Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists
High opportunity occupation
Career Overview
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists work in hospitals, medical laboratories and clinics.
Cardiology technologists:
- Perform non-invasive diagnostic cardiac tests including electrocardiograms, ambulatory monitoring and exercise stress tests to help diagnose and manage a wide range of heart abnormalities.
Electrophysiological diagnostic technologists:
- Operate electroencephalographic (brain), electromyographic (muscles), evoked potential (spinal cord) and other electrophysiological diagnostic equipment to help physicians diagnose diseases, injuries and abnormalities.
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists who work as supervisors or instructors are also included in this group.
Job Titles
Duties
Cardiology technologists:
- Perform electrocardiograms to record the electrical activity of a patient’s heart
- Help physicians with other cardiac tests such as exercise tolerance tests, nuclear medicine tests and tilt table tests
- Hook up and analyze Holter monitor recordings
- Provide safe care for patients during tests and procedures
- Prepare detailed test reports for interpretation by cardiologists
- Check cardiology equipment to make sure it operates properly
- Interpret tests and notify physician or other health-care professionals when findings are urgent or life-threatening
- In a hospital setting, may give oxygen and nitroglycerin under the direct supervision of an attending physician
- May contribute to training other cardiology technologists, students, lab assistants, nurses and other professionals
Electrophysiological diagnostic technologists:
- Operate electroencephalographic, electromyographic, evoked potential and other electrophysiological diagnostic equipment to help physicians diagnose diseases, injuries and abnormalities
- Operate interoperative monitoring equipment during corrective surgical procedures on the brain and spinal cord
- Review patient's case history and assess the nature of the problem to determine procedures and tests required
- Attach diagnostic equipment to patients and ensure their comfort and safety
- Operate electromyographic equipment to conduct electrophysiological nerve conduction studies and repetitive nerve stimulation
- Assist physicians in performing electrophysiological muscle testing
- Take notes on the recorded graph to identify interference such as poor electrode contact or patient movement
- Prepare recordings and reports of findings to help physicians diagnose neurological disorders
- Check, calibrate and perform routine maintenance of diagnostic equipment
- Train and supervise students, technicians or other electroencephalograph technologists
Earnings
Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.
Work Environment
# Workers Employed
560% Employed Full Time
55%Work takes place in an indoor medical environment. Workers may be exposed to bacteria or viruses that could cause illness.
Career Pathways
Cardiology technologists may specialize in cardiac device technology with additional education and experience. This work involves assisting with implanting, monitoring and reprogramming cardiac rhythm devices.
Related Careers
Occupational Interests
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Education, Training and Skills
Cardiology technologists must:
- Complete an accredited Cardiology Technologist diploma program
- Successfully pass the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists Certification Exam
- Remain a member in good standing with the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists
Electrophysiological diagnostic technologists must:
- Complete a two-year college or hospital-based program in electrophysiology technology
- Complete supervised practical training
Employers may also require that electrophysiological diagnostic technologists:
- Register with the Canadian Board of Registration of Electroencephalograph Technologists, Inc.
- Register with the Association of Electromyography Technologists of Canada
Education programs in B.C.
The following program areas are related to this occupation:
- Diagnostic Technology & Related
Skills
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Talking to others to share information effectively.
Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Keeping track of and assessing your performance, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Labour Market Statistics
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Employment
Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.
Employment
560Employment by Region
| Region | Employment | % Employment of this Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 0 | 0.0% |
| Kootenay | 10 | 1.8% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 360 | 64.3% |
| North Coast and Nechako | 0 | 0.0% |
| Northeast | 0 | 0.0% |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 80 | 14.3% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 105 | 18.8% |
Labour Market Outlook
The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.
Forecasted Job Openings (2024-2034)
390Forecasted Job Openings
Forecasted Employment Growth Rate
Composition of Job Openings
Job Openings by Region (2024-2034)
| Region | Job Openings | Avg. Annual Employment Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | Not available | Not available |
| Kootenay | Not available | Not available |
| Mainland/Southwest | 270 | 2.4% |
| North Coast and Nechako | Not available | Not available |
| Northeast | Not available | Not available |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 40 | 2.2% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 90 | 2.3% |
Industry Highlights
Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.
Forecasted Job Openings by Industry
| Industry | Job Openings (2024-2034) |
|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | 390 |
Resources
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Association of Electromyography Technologists of Canada (A.E.T.C.)www.aetc.ca/
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Canadian Association of Electroneurophysiology Technologists (CAET)www.caet.org/
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Canadian Board of Registration of Electroencephalograph Technologists, Inc. (CBRET)cbret.org/
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Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists (CSCT)www.csct.ca/
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Cardiology Technologists Association of BC (CTABC)www.ctabc.ca/