Cardiac Technology

Cardiac Technologists and Technicians are an important part of the cardiology team, which includes medical, nursing and other healthcare professionals. 

They provide technical services for the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. 

Operation of a range of specialist equipment provides data that Cardiologists and other doctors use for patient care and management.

The profession suits individuals with initiative and endeavour, who have a careful and analytical approach to work and can perform well as part of a team. 

Good communication skills, requiring a sympathetic, supportive and professional approach are essential to gain patients' co-operation and confidence.

This specialty is under continual review, developing and adapting new techniques for patient diagnosis and treatment. Cardiac Technologists and Technicians have a professional responsibility to maintain skill levels and keep up-to-date with advances in technology; therefore, independent learning ability and self-motivation are important attributes.

Education and Training

Cardiac Technologist

Prerequisite

A relevant Bachelor of Science or Applied Science, e.g. BAppSci in Biophysics

In-service Training

On-the-job training must be supplemented by additional post graduate courses, these include the preferred Post Graduate Diploma in Cardiac Science from Swinburne University or the Advanced Certificate in Cardaic Technology from Mayfield Education Centre. Other advanced training courses in subjects such as Echocardiography and Electrophysiology are available through distance education. Training opportunities vary within individual departments.

On-going education

The professional body, the Association of Cardiac Technology in Victoria incorporated (ACTIV), organises several educational meetings each year and keeps members informed of relevant educational seminars and programs. Affiliate membership of The Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) is encouraged; an educational Affiliate program is run at the annual CSANZ Scientific Meeting. A post-graduate Diploma in Cardiac Ultrasound is offered by the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM) and the Queensland University of Technology. Electrophysiology can also be studied through CEPIA (Cardiac Electrophysiology Institute of Australia), who offer a vocational Graduate Dip in Electrophysiology. Other international exams are also available for electophysiology.

Cardiac Technician

Prerequisite

VCE with sciences.

In-service Training

On-the-job training similar to a Technologist, though the tasks are less complex in nature with generally the first year of the Mayfield course required.

On-going education

The professional body, the Association of Cardiac Technology in Victoria incorporated (ACTIV), organises several educational meetings each year and keeps members informed of relevant educational seminars and programs. Affiliate membership of The Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) is encouraged; an educational Affiliate program is run at the annual CSANZ Scientific Meeting.

Tests and Procedures

These can be divided into non-invasive and invasive. Non-invasive are performed in an office or laboratory. Invasive procedures require a sterile, theatre-like environment where a Cardiologist may, for example, insert thin tubes or catheters into blood vessels, or implant a pacemaker. All technical personnel must be trained in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation techniques and operation of emergency life-saving equipment. The range of services vary depending on each hospital and practice type and are outlined below.

* generally performed by Cardiac Technician

# generally performed by Cardiac Technologist

Non-invasive Testing

 *# Electrocardiography (EGG)

An ECG is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart, usually printed onto paper. This recording is taken via electrodes positioned at specific sites on the limbs and chest. The heart rate is measured and the ECG pattern and rhythm interpreted. ECG recognition and interpretation are essential skills for all cardiac technical personnel.

*# Ambulatory ECG and blood pressure Monitoring

To investigate possible heart rhythm changes, the mobile (ambulant) patient is fitted with a portable device which, usually over a 24 hour period, records the ECG via a cable attached to electrodes on the patient's chest. The recording, stored on a digital solid state memory recorder, is analysed using an advanced computerised system where any symptoms are taken into account. Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) recording can be performed in a similar manner.

*# Exercise ECG Stress Testing

A treadmill, or occasionally a fixed bicycle, may be used to investigate causes of exercise-induced symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. Heart rate, ECG pattern and blood pressure are monitored during a programmed exercise stress test and during the following recovery phase. This can be a screening test to determine the need for further investigations.

# Echocardiography

Cardiac ultrasound or Echocardiography (echo) is performed to assess the heart's function or to investigate a murmur. An echo is a series of ultrasound images displaying the structure, motion and blood-flow of the heart and great vessels. Routine trans-thoracic echo is performed by a Technologist who saves selected real-time images onto a digital system for later review by the reporting Cardiologist. Technologist's must be accredited with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry.

A Cardiologist may also attend the examination to confirm significant findings. Echocardiography at rest and after exercise testing (stress-echo) is performed at a growing number of centres. The high level of technical skill, together with prerequisite knowledge, the ability to work independently and decision-making responsibility, make Echocardiography a most demanding specialty. 

Invasive Procedures

These procedures are carried out in a cardiac catheterisation laboratory (a theatre-like environment); using local anaesthesia and sterile techniques, a small skin puncture is made, enabling catheters to be inserted into blood vessels. A specialised X-ray imaging system guides positioning of catheters within the heart whilst ECG and blood pressure is monitored; emergency equipment is always at hand. The following are generally performed in the cardiac catheter laboratory.

# Pacemaker Implant/Testing

A pacemaker is an implantable electronic device, which stimulates the heart and restores a normal rate when, for example, an extremely slow heart rate causes symptoms such as fainting.

The Cardiologist positions the pacemaker wire (or lead) into a vein which leads to the heart. After several test measurements are taken, the lead is attached to the pacemaker which is then implanted under the skin, usually in the upper chest.

Regular attendance at an out-patient clinic is necessary to assess pacemaker function and, in consultation with the Cardiologist, any necessary adjustments are made by the Technologist with computerised equipment.

# Cardiac Catheterisation

This procedure is used to view the heart's own blood vessels, the coronary arteries, and to measure pressures within the heart's chambers. The Cardiologist may carry out a variety of therapies, after specific images and blood pressure recordings are taken. ECG and BP monitoring and recording are performed by the Technologist, who may also be required to assist with the procedure.

# Electrophysiology Studies (EPS)

An EP study can be used to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms. The Cardiologist obtains ECG recordings from specific sites within the heart using carefully positioned electrodes. The Technologist uses an advanced computerised system to record specific EGG data helping in diagnosis and successful treatment carried out by the Cardiologist.

The ability to quickly recognise changes in heart rhythm and act promptly, as required, are necessary skills. An interim report, taken from stored data, may be made by the Technologist.

# Cardiac Research

The experienced and skilled Technologist may apply many of the described techniques in research projects, eg. to investigate the effects of cardiovascular drugs, to evaluate new techniques, or to measure blood flow. 

Working Conditions

• Typically, Monday to Friday, 38-hour week with one rostered day-off per month.

• Career structure for Technologists offers Grade I, 2 and 3 plus Chief grades 
  (see Salary Guide below).

• Participation in an out-of-hours on-call roster may apply.

• Casual and part-time work is available.

Salary Guide

Cardiac Technicians: approximately $17,000 - to $ 30,000

Cardiac Technologists: approximately $35,000 - to $80,000+ (at chief grade levels).

Sessional or per-test rates apply in private practice and casual work. 

Employment Opportunities

All large metropolitan public hospitals, major regional, and many private centres, have cardiac investigation units.

Advertisements for vacancies appear in the Hospital/Medical section of major newspapers.

Direct enquiries may be made to Chief Technologists of Cardiology Departments.

When available, ACTIV will post specific employment opportunities here. If you would like to use this web site advertise a vacancy here please email details to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

Further Enquiries

Secretary
Association of Cardiac Technology in Victoria Inc.
GPO Box 2359
Melbourne VIC 3001