Career Path Forecast
Employment
of cardiovascular technologists and technicians is expected to increase
24 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all
occupations. Demand will stem from the prevalence of heart disease and
the aging population, because older people have a higher incidence of
heart disease and other complications of the heart and vascular system.
Procedures such as ultrasound imaging and radiology are being performed
more often as a replacement for more expensive and more invasive
procedures. Due to advances in medicine and greater public awareness,
signs of vascular disease can be detected earlier, creating demand for
cardiovascular technologists and technicians to perform various
procedures.
Employment of vascular
technologists and echocardiographers will grow as advances in vascular
technology and sonography reduce the need for more costly and invasive
procedures. However, fewer EKG technicians will be needed, as hospitals
train nursing aides and others to perform basic EKG procedures.
Individuals trained in Holter monitoring and stress testing are expected
to have more favorable job prospects than those who can perform only a
basic EKG.
The
rules governing reimbursement by Medicare and Medicaid for medical
procedures will affect the frequency of their use and demand for imaging
technologists.
Job prospects. In
addition to job growth, job openings for cardiovascular technologists
and technicians will arise from replacement needs as individuals
transfer to other jobs or leave the labor force. Job prospects will be
best for those with multiple professional credentials, trained to
perform a wide range of procedures. Those willing to relocate or work
irregular hours also will have better job opportunities.
It is not uncommon for
cardiovascular technologists and technicians to move between the
specialties within the occupation by obtaining certification in more
than one specialty. Technologists with multiple credentials will be the
most marketable to employers.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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