DUTIES OF CARDIOLOGY TECHNOLOGISTS

Cardiology technologists are responsible for performing diagnostic testing and monitoring of heart function alongside other healthcare professionals.

Some of these duties include:

• Electrocardiography
• Exercise tolerance testing (stress test)
• Holter and event monitoring

• Blood pressure monitoring
• Tilt table testing
• Pacemaker analysis

PERSONAL CHARTERISTICS NEEDED TO BE A CARDIOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST

To work as a cardiology technologist, you must possess qualities that allow you to work consistently with patients who feel unwell or afraid.

Some necessary qualities include:

• Ability to provide empathy and reassurance
• Effective communication skills
• Organized and thorough

• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to work under little supervision
• Ability to stay calm and act quickly in emergency situations

• Stand or walk for long periods of time
• Transport equipment
• Assist patients with getting into and out of test positions

• Follow standard infection control procedures
• Work rotating shifts (most hospital settings have shift work)
• Start in a casual position, knowing permanent positions are given on a seniority basis

WHERE AND WHEN DO CARDIO TECHS WORK IN SASKATCHEWAN?

Currently, cardiology technologists in Saskatchewan are primarily hired in hospital settings. These positions most commonly:

• Are shift work - shift schedules may include rotating between days, evenings, and/or nights during the week, weekends, and holidays
• Begin in a casual position - the ability to move into a temporary or permanent part-time/full-time position is based on hospital needs
• Are part of a union - therefore, union guidelines apply for granting positions, scheduling vacation, pay rates, and more
• Require you to perform all cardiology technology duties required - these are set by the facility you work in and will allow you to maintain competency in the full scope of practice

HOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING A CARDIOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST IN SASKATCHEWAN

 1. Contact a location that you may be interesting in working at

Locations across Saskatchewan that hire cardiology technologists include:

• Humboldt
• Prince Albert
• Weyburn
• Lloydminster
• Regina

• Yorkton
• Moose Jaw
• Saskatoon
• North Battleford
• Swift Current

2. Research colleges that offer Cardiology Technology diploma programs
Colleges that allow you to learn while living in Saskatchewan are:

• British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) - www.bcit.ca
• Stenberg College - www.stenbergcollege.com

3. What type of job opportunities, wages, and benefits are available for cardiology technologists?

Types of job opportunities:

• Nearly all are working in a hospital setting, involving full scope of duties
• Experienced technologists may move into supervisory positions based on hospital needs and individual desires
• Can advance into specialized technologies with continuing education, e.g cardiac device/pacemaker technologist, EP technologist, cardiovascular technologist, echocardiography technologist, and more

Salary and benefits:

• Wage range - $28.67 to $32.29 (wages increase with specialized positions
• Benefits - paid vacation, sick time, health/dental coverage, vision care, insurances, and more

STEPS TO BECOMING A CARDIOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST

1. Choose a school from the list of accredited programs found on the CSCT Accredited Programs page or the CMA Program List

2. Enroll in a program

• Each school has a list of admission requirements to enter the Cardiology Technology program. You can find this information on each program's website.

3. Starting the Cardiology Technology program

Each college is responsible for:

• Ensuring you have all of the training required to start your clinical, e.g CPR/BLS training, immunizations, etc
• Providing you with locations and dates for clinical/practical experiences

• Ensuring all students have the necessary knowledge, based on the CSCT National Occupational Competency Profile (NOCP), to challenge the CSCT registration exam

Students in Saskatchewan must apply for a student membership with SCTA.

All students who successfully complete their Cardiology Technology diploma program must write a national certification exam with the CSCT in order to become registered.

WRITING THE CSCT EXAM

All of the information you need to know about the CSCT exam can be found here. This includes information on when and how to apply, associated costs, what to bring to the exam, and practice exams.

AFTER THE NATIONAL EXAM

Once you have completed the diploma program and passed the CSCT national exam, you are considered a Registered Cardiology Technologist (RCT). At this point, you are certified to work anywhere in Canada (excluding Quebec), congratulations!

You will now be required to: