There are several excellent career opportunities in cardiovascular and neurological technology. These occupations involves carrying out medical tests that require the use of complex diagnostic equipment to evaluate or diagnose the condition of circulatory and nervous systems of the body.

The most common cardiovascular and neurological technology careers are:

  • Electrocardiography (EKG) technician
  • Cardiovascular technologist
  • Electroneurodiagnostic (END) technologist

EKG Technician

An electrocardiography (EKG) technician prepares and applies electrodes to patients to get a recording, called an electrocardiogram, of their heart’s electrical activiy. The electrocardiogram is then analyzed by a cardiologist to determine the presence and extent of certain cardiovascular diseases or heart abnormalities. In monitoring the EKG test, the tech may also provide the physician with preliminary information on what they observed on the tracing.


Degree Requirements

There isn’t any one national standard for becoming an EKG tech. Educational options range from on-the-job training to 50-hour training courses/programs to one-year certificate programs offered by some academic institutions.

Cardiovascular Technologist

In addition to carrying out non-invasive tests such as the EKG and heart ultrasound or echocardiogram, a cardiovascular technologist may assist with invasive tests or procedures that require entry into the body. Examples of invasive procedures include cardiac catheterization (i.e. angioplasty), heart surgery and implantation of pacemakers.


Degree Requirements

Compared to EKG tech, CV technologist is a more technical career. 2 to 4 years of education and training (associate’s or bachelor’s degree) in a program approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT) OR Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist

An electroneurodiagnostic (END) technologist is specially trained in how the nervous system works and many of its disorders. The main work of an END tech is performing electroencephalograms or EEGs, which measure the electrical activity of the brain, and other tests such as polysomnograms and nerve conduction studies.


Degree Requirements

1-year certificate OR 2-year associates degree in neurodiagnostic technology from a CAAHEP-accredited program.