How To Become a Cardiac Device Technician: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn about the steps important to pursuing a career as a cardiac device technician, including education, skills, salary and more.
Cardiac device technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of cardiac devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators. They work closely with patients, doctors and nurses to ensure that these devices are functioning properly. If you are interested in a career in the medical field and have strong technical skills, becoming a cardiac device technician may be a good fit for you. In this article, we discuss what cardiac device technicians do, the average salary and how to become one.
What Does a Cardiac Device Technician Do?
Cardiac device technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of cardiac devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators. They work with patients who have been diagnosed with heart conditions that require the use of these devices. Cardiac device technicians typically work in hospitals or clinics, but some may also travel to patients’ homes to provide services.
The duties of a cardiac device technician include:
- Installing cardiac devices according to physicians’ orders
- Testing cardiac devices to ensure they are functioning properly
- Repairing cardiac devices as needed
- Providing instruction to patients on how to use their cardiac devices
- Monitoring patients’ progress and updating their medical records
- Maintaining inventory of supplies and ordering new supplies as needed
- Scheduling appointments for patients
- Cleaning and sterilizing equipment
Cardiac Device Technician Salary and Job Outlook
The average salary for a cardiac device technician is $68,495. This figure can vary based on the level of experience, education, industry and geographical location of the technician.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job prospects for cardiac device technicians to increase at a faster than average rate over the next decade. This is due in part to an aging population that will require more medical devices and treatments. Cardiac device technicians play an important role in the manufacturing, testing and maintenance of these devices.
How to Become a Cardiac Device Technician
Here are several steps you should take to become a cardiac device technician.
1. Earn an associate degree in biomedical engineering technology or a related field
Cardiac device technicians typically need an associate degree in biomedical engineering technology or a related field. Some schools offer this program online as well. Biomedical engineering technology programs teach students how to apply engineering principles and concepts to medicine and healthcare. Students take courses in math, physics, chemistry and biology along with specialized classes in medical imaging, patient care and cardiac devices.
2. Complete a training program offered by a manufacturer of cardiac devices
Cardiac device technician training programs are offered by manufacturers of cardiac devices and last between six months and two years. These programs teach students about the anatomy and physiology of the heart, how to use medical equipment such as echocardiography machines and electrophysiology labs and how to interpret test results. Students also learn how to care for patients with cardiovascular diseases and conditions.
Students in these programs typically work alongside experienced cardiac device technicians who act as mentors. This hands-on experience is crucial to developing skills necessary for this career.
3. Become certified through the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE)
The International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE) offers certification to cardiac device technicians who pass an exam covering topics such as patient care, medical terminology and electrical safety. The certification is valid for three years, after which you must renew it by taking a continuing education course or exam.
The IBHRE also offers advanced certifications in specific areas of cardiac device technology, such as pacemaker therapy, electrophysiology monitoring and defibrillators.
4. Gain experience working with cardiac devices
Cardiac device technicians typically need to have at least two years of experience working with cardiac devices before they can work independently. Entry-level positions often involve assisting experienced cardiac device technicians and medical professionals in hospitals or clinics.
Working under supervision allows cardiac device technicians to develop their skills and knowledge while gaining valuable on-the-job training. Experienced cardiac device technicians are also able to provide support for other healthcare professionals who use cardiac devices in patient care.
5. Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills
Cardiac device technicians must be able to interact with patients and their families in a compassionate and supportive manner. They may need to explain complex medical procedures or devices to patients, as well as provide instructions on how to use them.
Cardiac device technicians should also have strong communication skills so they can effectively relay information to other healthcare professionals involved in the patient’s care.
6. Stay up to date on changes in technology and new developments in the industry
Cardiac device technology is constantly evolving, and new developments may require cardiac device technicians to update their skills or learn new procedures. For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new type of pacemaker that can be reprogrammed wirelessly from outside the patient’s body. Technicians who work with this new type of pacemaker will need to stay up to date on wireless programming techniques.
7. Join professional organizations such as the American College of Cardiology
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the International Society of Heart Rhythm Societies (ISHS) are two professional organizations that cardiac device technicians can join. The ACC offers certification for cardiovascular medical devices professionals, including cardiac device technicians. To earn this certification, you must complete a course on advanced patient management offered by the ACC and pass an exam.
The ISHS is another organization that cardiac device technicians can join. This organization provides continuing education opportunities to help cardiac device technicians stay up to date on developments in their field.
