According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Conduct electrocardiogram (EKG), phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress testing, or other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, or laboratory instruments. | 96% |
| Compare measurements of heart wall thickness and chamber sizes to standard norms to identify abnormalities. | 94% |
| Explain testing procedures to patients to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety. | 94% |
| Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures. | 94% |
| Observe ultrasound display screen and listen to signals to record vascular information, such as blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, or cerebral circulation. | 93% |
| Assist surgeons with vascular procedures, such as preparing balloons and stents. | 93% |
| Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to notify the physician if something appears wrong. | 93% |
| Assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac or peripheral vascular treatments, such as implanting pacemakers or assisting with balloon angioplasties to treat blood vessel blockages. | 92% |
| Assess cardiac physiology and calculate valve areas from blood flow velocity measurements. | 92% |
| Obtain and record patient identification, medical history, or test results. | 92% |
| Operate diagnostic imaging equipment to produce contrast enhanced radiographs of heart and cardiovascular system. | 92% |
| Observe gauges, recorder, and video screens of data analysis system during imaging of cardiovascular system. | 92% |
| Monitor patients' comfort and safety during tests, alerting physicians to abnormalities or changes in patient responses. | 92% |
| Prepare and position patients for testing. | 91% |
| Attach electrodes to the patients' chests, arms, and legs, connect electrodes to leads from the electrocardiogram (EKG) machine, and operate the EKG machine to obtain a reading. | 91% |
| Inject contrast medium into patients' blood vessels. | 91% |
| Transcribe, type, and distribute reports of diagnostic procedures for interpretation by physician. | 91% |
| Adjust equipment and controls according to physicians' orders or established protocol. | 89% |
| Enter factors, such as amount and quality of radiation beam, and filming sequence, into computer. | 88% |
| Conduct tests of pulmonary system, using spirometer or other respiratory testing equipment. | 85% |
| Activate fluoroscope and camera to produce images used to guide catheter through cardiovascular system. | 84% |
| Set up 24-hour Holter and event monitors, scan and interpret tapes, and report results to physicians. | 83% |
| Check, test, and maintain cardiology equipment, making minor repairs when necessary, to ensure proper operation. | 82% |
| Supervise or train other cardiology technologists or students. | 74% |
| Perform general administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments or ordering supplies or equipment. | 72% |
