What does a cath laboratory radiological technologist do?
A cath laboratory radiological technologist specializes in operating imaging equipment such as X-ray, MRI, and CT scanners to help physicians in diagnosing and treating health issues among patients. They produce diagnostic images according to protocols, submitting them to the physicians timely and accurately. They are also responsible for assisting patients by preparing them before the procedure, answering inquiries, briefing them on how they would feel during the process, providing step-by-step instructions, and making them feel at ease throughout the test.
Cath laboratory radiological technologist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real cath laboratory radiological technologist resumes:
- 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.
- Perform all vascular access work using ultrasound.
- Assist with selection of balloons and stents for procedures.
- Assist with cardioversions and perform EKG's on patients.
- Gain knowledge of EKG electrodes, sheath removal, x-ray systems, and radiation protection.
- include: operating xray equipment, sending exams to PACS, insuring quality images to physicians.
- Assist in scrubbing for STEMI's, which include PTCA, Atherectomy devices, and Stenting.
- Utilize training in both basic life support (BLS) and CPR as needed or require.
- Teach technologists breast ultrasound and DEXA scans, assist radiologist with non-invasive breast procedures and order medical and pharmaceutical supplies.
- Receive some additional training in the electrophysiology suite.
- Scrub and circulate adult and pediatric electrophysiology procedures.
- Balance, calibrate and record appropriate hemodynamic data.
Cath laboratory radiological technologist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 27% of Cath Laboratory Radiological Technologists are proficient in BLS, Cath Lab, and Acls. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Physical stamina, and Technical skills.
We break down the percentage of Cath Laboratory Radiological Technologists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- BLS, 27%
Qualified ACLS and BLS provider.
- Cath Lab, 19%
Scrubbed and assisted physician during procedures and assisted with other aspects of cath lab functions.
- Acls, 15%
Maintained Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
- Radiation Safety, 5%
Assist in ordering and maintaining supplies and takes responsibility for Radiation Safety for the department.
- Catheter, 5%
Activated fluoroscope to produce images used to guide catheter through cardiovascular system.
- Electrophysiology, 4%
Performed X-ray duties and processing for invasive cardiac studies and electrophysiology.
Common skills that a cath laboratory radiological technologist uses to do their job include "bls," "cath lab," and "acls." You can find details on the most important cath laboratory radiological technologist responsibilities below.
Detail oriented. One of the key soft skills for a cath laboratory radiological technologist to have is detail oriented. You can see how this relates to what cath laboratory radiological technologists do because "radiologic and mri technologists must follow instructions exactly to get the images needed for diagnoses." Additionally, a cath laboratory radiological technologist resume shows how cath laboratory radiological technologists use detail oriented: "utilized organization skills and strong attention-to-detail in effectively serving up to six patients daily. "
Physical stamina. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling cath laboratory radiological technologist duties is physical stamina. The role rewards competence in this skill because "radiologic and mri technologists often work on their feet for long periods during their shift and must be able to lift and move patients who need help." According to a cath laboratory radiological technologist resume, here's how cath laboratory radiological technologists can utilize physical stamina in their job responsibilities: "meet physical/psychological needs of patients during and after examinations while in radiology. "
Technical skills. cath laboratory radiological technologists are also known for technical skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to cath laboratory radiological technologist responsibilities, because "radiologic and mri technologists must understand how to operate complex machinery." A cath laboratory radiological technologist resume example shows how technical skills is used in the workplace: "operated and interpreted data from multiple hemodynamic and procedural pieces of equipment which required extensive technical understanding. "
The three companies that hire the most cath laboratory radiological technologists are:
- Siemens Healthineers483 cath laboratory radiological technologists jobs
- Cedars-Sinai17 cath laboratory radiological technologists jobs
- Community Health Systems15 cath laboratory radiological technologists jobs
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Compare different cath laboratory radiological technologists
Cath laboratory radiological technologist vs. Mammographer
The job of X-ray technicians, or X-ray technologists, is to detect medical issues that may need urgent medical treatment using cutting-edge imaging methods. The pictures they generate aid physicians in diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses with better accuracy. They use a wide range of imaging technologies such as the traditional X-ray machines, computerized axial tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. X-ray technicians may also perform some office work that includes preparing work schedules, managing radiologic departments, and setting up physicians' stations.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between cath laboratory radiological technologists and mammographer. For instance, cath laboratory radiological technologist responsibilities require skills such as "bls," "cath lab," "acls," and "catheter." Whereas a mammographer is skilled in "patients," "arrt," "patient care," and "radiology." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Mammographers tend to reach similar levels of education than cath laboratory radiological technologists. In fact, mammographers are 1.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Cath laboratory radiological technologist vs. X-ray technician
Diagnostic Technicians are specialists in the inspecting, maintenance, and repair of equipment or service. Diagnostic Technicians can be working in the automotive sector, inspecting and repairing cars, to performing ultrasound procedures in the healthcare industry. Their duties include analyzing and collecting data, calibrating equipment, performing diagnostic tests and repairs, and organizing work records and reports. A Diagnostic Technician must have sound knowledge in using technical equipment and adheres to safety regulations when handling any tools.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, cath laboratory radiological technologist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "bls," "cath lab," "acls," and "electrophysiology." Meanwhile, an x-ray technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "patients," "arrt," "radiologic technologist," and "cpr." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
X-ray technicians earn a lower average salary than cath laboratory radiological technologists. But x-ray technicians earn the highest pay in the health care industry, with an average salary of $55,344. Additionally, cath laboratory radiological technologists earn the highest salaries in the health care with average pay of $72,675 annually.x-ray technicians earn similar levels of education than cath laboratory radiological technologists in general. They're 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Cath laboratory radiological technologist vs. Diagnostic technician
A mammography technician is primarily in charge of operating an imaging machine to detect and diagnose breast diseases. Their responsibilities include greeting patients, reviewing their identification and request documentation, explaining the extent of procedures, answering inquiries, operating machines, performing adjustments, and conducting the study in adherence to the protocols, making sure the patients feel comfortable every step of the way. Furthermore, as a mammography technician, it is essential to practice every safety technique during the procedures, all while enforcing the facility's policies and regulations.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, cath laboratory radiological technologists are more likely to have skills like "bls," "cath lab," "acls," and "radiation safety." But a diagnostic technician is more likely to have skills like "patients," "patient care," "cpr," and "radiology."
Diagnostic technicians make a very good living in the telecommunication industry with an average annual salary of $75,136. On the other hand, cath laboratory radiological technologists are paid the highest salary in the health care industry, with average annual pay of $72,675.diagnostic technicians typically earn similar educational levels compared to cath laboratory radiological technologists. Specifically, they're 2.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.9% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Cath laboratory radiological technologist vs. Mammography technician
Types of cath laboratory radiological technologist
Updated January 8, 2025
