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What is a cath laboratory radiological technologist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

A cath laboratory radiology technologist provides technical support to a cardiologist during cardiovascular imaging and invasive heart procedures such as angioplasty, electrophysiology, and cardiac catheterization. They prep and monitor patients during the procedures, and ensures they are comfortable by explaining to them the procedures and giving them reassurance. Cath laboratory radiology technologists are able to detect even slight abnormalities and report them to the cardiologist.

A cath laboratory radiology technologist typically works in a hospital. They work closely with cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and other physicians to properly execute their roles. A successful cath laboratory radiology technologist should have prior experience in the field, manual dexterity, communication skills, ability to remain calm under pressure, attention to detail, and interpersonal skills.

Cath laboratory radiology technologists usually work 12-hour shifts up to 40 hours a week. They are also expected to be on call 24 hours a day to assist with emergency procedures that come up.

ScoreCath Laboratory Radiological TechnologistUS Average
Salary
4.7

Avg. Salary $60,648

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.8

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.48%

Asian 6.05%

Black or African American 5.39%

Hispanic or Latino 10.19%

Unknown 4.14%

White 73.75%

Gender

female 50.51%

male 49.49%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
8.8

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.8

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
8.5

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Cath laboratory radiological technologist career paths

Key steps to become a cath laboratory radiological technologist

  1. Explore cath laboratory radiological technologist education requirements

    Most common cath laboratory radiological technologist degrees

    Associate

    63.2 %

    Bachelor's

    28.9 %

    Diploma

    3.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific cath laboratory radiological technologist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    BLS27.05%
    Cath Lab19.26%
    Acls14.78%
    Radiation Safety5.29%
    Catheter4.87%
  3. Complete relevant cath laboratory radiological technologist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New cath laboratory radiological technologists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a cath laboratory radiological technologist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real cath laboratory radiological technologist resumes.
  4. Research cath laboratory radiological technologist duties and responsibilities

    • Open and close department independently and also assist surgical staff by managing QC and providing radiopharmaceuticals as needed for procedures.
    • Gather supplies need for cardiac imaging procedures ACLS and BLS certifications
    • Perform diagnostic radiology procedures in the emergency room, radiology department, and mobile radiography while following the principle of ALARA.
    • Transition from film to PACS.
  5. Prepare your cath laboratory radiological technologist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your cath laboratory radiological technologist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a cath laboratory radiological technologist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable cath laboratory radiological technologist resume templates

    Build a professional cath laboratory radiological technologist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your cath laboratory radiological technologist resume.
    Cath Laboratory Radiological Technologist Resume
    Cath Laboratory Radiological Technologist Resume
    Cath Laboratory Radiological Technologist Resume
    Cath Laboratory Radiological Technologist Resume
    Cath Laboratory Radiological Technologist Resume
    Cath Laboratory Radiological Technologist Resume
    Cath Laboratory Radiological Technologist Resume
    Cath Laboratory Radiological Technologist Resume
    Cath Laboratory Radiological Technologist Resume
  6. Apply for cath laboratory radiological technologist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a cath laboratory radiological technologist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first cath laboratory radiological technologist job

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Average cath laboratory radiological technologist salary

The average cath laboratory radiological technologist salary in the United States is $60,648 per year or $29 per hour. Cath laboratory radiological technologist salaries range between $29,000 and $126,000 per year.

Average cath laboratory radiological technologist salary
$60,648 Yearly
$29.16 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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