How much does a heart lab technician make?

In the US, pay can differ with experience and skills, certification or a state license, location, and employer; hospitals, clinics, labs, and outpatient centers have different pay patterns. More complex specialties, hours worked, and night or weekend shifts can also affect total earnings.

Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic, therapeutic, or research purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests.

What's a typical day like?

They welcome and position patients, attach electrodes, and run an EKG, heart ultrasound, or treadmill test while watching heart rate and blood pressure. Then they record results, check patients’ comfort, and report findings to doctors.

After high school, study anatomy and physics, then earn an associate degree or certificate with supervised clinical practice. Some states or employers require a license or certification, and CPR training may be needed.

Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and figuring things out.

Some heart lab technicians help doctors thread a thin tube through an artery all the way to the heart during a catheterization.