Cardiac Physiology
Cardiac physiologists are healthcare scientists who specialise in diagnosing and treating heart disease. They work closely with doctors and other professionals, using technology to assess heart function, guide treatment decisions, and support safe, effective care.
Cardiac physiologists work directly with patients of all ages, ranging from babies to the elderly. They typically specialise in one or more of the following five key areas of practice:
1. Non-invasive diagnostics: Use tools like ECGs, ambulatory monitors, and treadmill stress tests to check heart rhythm and function.
2. Cardiac catheterisation laboratory support: Assist in procedures that look at the heart’s blood vessels and pressures, including angiograms and valve repairs.
3. Echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound/sonography): Use ultrasound to capture detailed images of the heart, assessing structure, function, and blood flow to support diagnosis and ongoing clinical decision-making.
4. Implantable cardiac devices: Support the implantation and follow-up of devices like pacemakers and defibrillators, ensuring they work safely and effectively.
5. Electrophysiology: Provide technical support during electrophysiology studies and catheter ablation procedures, including advanced rhythm analysis, diagnostic pacing, and ablation delivery.
Where do cardiac physiologists practise?
Cardiac physiologists work in hospitals and private cardiology clinics. They may lead or contribute to specialised clinics and take part in education, research, or governance activities.
Education and training
Cardiac physiologists must complete a relevant bachelor’s degree (typically in Clinical Physiology, Biomedical Science/Engineering, Health Science or a related field) from an accredited tertiary provider. Most entry pathways include clinical placements and supervised on-the-job training. Additional postgraduate qualifications and certifications are required for specialised areas, such as echocardiography or electrophysiology. Further details are outlined in PiCSA’s 2024 guidelines.
How are cardiac physiologists recognised?
Cardiac physiology operates as a self-regulated profession and is presently ineligible for regulation under Ahpra. Public recognition of cardiac physiologists is available through the following registries:
ASAR: Required under Medicare for cardiac physiologists who perform echocardiography/cardiac sonography.
ACCP: A voluntary registry for cardiac physiologists whose work includes non-echo specific duties (non-invasive testing, cath-lab, devices, and/or electrophysiology).
Professional body
Cardiac physiologists in Australia are represented by Professionals in Cardiac Sciences Australia (PiCSA). The echocardiography modality sits at the intersection of cardiac physiology and sonography. As such, cardiac physiologists who specialise in echocardiography are represented by both PiCSA and the Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA), which also represents sonographers more broadly.