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The differences between cardiac technicians and cardiovascular invasive specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a cardiac technician and a cardiovascular invasive specialist. Additionally, a cardiovascular invasive specialist has an average salary of $62,850, which is higher than the $39,698 average annual salary of a cardiac technician.
The top three skills for a cardiac technician include patients, BLS and CPR. The most important skills for a cardiovascular invasive specialist are patients, BLS, and acls.
| Cardiac Technician | Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $39,698 | $62,850 |
| Hourly rate | $19.09 | $30.22 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 50,689 | 27,175 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Associate Degree, 49% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Cardiac or cardiovascular technicians are healthcare professionals who participate in saving the lives of patients with a heart attack by helping physicians diagnose and treat cardiac and peripheral vascular ailments. These technicians are experts in conducting electrocardiogram (ECG) tests that measure the electrical activity of a patient's heart. They prepare patients and position them for the medical procedure while setting up the necessary diagnosing and monitoring equipment. Cardiac technicians must also assist cardiovascular surgeons in interpreting the reports for their patients.
A cardiovascular invasive specialist works together with physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions. They primarily assist in different cardiac procedures, ensuring operations run smoothly and efficiently. Their responsibilities usually include gathering and studying the patients' records, operating and adjusting imaging equipment, setting-up facilities, preparing the patients for cardiac intervention and catheterization, and interpreting imaging data, coordinating with physicians at all times. Moreover, they monitor the patients' heart rate, blood pressure, and other waveforms, all while maintaining accurate records.
Cardiac technicians and cardiovascular invasive specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cardiac Technician | Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist | |
| Average salary | $39,698 | $62,850 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $50,000 | Between $34,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fargo, ND | Fairfield, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Brigham and Women's Hospital | University of Maryland Medical System |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Professional |
There are a few differences between a cardiac technician and a cardiovascular invasive specialist in terms of educational background:
| Cardiac Technician | Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Associate Degree, 49% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Technician |
| Most common college | Emory University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between cardiac technicians' and cardiovascular invasive specialists' demographics:
| Cardiac Technician | Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 34.4% Female, 65.6% | Male, 43.9% Female, 56.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 13.9% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 13.9% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |