Healthcare

A Day in the Life of a Cardiovascular Tech

HealthcareMay 04, 2021

Technology has impacted the medical field in many ways and perhaps none so dramatically as the advancements in the field of cardiology. Even 10 years ago, it would have been hard to imagine, a 3-D printed heart replacing a transplanted one or new stents reacting to changes in a patient’s body. Today, those possibilities become increasingly within reach thanks to technological advancements. 

Helping cardiologists deliver these amazing life-saving procedures are cardiovascular technologists (CVT). An important member of the healthcare team, CVTs help save lives. They work in cardiac catheterization labs in hospitals as well as at outpatient specialty centers. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be a CVT, you may find it interesting to take a peek into a day in their life. 

Daily Tasks

While every day can be different in the medical field, CVTs have a set list of tasks that are done on a daily basis. For example, they prepare patients for procedures - explaining the procedure and answering questions to help calm patients’ and address their concerns. CVTs also collect and record the patient’s medical history and connect them to the monitoring equipment. 

Testing is a big part of a CVT’s job. They get to use specialized equipment, including electrocardiograms (EKG), phonocardiograms, and echocardiograms. They also perform stress tests on patients and record cardiac activity with electronic devices.

While the patient is undergoing a procedure and test, the CVT will monitor their blood pressure and heart rate. If something appears wrong, they will alert the physician. Finally, a CVT will handle the wires and catheters that are being placed in the patient’s arteries by the cardiologist during a procedure. They also assist with the implantation of ICDs and pacemakers.

Becoming a CVT

As you can see, the job of a CVT is vital and can be extremely rewarding – you’re helping people manage their heart health and, in some cases, saving lives. If becoming a CVT sounds interesting to you and you live in Tennessee, earn your Associate Degree and prepare for your Cardiovascular Technologist certification by enrolling in the Cardiovascular Technologist Program at Fortis Institute Nashville campus. Call 1-855-436-7847 to schedule a visit of our campus facilities or click here to request more information.