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Cardiac Physiologist

Cardiac physiologists use a variety of technical equipment to monitor, record and measure the way patients' hearts are working to help doctors diagnose and treat patients with heart disease.

Tasks & duties

Cardiac physiologists may do some or all of the following:

operate computerised equipment to monitor and record the electrical activity generated by the heart (electrocardiography)
analyse heart function and blood flow data measured through catheters (thin tubes) placed within the heart
analyse the amount of oxygen in blood samples taken from the heart chambers
operate equipment and monitor patients' status during exercise testing for heart disease
take pictures of patients' hearts with ultrasound (echocardiography) to check heart function and identify abnormalities
analyse 24-hour tape recordings of patients' heart rhythms and blood pressure monitoring (Holter monitoring)
test pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) while they are being implanted in the patient and during patient follow up
analyse and programme pacemakers and ICDs to ensure optimal function and to ensure patients have a good quality of life
participate in procedures to analyse and assess the heart's electrical system and help cardiologists burn out electrical short circuits in patients' hearts (radio-frequency ablation)
interpret patients' test results, and write reports to help the cardiologist decide treatment
take part in research projects

Specialisations

Cardiac physiologists may specialise in the following areas:

Echocardiography

Echocardiographers use an ultrasound machine and sound waves to take pictures of the heart

Pacing technology

Pacing technologists assist in implanting pacemakers in patients and carry out follow up checks

Electrophysiology technology

Electrophysiology technologists monitor a patient's heart activity during an electrophysiological (EP) study

Skills & knowledge

Cardiac physiologists need to have:

knowledge of the structure and function of the heart and the human body
knowledge of diseases that affect the heart and their consequences
knowledge of medical terms and their usage
understanding of how heart monitoring equipment works
knowledge of factors that affect heart monitoring techniques
technical skills to operate complex medical equipment
the ability to concentrate for long periods
problem-solving skills
communication and teamwork skills
record-keeping skills

Entry requirements

To become a cardiac physiologist, it is preferred that you have a Bachelor of Science in Physiology or a Diploma of Applied Science in Physiology and Human Anatomy.

Secondary education

Bursary or NCEA equivalent is needed to enter tertiary training. Useful subjects include biology, maths and English.

Training on the job

Cardiac physiologists undergo extensive on-the-job training, which involves working alongside fully trained cardiac physiologists. They progress from doing simple measurement techniques to complex procedures with a high level of responsibility, which takes several years of experience and training. Training also includes hospital-based education programmes, personal study, workshops and conferences. Cardiac physiologists usually do further extramural study to specialise while they are working.

The Society of Cardiopulmonary Technology Inc website – courses and continuing education