A cardiac lab technician, also known as a cath lab tech, is a person who has been trained to assist medical professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of patients who have, or are suspected of having, cardiovascular system conditions. A person in this position typically assists cardiologists or those in charge of diagnostic imaging in a cardiac catheterization lab. A person who works in this field may also help a head technologist. The specific responsibilities of a person in this field vary depending on the needs of his employer, but they can include everything from ensuring patient comfort during procedures like heart catheterizations to monitoring patient vital signs.
Cath lab technicians usually work under the supervision of another medical professional and may be assigned a variety of tasks. A person with this title might be in charge of getting patients ready for procedures, such as making sure they’re comfortable, cleaning and shaving the area where a heart catheter will be inserted, and monitoring vital signs like blood pressure. This profession frequently entails assisting with both invasive and non-invasive procedures. A cath lab tech may also administer anesthesia or assist with the implantation of pacemakers in some cases.
A cath lab technician is usually trained to recognize warning signs in patients and to provide emergency care if necessary. A person with this title, for example, is typically trained to use emergency equipment to resuscitate patients. A cath lab technician may also assist nurses in the post-procedure care of patients. A person with this job might, for example, assist a head nurse with tasks for patients who have been placed in recovery rooms following cath lab procedures.
The requirements for becoming a cath lab technician may vary depending on where a person wants to work and the preferences of his potential employer. However, most people who want to work in this field must first graduate from high school or obtain a general educational development (GED) diploma. Employers may prefer to hire job candidates with associate’s degrees in a related field in many cases. Some employers may also favor candidates who have obtained relevant certification. In fact, some employers may only hire individuals who have earned certification, and cath lab technicians in some jurisdictions are required to obtain licensure.