Maloney T. High-Paying Career Opportunities for Cath Lab Professionals. Cath Lab Digest. January 6, 2012.

“Despite a sputtering economy, nationwide opportunities for cath lab professionals to earn higher than average wages exist, with the best-paying positions in the western United States, according to findings from a recent survey. This is welcomed news despite cath labs across the country experiencing decreased procedural volumes, percentage of overtime being reduced, and being asked to do more with less manpower. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand for cardiovascular and radiologic technologists will increase about 20 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is a rate higher than other professions. This percent increase should be taken in context considering the COURAGE trial, published in March 2007, which showed a need for optimal medical therapy in stable angina patients prior to stenting, the introduction of second-generation drug-eluting stents in July 2008, which dramatically reduced rates of repeat revascularization, and recent allegations of inappropriate stenting in multiple states. These three stories have led to nationwide decreases in procedural volumes across the country.

SpringBoard Healthcare in Phoenix, Arizona, surveyed more than 1,500 respondents in August 2011 to determine industry compensation among cath lab professionals.

In addition to comparing wages by region, the data reveals how credentials, the service delivery setting and employment type — from management to on-call positions — influence these workers’ hourly rate of pay.”

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