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What it takes: Cardiopulmonary Technologist (Cardiovascular Technician)

Cardiopulmonary technologists or a cardiovascular technician work with people with cardiac or pulmonary disease. A career in this field requires education in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and math, in addition to special technical training.

Regardless of their specialization, all cardiopulmonary technologists must learn to read electrocardiograms and recognize normal and abnormal cardiac rhythms. Cardiopulmonary technologists (cardiovascular technician) also need in-depth knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the heart and lungs.

There are three or four basic specialty fields for cardiopulmonary technologists. One of the most common is invasive cardiology. Invasive cardiology specialists work in cardiac catheterization laboratories. They must learn sterile operative techniques and may be required to learn to administer medications. They must be able to stand for long periods of time wearing a lead apron, since this work involves exposure to x-rays.

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The most basic specialization involves electrocardiography. (A knowledge of electrocardiography is required for all of the other three specializations.) Technologists who focus on this area must have a high degree of focus, since they may be required to review high-speed displays of 24-hour electrocardiograms.

Noninvasive cardiopulmonary technologists do cardiac ultrasounds, known as echocardiograms. To work in this area, you must acquire a very firm knowledge of cardiac and thoracic anatomy and be able to do some mathematical calculations.

Finally, some cardiopulmonary technologists focus on pulmonary diseases and pulmonary function testing. This specialty requires some computer and technical/mechanical abilities, as well as math skills.