinical knowledge and experience, Cardio Diagnostic Professional possess various skills such as dexterity to perform procedures, attention to detail, tolerance for long working hours, protecting patients’ confidentiality and sensitive data, understanding the spirit of team work, empathy towards patients, high medical ethics, ability to perform duties with accuracy and work with compassion, maintaining calm under pressure, management abilities, physical stamina for lifting and positioning the patients and equipments, competence with sophisticated machines, pleasant communications and interpersonal skills, basic computer knowledge etc.
Job Outlook and Salary
The job outlook for a Cardio Diagnostic Professional remains excellent in the US. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 30% from 2012 to 2022, higher than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary of a Cardio Diagnostic Professional was $50,200 in May 2012.