Learning the Tools and Equipment for Detecting Cardiovascular Disease
February 12, 2009
•Brian Brooks
•SBC-Houston
• 0 Comments
The battle against cardiovascular disease has been a long one. Cardiovascular disease refers to disease of the heart or blood vesicles. Cardiovascular disease technically involves all diseases that affect the cardiovascular system, although it more commonly refers to arterial diseases. Each year heart disease kills more Americans than cancer. Source: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/overview_text.htm. Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death and disability in the United States and is also a major health concern for European countries. Health concerns like obesity and smoking have played a large role in creating cardiovascular health problems in recent years. This has increased the need for skilled cardiovascular technicians. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, job positions for cardiovascular technicians are expected to grow much faster than average. Source: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos100.htm.
What Cardiovascular Technicians Do
Cardiovascular technicians assist physicians in detecting cardiac and peripheral vascular ailments. Cardiovascular technicians can schedule appointments, perform ultrasound or cardiovascular procedures, review doctors' interpretations and patient files, and monitor patients' heart rates. They can also operate and care for testing equipment, explain test procedures, and compare findings to a standard to help identify problems. Other day-to-day activities vary significantly between specialties. Source: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos100.htm.
Technology
Cardiovascular technicians generally work in hospital settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 75% of cardiovascular technicians work at hospitals. Other working environments can include clinics and special care facilities. Cardiovascular technicians work closely with computers and technology used in patient care. Understanding how to safely and accurately operate this equipment is essential. Some equipment used by cardiovascular technicians uses radiation. This equipment requires special attention to ensure the safety of the operator and patients being examined.
Professionals train to use such equipment in cardiovascular technician courses and programs. Programs that include an externship program can further familiarize students with equipment used in the field. Having hands on experience with medical equipment is a valuable trait for job candidates pursuing a career in this competitive field. Having the ability to quickly learn new programs and operate new machinery is also a very important skill for cardiovascular technicians. Technology is continually working towards providing new advances in the way care is administered and how medicine is applied. Those who understand technology will be better suited to adapt to technological changes in the field.
Cardiovascular technicians spend a lot of time walking and standing. Heavy lifting may be involved to move equipment, so cardiovascular technicians must be healthy and capable of performing daily physical activities.
To learn more about pursuing a career as a cardiovascular technician and cardiovascular technology courses available in the Houston area, click here.
Sanford-Brown College - Houston is close to many locations:
Bellaire, TX - approximately 11.7 miles
Crabb, TX - approximately 13.8 miles
Peters, TX - approximately 52.9 miles
Heights, TX - approximately 48.4 miles
Sources:
United States (1999). "Chronic Disease Overview". United States Government. Retrieved on 2007-02-07.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook
, 2008-09 Edition, Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, on the Internet at
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos100.htm (visited
January 21, 2009).