Cardiac Catheterization Assistant
The work of a Cardiac Catheterization Assistant is to control diagnostic imaging equipment in order to generate enhanced radiographs of the heart and the cardiovascular system (angiocardiograms) to help the doctor in assessment, evaluation and treatment of medical situation during cardiac catheterization, to position patient on examination table and immobilizing client using head and shoulder braces that follow definite medical protocols and to input in computers the technical aspects established by protocol (e.g. specified filming sequence or amount and quality of radiation beam).
In addition to that, the cardiac catheterization assistant hoists or lowers the exam table and maneuvers the x-ray tube in accordance to the doctor’s orders, initiates mechanical injection of contrast medium into the blood vessels of the client and executes cinefluorography (activation of fluoroscope and motion picture camera) to generate images that enable the physician to guide the catheter through the cardiovascular system of client. The Cardiac Catheterization Assistant also monitors the blood pressure, cardiac output and respiration of the patient during the procedure using an electrocardiogram (EKG) and alerts the doctor of the changes that may occur in client’s responses and vital signs.
Students who aspire to become Cardiac Catheterization Assistants can enroll in Bachelor’s Degree programs that are related or connected to the fields of medicine or health, or even just acquire an Associate’s Degree from vocational schools. Some people who have on-the-job experiences, skills and knowledge of the occupation are also qualified.
A Cardiac Catheterization Technologist can earn an average annual income of up to $45,110.
