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Cardiovascular sonographer vs monitor technician

The differences between cardiovascular sonographers and monitor technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a cardiovascular sonographer and a monitor technician. Additionally, a cardiovascular sonographer has an average salary of $80,456, which is higher than the $35,460 average annual salary of a monitor technician.

The top three skills for a cardiovascular sonographer include patients, BLS and RDCS. The most important skills for a monitor technician are patients, EKG, and BLS.

Cardiovascular sonographer vs monitor technician overview

Cardiovascular SonographerMonitor Technician
Yearly salary$80,456$35,460
Hourly rate$38.68$17.05
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs13,17456,963
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Average age4545
Years of experience22

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.

What does a monitor technician do?

A monitor technician works in hospitals and other health care centers that provide treatment relating to heart health. They are also known as cardiac monitor technicians, who assist physicians and nurses with diagnosing and interpreting conditions related to the heart through several methods of monitoring and testing. Most of their work includes using machines and other medical technology in tracking patients' heart performance and check for any possible abnormalities. They monitor irregular heartbeats, arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest. They also use this technology to perform various tests on the heart but typically do not provide treatment.

Cardiovascular sonographer vs monitor technician salary

Cardiovascular sonographers and monitor technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cardiovascular SonographerMonitor Technician
Average salary$80,456$35,460
Salary rangeBetween $55,000 And $117,000Between $28,000 And $43,000
Highest paying City-Medford, OR
Highest paying state-Utah
Best paying company-MLK Community Healthcare
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between cardiovascular sonographer and monitor technician education

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

Cardiovascular SonographerMonitor Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianNursing
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Cardiovascular sonographer vs monitor technician demographics

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

Cardiovascular SonographerMonitor Technician
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 23.7% Female, 76.3%Male, 34.7% Female, 65.3%
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 cardiovascular sonographer and monitor technician duties and responsibilities

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.
  • Show more

Monitor technician example responsibilities.

  • Assist with placement and manage intra-aortic balloon pumps.
  • Operate electrocardiogram (EKG), cardiac treadmill testing equipment and record data.
  • Administer care to patients in a LATC setting, support with ambulation and rehabilitation procedure.
  • Ensure telemetry boxes are returned from the floors when patients are discharge or transfer to ICU.
  • Work in a very large hospital system doing EEG's on premature infants to geriatric patients.
  • Monitor heart rhythm patterns, record and report normal and abnormal heart rhythm patterns and ECG interval measurements utilizing telemetry equipment.
  • Show more

Cardiovascular sonographer vs monitor technician skills

Common cardiovascular sonographer skills
  • Patients, 14%
  • BLS, 8%
  • RDCS, 8%
  • Echocardiogram, 8%
  • Echocardiography, 7%
  • Patient Care, 7%
Common monitor technician skills
  • Patients, 21%
  • EKG, 12%
  • BLS, 8%
  • Medical Terminology, 6%
  • Cardiac Rhythms, 6%
  • Arrhythmia, 4%

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