How to become a Cardiac Technologist
Cardiac technologists provide technical services for the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. As part of the cardiology team, cardiac technologists operate a range of specialist equipment, which provides data that cardiologists and other medical practitioners use for patient care.
Personal requirements for a Cardiac Technologist
- Careful and analytical approach to work
- Sympathetic, supportive and professional approach to patients
- Ability to follow safety guidelines
- Good communication skills
- Commitment to ongoing professional development
- Able to work as part of a team
Education & Training for a Cardiac Technologist
To become a cardiac technologist you usually have to complete a degree at university with a major in biophysics, health science, nursing, physiology or exercise physiology. Once you are employed, you will receive some on-the-job training and may be required to undertake further study in cardiac technology. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.
Additional information
Cardiac technologists performing echocardiograms need to be accredited with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR). Student membership is also available for students participating in an ASAR-accredited medical ultrasound program of study. See www.asar.com.au for more information on accreditation requirements.
Duties & Tasks of a Cardiac Technologist
Cardiac technologists:
- Record the electrical activity of the heart, from which the heart rate is measured and its pattern and rhythm are interpreted
- Assess patients’ cardiac response to exercise using a treadmill or stationary bicycle and electrocardiography (ECG) recording
- Test implanted cardiac pacemakers with computerised equipment
- Monitor and record ECG and blood pressure data during interventional procedures
- Record ECG data from within the heart in order to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms
- Operate ultrasound equipment to scan the heart from the chest wall, obtaining and measuring images of the heart to assess blood flow and valve abnormalities
- Study the effects of cardiovascular drugs and diseases using many of the above techniques.
Tasks
- Records the electrical activity of the heart, from which the heart rate is measured and pattern and rhythm interpreted.
- Operates equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring disorders of the heart, kidneys, nervous system.
Working conditions for a Cardiac Technologist
Cardiac technologists may be required to be on call.
Employment Opportunities for a Cardiac Technologist
Most large metropolitan and regional public and private hospitals have cardiac investigation units, and there is growth in the private sector, particularly for cardiac ultrasound. Training opportunities and position grading vary between states and between institutions.
Specializations
Cardiac Technologist
Cardiac technologists provide technical services for the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. As part of the cardiology team, cardiac technologists operate a range of specialist equipment, which provides data that cardiologists and other medical practitioners use for patient care.
Average age
36
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
68% female
Average full-time
40 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
59%
Employment Size
1,000
Employment by state
ACT: 0.4%
NSW: 31.1%
NT: 1.0%
QLD: 11.4%
SA: 8.2%
TAS: 0.4%
VIC: 34.5%
WA: 13.0%
Age brackets
15-19: 0%
20-24: 11.3%
25-34: 36.1%
35-44: 21.5%
45-54: 18.3%
55-59: 6.5%
60-64: 3.6%
65 and Over: 2.7%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 10.5%
Bachelor degree: 57.3%
Certificate III/IV: 4.6%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 20.6%
Year 10 and below: 1.4%
Year 11: 0.6%
Year 12: 5%
