Cardiac Technician

Overview

Conducts tests on patients to record heart activity using specialised equipment, recording devices and laboratory instruments in support of Cardiologists and other Medical Practitioners engaged in diagnosing, monitoring and treating heart disease.

Skills

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below. AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

Tasks

• operating equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring disorders of the heart, kidneys, nervous system and hearing, and in anaesthesia
• undertaking and assisting with medical analytical procedures and assisting Anaesthetists and surgical teams
• recording the electrical activity of the heart, from which the heart rate is measured and pattern and rhythm interpreted
• taking, collecting and labelling blood, urine and other samples from patients
• preparing and staining slides and tissue sections for blood and histological examination
• performing diagnostic tests on tissues and body fluids and analysing the chemical constituents of blood, urine, faeces and tissues
• testing for diseases by looking for the presence of antibodies and the products of immune response in samples
• setting up, checking and maintaining operating theatres, anaesthetic workstations, life support machines and associated equipment
• referring prescriptions to Pharmacists and assisting in preparing medications

Specialisations

• Cardiac Technologist
• Electrocardiographic Technician

Related Occupations

• Anaesthetic Technician
• Medical Laboratory Technician
• Medical Technicians Nec
• Operating Theatre Technician
• Pathology Collector
• Pharmacy Technician