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Cardiology Technologist
Cardiology technologists perform tests to provide information needed to diagnose and treat heart disease.
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Avg. Salary $71,200.00
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Avg. Wage $34.70
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Minimum Education 1 year post-secondary
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Outlook N/A
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Employed < 1500
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In Demand Lower
Also Known As
Health Care Technologist, Heart Health Technologist, Medical Technologist
NOC Codes
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
- 2006 NOC: Cardiology Technologists (3217)
- 2006 NOC-S: Cardiology Technologists (D217)
- 2011 NOC: Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists, n.e.c. (3217)
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
N/A
Average Wage
Starting
Overall
Top
Average Wage
| Starting | $30.45 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $34.70 |
| Top | $38.60 |
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Certification Not Regulated
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Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg
Interest Codes
The Cardiology Technologist is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Cardiology Technologists
- OBJECTIVE
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Interest in operating electrocardiogram and other electronic equipment to record cardiac activity of patients; in checking cardiology equipment to ensure proper operation; and in reprogramming pacemakers according to standards
- METHODICAL
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Interest in speaking with physicians and other health care professionals about test results; in performing cardiovascular procedures and tests, such as electrocardiograms, exercise tolerance tests, ambulatory monitoring and scanning of tapes, pacemaker analysis and follow-up, and echocardiogram; and in providing patients with care during procedures and tests; may administer certain drugs under direct supervision of physicians; may document and record pacemaker implant threshold measurements under direct supervision of cardiac surgeon
- innovative
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Interest in compiling and recording the results of cardiac activity to aid in the diagnosis of heart disease; may analyze tests
Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Duties
Updated Mar 14, 2018
Cardiology technologists work with other health care professionals who test, monitor and evaluate heart function. They may use various types of electronic monitoring equipment for:
- electrocardiography
- multi-stage stress testing
- Holter monitor analysis
- arrhythmia monitor analysis
- tilt table testing
- pacemaker clinics
- blood pressure analysis.
In general, they:
- explain procedures to patients
- gather information about the patient’s medical history
- ensure patient comfort and safety during procedures
- conduct emergency resuscitation when necessary
- prepare test results for doctors to interpret
- alert doctors and nurses to any signs of life-threatening arrhythmias (heartbeats)
- maintain equipment
- spot and fix technical problems with equipment
- give medications (under doctor supervision)
- supervise or train cardiology technology students
- assist in research projects.
Cardiology technologists must keep up to date with changing technologies.
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 14, 2018
Cardiology technologists do shift work in health-care settings. The work is physically demanding. They are on their feet most of the time. They sometimes lift and move patients who cannot move on their own.
Cardiology technologists must follow standard procedures to control infections.
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Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 14, 2018
Cardiology technologists work with people who feel ill. Their patients may fear test procedures. Technologists need to possess:
- professionalism, maturity and self-confidence
- empathy and the ability to reassure patients
- the ability to be detail-oriented
- the ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergencies
- the ability to work with little direct supervision
- the ability to work as part of a team.
They should enjoy:
- detailed work
- using computers and electronic equipment
- following guidelines and methods
- compiling and recording test results.
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 14, 2018
Employers may prefer to hire graduates with related 2-year diploma programs. Alberta employers generally require applicants for cardiology technology positions to be registered members of the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists (CSCT) and the Alberta Society of Registered Cardiology Technologists (ASRCT).
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field. For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Related Education
British Columbia Institute of Technology
Stenberg College
In Hamilton, Ontario, Mohawk College’s Institute for Applied Health Sciences at McMaster offers training related to cardiology technology.
In general, the entrance requirement is a high school diploma with related science courses or equivalents. For current information about programs and admission requirements and policies, please check post-secondary calendars or websites.
Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 14, 2018
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 14, 2018
Most cardiology technologists work in hospital cardiology departments. Some work in private labs and clinics. In smaller rural hospitals, they may have other duties (for example, medical lab services) that require more training (see the Medical Laboratory Technologist occupational profile).
Without further education, chances to advance in this occupation are limited.
Cardiology technologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 3217: Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists, n.e.c. In Alberta, 98% of people employed in this classification work in the Health Care and Social Assistance [pdf] industry.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry)
- location in Alberta
- employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)
- occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
- size of the occupation.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 14, 2018
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website.
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
- Low
- High
- Average
- Median
Starting
Overall
Top
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $26.00 | $43.25 | $30.45 | $29.84 |
| Overall | $28.90 | $44.96 | $34.70 | $34.78 |
| Top | $30.57 | $50.64 | $38.60 | $39.71 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Industry Information
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $71,200 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $71,200 |
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
N/A
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
N/A
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
N/A
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 14, 2018
Alberta Society of Registered Cardiology Technologists (ASRCT) website: www.asrct.com
Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists (CSCT) website: www.csct.ca
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 14, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
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