With cardiovascular disease still a leading health concern, demand for skilled cath lab technologists continues to grow.

<h2>What Is a Cardiac Cath Lab Technologist?</h2>
<p>A cardiac cath lab technologist is a skilled allied health professional who assists cardiologists during diagnostic and interventional catheterization procedures. You’re responsible for operating imaging equipment, prepping patients, and monitoring vital signs—often in high-stakes situations where seconds matter.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What Does a Cardiac Cath Lab Tech Do?</h2>
<ul style="margin-left:20px">
  <li>Performs EKGs and treadmill stress tests&nbsp;</li>
  <li>Prepares patients for invasive cardiac catheterization&nbsp;</li>
  <li>Assists during live procedures and responds to emergencies&nbsp;</li>
  <li>Operates and maintains specialized imaging equipment&nbsp;</li>
  <li>Educates patients on pre- and post-procedure care&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p><br /></p>
<p>It’s a career that blends technical expertise with patient care. For those willing to travel, it can also mean higher pay and diverse work environments. For those wanting to work close&nbsp; to home, per diem is an option and for those looking for stability, there are many permanent CT Tech jobs as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Certifications and Licensing Requirements</h2>
<h3>Certified Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)</h3>
<p>Earned through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), the RCIS credential proves you’re qualified to handle invasive cardiac procedures.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>ARRT Certification in Cardiac Interventional Radiography&nbsp;</h3>
<p>A post-primary credential from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists—ideal for imaging professionals ready to specialize in cardiac care.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>State Licensing</h3>
<p>Thirty-seven states currently require state-specific licensure. This is especially important if you plan to work as a travel cath lab tech, since every new assignment might bring different state requirements.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Why Consider a Cardiac Cath Lab Technologist Career?</h2>
<h3>High Demand and Job Security</h3>
<p>With cardiovascular disease still a leading health concern, demand for skilled cath lab technologists continues to grow, creating strong job security both locally and for those who travel.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Hands-On, Tech-Forward Work</h3>
<p>Operate cutting-edge imaging equipment and be part of procedures that save lives in real time.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Career Advancement</h3>
<p>You can move into leadership, education, or take your skills on the road with lucrative travel contracts.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Competitive Pay with Additional Benefits</h3>
<p>While staff roles pay well, travel assignments often include tax-free stipends for meals and incidentals, plus housing allowances, which can significantly boost take-home pay.</p>
<h3>Meaningful Impact</h3>
<p>Every shift gives you the opportunity to directly impact patient outcomes.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Becoming a Cardiac Cath Lab Technologist</h2>
<h3>Step 1 — Earn an Accredited Degree or Certificate</h3>
<p>Choose a program in cardiovascular or invasive cardiovascular technology.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Step 2 — Complete Clinical Training</h3>
<p>Hands-on hospital experience is crucial for building confidence in the cath lab.</p>
<h3>Step 3 — Get Certified</h3>
<p>Pursue RCIS or ARRT certification to stand out in the job market.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Step 4 — Obtain State Licensure if Required</h3>
<p>Licensing rules vary by state—travel techs must plan ahead for multi-state work.</p>
<h3>Step 5 — Apply for Roles</h3>
<p>Consider permanent positions, per diem or travel contracts depending on what fits your needs.</p>
<h3>Step 6 — Maintain Your Credentials</h3>
<p>Continuing education keeps your skills sharp and ensures ongoing eligibility for both staff and travel roles.</p>
<h2>Average Cardiac Cath Lab Technologist Salary</h2>
<ul style="margin-left:20px">
  <li><strong>National Average:</strong> $67.71/hour (~$140,835/year) according to ZipRecruiter&nbsp;</li>
  <li><strong>Staff Roles:</strong> $46.29/hour average per Vivian.com&nbsp;</li>
  <li><strong>Travel Roles:</strong> Around $2,747/week, plus stipends and housing, often exceeding local pay rates&nbsp;</li>
  <li><strong>Top States:</strong> California, Alaska, and Massachusetts offer some of the highest wages&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p><br /></p>
<p>For travel cath lab technologists, the combination of a strong hourly wage, stipends, and provided housing can lead to significantly higher overall compensation.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Real Life: The Travel Tech Experience</h2>
<p>A cath lab tech’s day often starts with a quick orientation to a new facility (specifically for travelers or per diem), a review of protocols, and ensuring all imaging equipment is ready for use. From there, it’s assisting with multiple procedures, adapting to different team dynamics, and delivering the same high standard of care, no matter the location.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>For travelers in particular, the variety keeps skills sharp and offers the bonus of exploring new cities while earning premium pay and stipends.</p>
<h2>Explore Cardiac Cath Lab Technologist Jobs from Cross Country&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Whether you want the stability of a permanent hospital role or the flexibility and earning power of a travel contract or the ability to stay close to home with per diem, Cross Country has opportunities to match your goals. Travel assignments can take you anywhere —urban heart centers, coastal hospitals, or rural communities in need—while offering great pay, stipends, and housing benefits. Our permanent opportunities are nationwide and our per diem opportunities are in many cities across the U.S.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
  <strong>Your skills save lives. Let’s put them where they’re needed most. </strong><a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/jobs/results?term=cath%20lab&amp;&amp;xTerm=&amp;&amp;jobType=%5b%5d&amp;&amp;profession=&amp;&amp;specialty=&amp;&amp;msp=&amp;&amp;shiftTypes=&amp;&amp;shiftLengths=&amp;&amp;durations=&amp;&amp;salaryMax=&amp;&amp;tags=noTags&amp;&amp;sort=relevant&amp;&amp;view=list&amp;&amp;offset=1&amp;&amp;size=9&amp;&amp;companyId=&amp;&amp;location=&amp;&amp;geoLocationRadius=100&amp;&amp;shiftT=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Explore Cross Country’s Cath Lab jobs today</strong></a
  ><strong> and start your next chapter.</strong>&nbsp;
</p>


How to Become a Cardiac Cath Lab Technologist

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