Description
Perform diagnostic evaluations of both cardiac and pulmonary function for clinical, therapeutic, or research purposes. Conduct or assist with electrocardiography, Holter and event monitoring, cardiac stress testing, pulmonary function testing (spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion capacity), cardiopulmonary exercise testing, pulse oximetry, and related procedures; ensure patient safety, data quality, and equipment performance.
- • Monitor ECG, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation during cardiopulmonary tests; report abnormal findings promptly.
- • Monitor patient comfort and safety during tests; stop procedures per protocol when indicated.
- • Explain procedures and breathing maneuvers to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
- • Observe flow-volume loops, gas exchange data, and ECG/oximetry displays to ensure valid measurements.
- • Conduct ECGs, Holter/event monitoring, cardiac stress tests, spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion capacity, and oximetry using specialized equipment.
- • Prepare and position patients for testing, including treadmill or cycle ergometer protocols.
- • Obtain and record patient identification, medical history, medications, and test results.
- • Attach ECG electrodes and place pulse oximetry sensors; operate monitoring systems to acquire tracings.
- • Adjust equipment settings and test protocols per physician orders and established guidelines.
- • Check, calibrate, and maintain cardiopulmonary equipment; perform minor repairs and troubleshoot issues.
- • Train technologists, students, or staff in cardiopulmonary testing procedures.
- • Operate spirometers, body plethysmographs, diffusing capacity systems, metabolic carts, and ergometers.
- • Perform or assist with arterial blood gas sampling and point-of-care analysis using aseptic technique.
- • Record and trend parameters such as FEV1, FVC, TLC, DLCO, VO2, heart rate, blood pressure, and SpO2.
- • Calculate predicted values, percent predicted, and bronchodilator responsiveness; assess test quality and acceptability.
- • Compare pulmonary and exercise measurements to reference norms to identify obstructive, restrictive, or diffusion impairments.
- • Perform administrative tasks such as scheduling, patient reminders, and ordering supplies or equipment.
- • Maintain infection control and aseptic practices for patient care and equipment reprocessing.
- • Assist clinicians with stress tests, methacholine or exercise challenges, six-minute walk tests, and oxygen titration studies.
- • Generate, scan, and distribute test tracings and preliminary reports for physician interpretation.
- • Set up Holter and event monitors; scan and summarize recordings for physician review.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
