Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

• Observe ultrasound display screen and listen to signals to record vascular information, such as blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, or cerebral circulation.
• Assess cardiac physiology and calculate valve areas from blood flow velocity measurements.
• Observe gauges, recorder, and video screens of data analysis system during imaging of cardiovascular system.
• Inject contrast medium into patients' blood vessels.
• Set up 24-hour Holter and event monitors, scan and interpret tapes, and report results to physicians.
• Conduct electrocardiogram (EKG), phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress testing, or other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, or laboratory instruments.
• Obtain and record patient identification, medical history, or test results.
• Adjust equipment and controls according to physicians' orders or established protocol.
• Check, test, and maintain cardiology equipment, making minor repairs when necessary, to ensure proper operation.
• Prepare and position patients for testing.
• Monitor patients' comfort and safety during tests, alerting physicians to abnormalities or changes in patient responses.

• Compare measurements of heart wall thickness and chamber sizes to standard norms to identify abnormalities.
• Explain testing procedures to patients to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
• Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
• Operate diagnostic imaging equipment to produce contrast enhanced radiographs of heart and cardiovascular system.
• Transcribe, type, and distribute reports of diagnostic procedures for interpretation by physician.
• Attach electrodes to the patients' chests, arms, and legs, connect electrodes to leads from the electrocardiogram (EKG) machine, and operate the EKG machine to obtain a reading.
• Assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac or peripheral vascular treatments, such as implanting pacemakers or assisting with balloon angioplasties to treat blood vessel blockages.
• Supervise or train other cardiology technologists or students.
• Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to notify the physician if something appears wrong.

No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as automatable (55%).