Cardiovascular Technologists

Employers

Approximately 55,660 cardiovascular technologists and technicians work in the United States. Most work in general medical and surgical hospitals, but employment can be found in physicians' offices, clinics, rehab centers, or anyplace electrocardiographs are taken.

Starting Out

Most cardiovascular technologists receive their initial training on their first job, so great care should be taken in finding this first employer. Pay close attention not only to the pay and working conditions, but also to the kind of on-the-job training that is provided for each prospective position. High school vocational counselors may be able to tell you which hospitals have good reputations for EKG training programs. Applying directly to hospitals is a common way of entering the field. Information also can be gained by checking the "Career" or "Employment" sections of online professional association publications that include cardiovascular technologists, and from talking with friends and relatives who work in hospitals.

For students who graduate from one- to two-year training programs, finding a first job should be easier. Employers are always eager to hire people who are already trained, and graduates can be less concerned about the training programs offered by their employers. They should find that their teachers and career advisers can be excellent sources of information about job possibilities in the area. If the training program includes practical experience, the hospital in which students trained or worked before graduation may be willing to hire them after graduation.