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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Cath Lab Tech

💰 $65,000 - $95,000

CardiologyAllied HealthRadiologySurgical ServicesInvasive Cardiovascular

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a skilled Cath Lab Technician (Cardiac Catheterization Technologist / Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist) to provide peri-procedural technical support for diagnostic and interventional cardiac and peripheral vascular procedures. The ideal candidate combines hands-on procedural experience (cardiac cath, PCI, angiography), strong patient-care skills, proficiency with imaging/fluoroscopy systems, and strict adherence to sterile technique and radiation safety. This role is integral to delivering safe, efficient, high-quality care in the cardiac catheterization lab and supporting multidisciplinary teams including interventional cardiologists, nurses, and anesthesiology.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Radiologic Technologist with cardiovascular training
  • Cardiovascular Technician (graduate of CVT program)
  • Registered Nurse (with cath lab orientation)

Advancement To:

  • Lead Cath Lab Technologist / Charge Tech
  • Cath Lab Clinical Educator / Preceptor
  • Invasive Cardiology Supervisor or Cath Lab Manager
  • Interventional/EP Lab Specialist or Clinical Applications Specialist (vendor roles)

Lateral Moves:

  • Electrophysiology (EP) Lab Technologist
  • Interventional Radiology Technologist
  • Vascular Access or Endovascular Specialist
  • Clinical Sales or Application Specialist for medical device companies

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Prepare, maintain and troubleshoot cardiac catheterization lab equipment (fluoroscopy units, hemodynamic monitors, injectors, temporary pacemakers) ensuring all systems are ready prior to each procedure and performing system checks according to hospital protocol.
  • Assist interventional cardiologists during diagnostic coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) including catheter exchanges, guidewire manipulation, balloon and stent preparation and deployment while anticipating procedural needs to optimize workflow and patient outcomes.
  • Perform vascular access and assist with arterial/venous sheath insertion, maintaining strict aseptic technique, and assist with vascular closure devices post-procedure, following institutional policies to minimize complications.
  • Operate digital imaging and fluoroscopy equipment, optimize imaging parameters, capture and archive diagnostic images to PACS, and understand dose reduction techniques to protect patients and staff from unnecessary radiation exposure.
  • Continuously monitor patient hemodynamics and telemetry during procedures, recognize acute changes (arrhythmias, hypotension), and promptly communicate findings to the physician and RN team to enable timely intervention.
  • Prepare, prime and deliver contrast media and flush systems safely, manage contrast allergies and renal risk protocols in collaboration with the care team, and document contrast volumes accurately in the medical record.
  • Maintain and manage sterile procedural fields, set up sterile instrument trays, deliver sterile instruments and devices to the physician, and ensure compliance with infection prevention practices for all invasive cases.
  • Provide conscious sedation support under protocol including monitoring respiratory and cardiovascular status, performing airway support if trained/authorized, and ensuring patient comfort and safety throughout the procedure.
  • Accurately document procedural details including hemodynamic measurements, devices used (type and lot), medications administered, and complications in the electronic medical record (EMR) and catheterization lab log for quality reporting and billing.
  • Stock, inventory and manage cath lab supplies and implantable devices (stents, balloons, guide catheters), coordinate reordering and trackers for device lot numbers and expirations to ensure readiness for emergent and scheduled cases.
  • Participate in pre-procedure patient verification, time-out protocols, and patient positioning to optimize access and imaging while minimizing risk of compression injuries and ensuring dignity and informed consent verification.
  • Assist with transcatheter procedures beyond coronary work such as peripheral angiography/interventions, pulmonary angiography, right heart catheterization, structural heart support and assistive-device insertions as competency and credentialing permit.
  • Support vascular nursing team during post-procedural recovery by performing line removal assistance, compression or device management, and reporting post-procedural observations relevant to bleeding or access site complications.
  • Actively participate in code response and rapid intervention for peri-procedural emergencies, operate external pacing and defibrillation equipment, and follow ACLS algorithms under physician direction.
  • Collaborate with device representatives and clinical specialists during complex interventional cases, ensuring appropriate device preparation and maintaining institutional vendor policies and privacy/conflict-of-interest guidelines.
  • Support quality assurance, performance improvement initiatives and regulatory compliance by collecting data, participating in morbidity and mortality reviews, and adhering to sterile processing and instrument tracking standards.
  • Apply radiation safety principles, wear monitoring badges, maintain appropriate lead shielding, and document radiation exposure per departmental policy to support a culture of safety and ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).
  • Train and mentor new cath lab staff and students, provide hands-on education in procedural technique and equipment operation, and function as a preceptor or competency assessor as assigned.
  • Participate in scheduling and on-call rotations, respond to emergent cases after hours with appropriate readiness, and maintain punctual communication with team members and patient families during off-hours activations.
  • Maintain up-to-date certifications (BLS, ACLS) and participate in ongoing professional development and competency assessments to meet credentialing and hospital requirements.
  • Assist with special projects such as protocol updates, new device rollouts, EMR order set optimization, and contribute practical user feedback to procedural standardization and workflow efficiency.

Secondary Functions

  • Support supply chain and capital equipment evaluations by providing clinical input on device selection, usability and inventory forecasting.
  • Participate in departmental staff meetings, policy reviews, and safety huddles to improve lab throughput and patient experience.
  • Contribute to training materials, procedure checklists and simulation exercises for emergency scenarios and new procedure adoption.
  • Assist in collecting data and metrics for cath lab KPIs (door-to-balloon times, fluoroscopy time, contrast use, complication rates) to support quality reporting and accreditation readiness.
  • Provide cross-coverage support for electrophysiology or interventional radiology labs as competency and credentialing allow.
  • Coordinate with sterile processing and biomedical engineering for timely repair, preventative maintenance and validation of procedural equipment.
  • Engage in vendor credentialing and compliance processes for representatives who attend procedures, ensuring documentation and adherence to hospital policies.
  • Support research and clinical trials by assisting with investigational device cases, maintaining accurate logs and documenting protocol-specific steps.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Cardiac catheterization procedures: diagnostic coronary angiography, left/right heart cath, selective coronary injection, PCI support, and peripheral angiography.
  • Fluoroscopy and digital imaging operation including C-arm and fixed imaging systems, image acquisition, and PACS archiving.
  • Hemodynamic monitoring and interpretation: able to obtain and interpret pressures (LV, RV, PA) and cardiac output data.
  • Vascular access and sheath management including arterial and venous cannulation techniques and use of vascular closure devices.
  • Sterile technique and infection control practices for invasive cardiovascular procedures.
  • Contrast media preparation and administration, knowledge of contrast safety and renal protection strategies.
  • Familiarity with implantable devices and accessories: stents, balloons, guidewires, catheters, aspiration systems and temporary pacing wires.
  • Radiation safety practices and badge monitoring, lead shielding usage, and ALARA principles.
  • Electronic Medical Record (EMR) documentation, procedure logging, and device tracking; familiarity with Epic, Cerner or similar systems preferred.
  • Life support certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required; PALS if pediatric cases performed.
  • Competency with ancillary devices: hemodynamic monitors, infusion pumps, external pacemakers, defibrillators and transducers.
  • Basic troubleshooting and preventative maintenance coordination for cath lab equipment and angiographic systems.
  • Knowledge of regulatory compliance, sterile processing chain and device implant documentation for inventory control and recall management.

Soft Skills

  • Strong situational awareness and the ability to anticipate physician needs during high-acuity procedures.
  • Excellent communication skills to coordinate with physicians, nurses, radiology techs, device reps and patients/families.
  • Composure under pressure and rapid decision-making during emergent events and complicated interventions.
  • Attention to detail for device tracking, documentation and infection-control adherence.
  • Team-oriented mindset with collaborative problem solving and willingness to mentor junior staff.
  • Adaptability to shift work, on-call duties and a fast-paced interventional environment.
  • Professionalism, patient-centered bedside manner and commitment to dignity and privacy.
  • Continuous improvement orientation with receptiveness to feedback and participation in quality initiatives.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED plus completion of an accredited cardiovascular technology program, radiologic technology program, or equivalent clinical training with cath lab experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree in Cardiovascular Technology, Radiologic Technology, or related allied health field.
  • Certified credentials such as RCIS (Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist), ARRT (Radiography) with CV specialty, or CVT certification preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Cardiovascular Technology
  • Radiologic Technology
  • Nursing
  • Respiratory Therapy with invasive cardiovascular training
  • Allied Health sciences with catheterization/vascular emphasis

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1 to 5+ years of hands-on cath lab or interventional radiology experience; new graduates with strong clinical internship experience may be considered for entry-level positions with structured orientation.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years of active experience in a cardiac catheterization or interventional lab performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
  • Experience supporting complex PCI, peripheral interventions, structural heart cases, and urgent/emergent activations.

Certifications & Licensure (preferred/required):

  • BLS required; ACLS required.
  • RCIS, ARRT(R), CVT, or state licensure as applicable strongly preferred.
  • Current TB screening, immunizations and any facility-specific clearance required.
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