EKG technicians monitor equipment and evaluate tests on patients.
EKG or ECG technicians are also known as cardiovascular technicians and most work in hospitals or clinics. This is an excellent entry-level job in healthcare and can be obtained without a formal education. It involves a large amount of patient care and applicants must be able to communicate well with patients and physicians. EKG technicians often work in stressful environments and with patients that can be susceptible to health crises at any time.
Education Requirements
There are several ways to become an EKG technician, but all applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Most EKG technicians receive on-the-job training in a hospital and under the supervision of an experienced technician that usually lasts several weeks. There are programs offered at community colleges and technical schools that offer an associate degree and certification in this field. Some employers train other health professionals, such as nurse's aides, nurses, or students that are taking courses to become EKG technologists and need job experience. Some on-the-job training will last up to two years for technicians to be certified to perform holter monitoring and stress testing. Certifications are voluntary, but will assist applicants in finding employment and many employers require it. Certification is available from Cardiovascular Credentialing International and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and will require continuing education to maintain.
Job Duties
EKG technicians obtain a patient's medical history, ask about medications being taken and explain the monitoring procedures to them. They assure the patient's comfort and attach electrodes according to the physician's instructions and the tests needed. EKG technicians operate monitoring equipment, evaluate tests and provide printouts of tests to other health care professionals. They maintain and clean equipment and rooms used for monitoring patients and may assist in moving patients. At times they may be called upon to move and use portable EKG monitoring equipment in other areas of a hospital or clinic. EKG technicians monitor patient's blood pressure before, during, and after testing. With proper training they may perform stress tests using a treadmill or other means to provide stress to the patient's heart.
Advancement
With advanced formal education and on receipt of certifications, technicians may become technologists. EKG technologists can advance to higher levels with added responsibilities and become supervisors of other EKG technologist or technicians. Many decide to enter research or educational fields.
Employment Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate of EKG technicians is expected to grow by 24 percent through 2018. This is much faster than average. Much of this growth will be due to technological advances and the need for technicians that are trained to use it. Employment growth will occur due to the increasing age of the population and the prevalence of heart disease.
Earnings
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of EKG technicians was $47,010 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned form $32,800 to $61,580, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,510 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,760.
Tags: percent earned, According Bureau, According Bureau Labor, applicants must, become technologists, Bureau Labor
