Also called: Cath Lab Tech, RCIS
Assists cardiologists during heart catheterizations, stent placements, and pacemaker implants.
Scrubs in for heart procedures in the cath lab, hands the doctor wires and balloons, monitors pressures, and runs the X-ray equipment. On call for heart attacks at 3 a.m. when every minute counts.
BLS May 2024 (cardiovascular technologists).
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate degree in invasive cardiovascular technology or RT/RN background plus RCIS certification.
Ways in: 2-year college, Certification, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Invasive Cardiovascular Technology.
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. Cath-lab systems add AI imaging, but scrubbing in, monitoring and handling devices during heart procedures stays human.
Classes: Anatomy & physiology, Biology, Physics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 29-2031.
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