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Cardiology technician vs cardiovascular sonographer

The differences between cardiology technicians and cardiovascular sonographers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a cardiology technician and a cardiovascular sonographer. Additionally, a cardiovascular sonographer has an average salary of $80,456, which is higher than the $43,580 average annual salary of a cardiology technician.

The top three skills for a cardiology technician include patients, patient care and arrhythmia. The most important skills for a cardiovascular sonographer are patients, BLS, and RDCS.

Cardiology technician vs cardiovascular sonographer overview

Cardiology TechnicianCardiovascular Sonographer
Yearly salary$43,580$80,456
Hourly rate$20.95$38.68
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs57,81113,174
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 36%Associate Degree, 56%
Average age4545
Years of experience22

What does a cardiology technician do?

Cardiology Technicians are responsible for assisting physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases by conducting diagnostic testing, managing equipment, and recording results. Their duties include registering patients, maintaining a patient log, explaining testing and equipment procedures, assisting the patient in the physical examination, and conducting echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, phonocardiogram, and stress tests. They are also involved in operating physiologic monitors, monitoring instrument readings, conducting pulmonary tests, managing laboratory records, submitting reports, adjusting and cleaning equipment, and maintaining inventory levels. Cardiology Technicians also perform preventive maintenance, handle charge slips, and ensure work complies with professional standards and regulations.

What does a cardiovascular sonographer do?

A cardiovascular sonographer specializes in operating non-invasive imaging equipment to help physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular issues. They conduct imaging test procedures and assist patients by answering questions, preparing them for the tests, helping them understand the process, providing step-by-step instructions, and making them feel at ease the entire time. They are also responsible for evaluating the images, utilizing their knowledge to sort out abnormalities detected. Moreover, as a cardiovascular sonographer, it is essential to produce accurate results, all while maintaining a transparent and open communication line with physicians and nurses.

Cardiology technician vs cardiovascular sonographer salary

Cardiology technicians and cardiovascular sonographers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cardiology TechnicianCardiovascular Sonographer
Average salary$43,580$80,456
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $62,000Between $55,000 And $117,000
Highest paying CityEureka, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyColumbia University in the City of New York-
Best paying industryEducation-

Differences between cardiology technician and cardiovascular sonographer education

There are a few differences between a cardiology technician and a cardiovascular sonographer in terms of educational background:

Cardiology TechnicianCardiovascular Sonographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 36%Associate Degree, 56%
Most common majorNursingMedical Technician
Most common collegeEmory UniversityDuke University

Cardiology technician vs cardiovascular sonographer demographics

Here are the differences between cardiology technicians' and cardiovascular sonographers' demographics:

Cardiology TechnicianCardiovascular Sonographer
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 24.7% Female, 75.3%Male, 23.7% Female, 76.3%
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 cardiology technician and cardiovascular sonographer duties and responsibilities

Cardiology technician example responsibilities.

  • Assist with placement and manage intra-aortic balloon pumps.
  • Perform stress testing, holter monitoring, and pulmonary function testing.
  • Prepare schedules for the next day, prepare patient charts for appointments using EMR system.
  • Attend all training including, CPR and arrythmia course and staff meetings.
  • Administer stress testing, pulmonary function testing, ECG's, pacemaker and AICD testing and general patient management.
  • Conduct thousands of ECG's, plus Holter monitoring, signal average ECG's, computer editing of ECG reports.
  • Show more

Cardiovascular sonographer example responsibilities.

  • Facilitate physician to help achieve ICAEL accreditation status.
  • Obtain full patient history, vital signs, EKG s and verify patient medication.
  • Complete patient intake, including: EKG, vitals, medications, and patient history.
  • Fast pace work environment, independently perform ultrasound examinations on patients with cardiovascular disease.
  • Develop strong relationships with cardiologists and cardiac anesthesiologist, supporting each professional's unique style and needs.
  • Prepare patients for various examinations by reviewing requisitions and case history as well as explaining procedures to patients.
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Cardiology technician vs cardiovascular sonographer skills

Common cardiology technician skills
  • Patients, 27%
  • Patient Care, 10%
  • Arrhythmia, 5%
  • CPR, 4%
  • ECG, 4%
  • Treadmill, 4%
Common cardiovascular sonographer skills
  • Patients, 14%
  • BLS, 8%
  • RDCS, 8%
  • Echocardiogram, 8%
  • Echocardiography, 7%
  • Patient Care, 7%

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