Registered Vascular Technologist

Position Summary

The Cardiac & Vascular Interventional Radiology (CVIR) Technologist assists physicians during diagnostic and minimally invasive interventional cardiovascular and vascular procedures. This role is responsible for operating advanced fluoroscopic imaging equipment, maintaining a sterile environment, monitoring patient safety, and ensuring high-quality imaging throughout cardiac catheterization, vascular, and interventional radiology procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare procedure rooms and equipment for cardiac, vascular, and interventional radiology procedures.
• Assist physicians during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including:
• Cardiac catheterizations
• Coronary angiography
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
• Peripheral angiography and interventions
• Venous interventions
• Thrombectomy procedures
• Embolization procedures
• Dialysis access interventions
• Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)
• Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement/removal
• Venous port insertions
• Biopsies and drainage procedures
• Operate fluoroscopy and digital imaging systems to obtain high-quality diagnostic images.
• Maintain sterile technique throughout procedures.
• Prepare contrast media and procedural supplies according to physician preference.
• Assist with vascular access, catheter exchanges, guidewire management, and device deployment.
• Monitor patient condition and communicate changes to the physician and nursing staff.
• Perform radiation safety practices in accordance with ALARA principles.
• Operate hemodynamic monitoring systems and document procedural data.
• Maintain accurate patient documentation within the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and imaging systems.
• Perform equipment quality control and report equipment issues.
• Assist with emergency procedures, including STEMI, stroke intervention, and trauma cases.
• Rotate on-call coverage for emergency procedures as required.
• Participate in departmental quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Radiologic Technology from an accredited program.
• Current certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (Radiography).
• Current state Radiologic Technologist license, if required.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, vascular anatomy, sterile technique, and fluoroscopic imaging.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• One to three years of experience in a Cardiac Cath Lab, Electrophysiology Lab, Hybrid OR, or Interventional Radiology department.
• Certification as a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (RCIS) or Registered Cardiovascular Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES).
• Experience with Siemens, Philips, or GE angiography systems.
• Experience with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fractional flow reserve (FFR).
• Experience assisting with structural heart procedures such as TAVR, MitraClip, Watchman, and PFO/ASD closure.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of cardiac and vascular anatomy.
• Knowledge of interventional radiology procedures and imaging equipment.
• Strong understanding of radiation safety and fluoroscopy.
• Ability to respond effectively during emergency procedures.
• Excellent patient assessment and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced procedural environment.
• Strong critical thinking and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with PACS, hemodynamic monitoring systems, and electronic medical records.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods while wearing lead protective equipment.
• Frequently lift and position patients weighing up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to push, pull, and maneuver imaging equipment.
• Manual dexterity to assist with procedural equipment and sterile instruments.
• Visual acuity sufficient to evaluate fluoroscopic images and monitor equipment.

Work Environment

• Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
• Interventional Radiology Department
• Hybrid Operating Room
• Vascular Laboratory
• Hospital Acute Care Setting

Frequent exposure to radiation, bloodborne pathogens, contrast media, and emergency situations. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), radiation monitoring badges, and lead shielding are required.

Certifications & Licensure

• ARRT (R) certification required.
• State Radiologic Technologist license (where applicable).
• BLS certification required.
• ACLS certification required or obtained within six months of hire.
• RCIS or RCES certification preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent technical and procedural skills.
• Strong knowledge of cardiovascular and vascular interventions.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure during emergency cases.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration with physicians, nurses, and ancillary staff.
• Commitment to patient safety, quality outcomes, and continuous improvement.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time management skills.

This position is essential to supporting minimally invasive cardiovascular and vascular procedures by delivering exceptional imaging quality, maintaining a safe procedural environment, and collaborating with the healthcare team to achieve the best possible patient outcomes.