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Cardiac technician vs invasive cardiovascular technologist

The differences between cardiac technicians and invasive cardiovascular technologists 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 an invasive cardiovascular technologist. Additionally, an invasive cardiovascular technologist has an average salary of $49,294, 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 an invasive cardiovascular technologist are patients, BLS, and EKG.

Cardiac technician vs invasive cardiovascular technologist overview

Cardiac TechnicianInvasive Cardiovascular Technologist
Yearly salary$39,698$49,294
Hourly rate$19.09$23.70
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs50,68949,408
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age4545
Years of experience22

What does a cardiac technician do?

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.

What does an invasive cardiovascular technologist do?

An invasive cardiovascular technologist is responsible for assisting the cardiovascular doctors and giving care to the patients. They prepare all needed machines, equipment, or tools, and they also prepare patients for procedures. They need to continually monitor patients before, during, and after an operation. They also assist the doctor with tasks such as handling tools.

Cardiac technician vs invasive cardiovascular technologist salary

Cardiac technicians and invasive cardiovascular technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cardiac TechnicianInvasive Cardiovascular Technologist
Average salary$39,698$49,294
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $50,000Between $25,000 And $96,000
Highest paying CityFargo, ND-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyBrigham and Women's Hospital-
Best paying industryHealth Care-

Differences between cardiac technician and invasive cardiovascular technologist education

There are a few differences between a cardiac technician and an invasive cardiovascular technologist in terms of educational background:

Cardiac TechnicianInvasive Cardiovascular Technologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianMedical Technician
Most common collegeEmory UniversityDuke University

Cardiac technician vs invasive cardiovascular technologist demographics

Here are the differences between cardiac technicians' and invasive cardiovascular technologists' demographics:

Cardiac TechnicianInvasive Cardiovascular Technologist
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 34.4% Female, 65.6%Male, 52.8% Female, 47.2%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage8%8%

Differences between cardiac technician and invasive cardiovascular technologist duties and responsibilities

Cardiac technician example responsibilities.

  • Assist with placement and manage intra-aortic balloon pumps.
  • Receive and edit electrocardiogram (ECG) data in order to and formulate sound clinical judgments.
  • Provide technical phone-base support and customer service in a call center environment to LifeWatch cardiac patients.
  • Enter data in the EMR.
  • Train in first aid, CPR, deliberation and shock techniques.
  • Complete test relate paperwork and enter into EMR according to HIPAA compliance.
  • Show more

Invasive cardiovascular technologist example responsibilities.

  • Assist with placement and manage intra-aortic balloon pumps.
  • Perform ECG s, track vitals, monitor hemodynamics and first assist during procedures.
  • Prepare and position patients for invasive procedures.
  • Prepare patients mentally and physically for the diagnostic testing by giving the correct procedural information.
  • Develop quality control program including statistical analysis and quality assurance reporting meeting JCAHO standards; function as QC coordinator.
  • Assist in laser seminars and lectures present to visiting faculty and physicians from the breadth of the Americas.

Cardiac technician vs invasive cardiovascular technologist skills

Common cardiac technician skills
  • Patients, 23%
  • BLS, 9%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Acls, 5%
  • Cardiology, 4%
  • ECG, 4%
Common invasive cardiovascular technologist skills
  • Patients, 21%
  • BLS, 11%
  • EKG, 7%
  • Electrocardiogram, 7%
  • Patient Care, 6%
  • RCIS, 6%

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