Cardiovascular technicians assist doctors in the diagnosis and treatment of heart and blood vessel ailments by scheduling patient appointments, performing ultrasounds, monitoring heart rates, and reviewing patient files. Most cardiovascular technologists specialize in one of three areas: invasive cardiology, echocardiography, or vascular technology. Cardiovascular technicians should be comfortable standing for long periods of time and able to lift heavy cardiology equipment. Those entering the field should have an associate's degree in cardiovascular technology from an accredited institution, although an increasing number of cardiovascular technicians are also choosing to obtain more advanced bachelor's degrees in the field. Job opportunities for cardiovascular technicians are expected to increase by 26 percent over the next decade, as the population ages and incidences of heart disease become more common. Cardiovascular technicians can expect to earn a median income of $42,300 per year, with the highest 10 percent of professionals in the field earning more than $67,410.