Cardiovascular technologists are responsible for assisting doctors in diagnosing and treating conditions involving the heart and surrounding vessels and tissues. Students in a cardiovascular technology degree program take classes in the cardiovascular system, patient assessment, disease and medical emergencies, special topics in cardiology, cardiovascular angiography, and coronary anatomy and imaging. Clinical experience offers students an opportunity to work with patients and perform stress testing, heart monitors and electrocardiograms (EKGs).
Those working as medical technologists analyze blood samples, tissues and bodily fluids to diagnose diseases, or determine the existence of bacteria and other foreign substances in the body. A medical technology degree program teaches students how to interpret results using specialized equipment and instruments. Courses in a medical technology program cover topics in phlebotomy, microbiology, hematology and clinical chemistry. Students participating in a clinical experience may have to transport samples and clean equipment.
In addition to taking X-rays, radiologic technologists are responsible for explaining procedures to patients and putting them in the proper position to capture accurate images. Students in a radiologic technologist degree program attend courses in radiologic procedures, diagnostic imaging ethics, imaging equipment, radiation exposure, radiation biology and patient assessment. Clinical experience also teaches students how to keep patients calm during procedures.
Surgical technologists assist doctors and nurses during operations by sterilizing and passing instruments, and monitoring a patient's vital signs. Technologists may also transfer patients to or from the operating room. A surgical technology degree program includes courses in surgical procedures, surgical instruments, antiseptic techniques, patient care, infection control and surgical pharmacology. Surgical technology clinical experience offers students an opportunity to observe surgical technologists as they work.