Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians perform diagnostic tests on patients' heart and lung systems using specialized equipment. They may conduct electrocardiograms, assist with cardiac catheterizations, and measure pulmonary function. These professionals work in hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, and cardiology clinics, directly supporting physicians in diagnosing and treating heart and lung conditions.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against cardiovascular technologists and technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves preparing patients for tests, operating cardiac and pulmonary equipment, and recording data from procedures. Technicians perform electrocardiograms, help physicians during catheterization procedures, and conduct lung function tests. They maintain equipment, document results, and communicate findings to medical staff. Work may include some evening or weekend hours depending on the facility's schedule.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy hands-on work with medical equipment and solving technical problems systematically. If you're drawn to understanding how body systems function and gathering precise data to help doctors diagnose disease, this work suits you—combining practical skills with investigative thinking.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold an associate degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Maintenance Shop Technician · Republic Services · Dixon, Solano County · $71,014–$71,014
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- Emergency Department Technician II · KAISER · Roseville, Placer County · $56,302–$56,302
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- Financial Accounts Technician · Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration · Leavenworth, Kansas · $46150–$59994
- Pharmacy Technician (Inpatient Oncology) · Veterans Health Administration · Long Beach, California · $80677–$104876
- Medical Technician · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Maxwell AFB, Alabama · $50460–$65599
- Surgical Technician · Veterans Health Administration · Saint Cloud, Minnesota · $55012–$71517
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | $84,410 | $113,510 | $224,280 | 1,250 |
| Hawaii | $57,350 | $111,730 | $130,180 | 140 |
| Massachusetts | $63,270 | $105,580 | $127,300 | 1,110 |
| Rhode Island | $82,450 | $104,000 | $104,460 | 260 |
| Idaho | $84,190 | $100,100 | $117,270 | 220 |
| District of Columbia | $58,520 | $99,380 | $126,660 | 280 |
| Oregon | $59,770 | $99,240 | $125,040 | 550 |
| Connecticut | $62,050 | $94,940 | $108,280 | 620 |
| Colorado | $77,870 | $94,190 | $109,860 | 720 |
| New York | $61,010 | $89,570 | $107,650 | 3,540 |
| Delaware | $48,550 | $87,640 | $99,990 | 290 |
| Maryland | $51,450 | $86,440 | $103,990 | 970 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- EKG Technician — American Phlebotomy Association
- Certified EKG Technician (CET) — National Healthcareer Association
- EKG (Electrocardiography) Technician — American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians
- ECG Technician (NCET) — National Center for Competency Testing
- Nuclear Cardiology Technologist (NCT) — Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board
- Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) — National Board for Respiratory Care
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against cardiovascular technologists and technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-2031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.