If you want work on the catheterization laboratory technician field in the future, then you have to know about the required education along with the preparation associated with it. Catheterization laboratory technicians perform their duties with various other medical professionals throughout the cardiovascular procedures and surgeries as well. They require minimum an associate’s degree or diploma from cath lab college in the field of either science or applied science for gaining an opportunity for the entry-level positions.
Important Information
A catheterization laboratory or cath lab technician is known as a professional, who prominently provide assistance in the cardiovascular technology field. The cath lab technicians are essential team members, who are responsible to assist the doctors in times of invasive cardiovascular procedures including cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, and electrophysiology.
Job Description
Cardiovascular technologists spend their maximum working time in the operating rooms. Many of their working procedures become routine for them. Such professionals work in the high-stress circumstances because the complications can be quickly developed among the patients.
Before the surgery, these technologists are responsible for making sure the EKG equipment is in its proper working condition. Throughout the procedure, such technologists have to monitor the specific EKG readouts. They also inform the doctor if anything abnormal is detected. They prepare the patients for various procedures by shaving, cleaning and in times of cardiac catheterization for angioplasty, they anesthetize the particular part of insertion.
In some cases, these technologists help the doctors during the open heart surgery and insertion of stents or pacemakers as well. They prepare and monitor the patients for such instances.
The regular non-surgical activities include reading with interpreting various test procedures along with explaining different procedures to the patients. During the surgical procedures, they stand for helping in the lifting and transferring of the patients.
Curriculum of Cath Technology
Cardiac cath technology implies the technology that is used in the cardiac catheterization. It is an invasive diagnostic along with a treatment procedure. The courses related to cardiac cath technology are usually part of the associate degree program in the cardiovascular technology. It is offered by the various colleges.
The particular coursework is featured with anatomy and physiology along with medical terminology. It covers the working strategy with the certain healthcare professionals. Special stress is provided on the knowledge of blood movement along with common heart defects. Students should complete the clinical practice for gaining the real-world experience.
Some concepts, involved with the courses of cardiac cath technology, are:
- Systems of the body.
- Evaluation, diagnosis along with treatments.
- Hemodynamic.
- Emergency procedures.
- Cardiac diseases.
Common Courses in Cath Technology
Some common courses regarding cath technology are:
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
- Cardiac Catheterization Technology
- Introduction to Cardiac Catheterization
- Intermediate Cardiac Cath
- Advanced Cath Technology
- Clinical Cardiovascular Technology
Working Times
Cardiac catheterization technicians generally work in various hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and doctors’ offices. The technicians, who are employed in the 24-hour care centers, such as hospitals, work in the Evening, night along with weekend hours.
If you have further queries, please look at the Educational Websites.