Programme for cardio-technicians

> Access

• mental and physical fitness
• good character
• diploma for radiological technologists (Diplom im radiologisch-technischen Dienst), biomedical scientists (Diplom im medizinisch-technischen Laboratoriumsdienst) or nursing diploma ( Diplom im gehobenen Dienst für Gesundheits- und Krankenpflege) and either successfully completed special training in intensive care or anaesthetic nursing or at least two years of practical work in intensive care or anaesthetic nursing or proof of the corresponding qualifications recognised in Austria
• entry interview or test
• the training provider decides on admission

> Programme

Theoretical instruction: general cardiac technology; special anatomy; special physiology; special pathology; special pathophysiology; special pharmacology; hygiene; anaesthesia; intensive care; cardiology; special surgery; special haematology; technologies and equipment specific to the profession; biomaterial technology; biosignals and measurement technology; documentation, statistics and IT.

Practical training: preparation of perfusion; perfusion; special forms of extracorporeal circulation; transplantation; blood processing techniques; support techniques; minimally invasive surgery; technical and organisational tasks; pacemaker and heart rhythm therapy; emergency training; perfusions and stand-by service.

> Job description / field of activities

Autonomous implementation of extracorporeal circulation for cardiovascular support as well as perfusions and related activities:

• organising, preparing and implementing extracorporeal circulation
• organising, preparing and implementing perfusions
• autonomous care of equipment specific to the profession
• documentation
• co-operation in research
• instruction of trainees
• etc.

> Career

Cardio-technicians are exclusively employed by hospitals.