Job Title: Cath Lab Technologist
Department: Cardiology / Cardiac Catheterization Lab
Reports To: Cath Lab Manager / Clinical Director
Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
Location: [Insert Location]
Job Summary:
The Cath Lab Technologist assists physicians during diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures including angioplasty, stent placement, and other catheter-based interventions. They operate specialized imaging equipment, monitor patient vitals, maintain sterile environments, and ensure patient safety before, during, and after procedures.
Key Responsibilities:
Prepare the cardiac catheterization lab and ensure all equipment is functional and sterilized.
Assist cardiologists during invasive procedures such as coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and electrophysiology studies.
Monitor and record patient vital signs and procedural data during procedures.
Administer contrast media under physician direction and monitor for allergic reactions.
Maintain accurate records of procedures and ensure proper documentation in compliance with hospital policies.
Ensure radiation safety practices are followed according to regulatory standards.
Assist with patient transport and positioning before and after procedures.
Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment.
Participate in on-call rotations as required.
Qualifications:
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in cardiovascular technology, radiologic technology, or a related field.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
Certification as a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) or Radiologic Technologist (RT) preferred or required based on state regulations.
Strong knowledge of cardiac anatomy, hemodynamics, EKG interpretation, and sterile techniques.
Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Licensure & Certification Requirements by State (Summary):
States That Require Licensure or Certification (for Radiologic/Cath Lab Techs):
California – Requires CRT (Certified Radiologic Technologist) or RCIS with fluoroscopy permit if performing imaging.
Florida – Requires licensure for radiologic technologists; RCIS is typically required for Cath Lab roles.
Texas – Requires MRT (Medical Radiologic Technologist) license for imaging; RCIS or ARRT certification often preferred.
Oregon & New Mexico – Require licensure for radiologic technologists; RCIS certification is often used as a benchmark.
Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York – Licensure or registration is required; ARRT or RCIS commonly used.
States With Voluntary Certification or No Licensing for Cath Lab Techs:
Many states (e.g., Arizona, Colorado, Georgia) do not specifically license Cath Lab Techs but hospitals often require RCIS (Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist) or ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) certification as a hiring standard.
⚠️ Note: Requirements vary significantly depending on whether the tech is performing radiographic duties. In many states, a Cath Lab Tech who handles x-ray equipment must be licensed as a radiologic technologist even if they are RCIS certified.
Certifying Bodies:
CCI (Cardiovascular Credentialing International) – Offers RCIS certification.
ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) – Offers certification in Cardiac Interventional Radiography.
State Radiologic Boards – May issue licenses for those performing imaging.