EKG technicians play a key role in diagnosing heart conditions.
EKG technicians, also known as cardiographic or cardiovascular technicians, perform tests that measure the strength and electrical impulses of the heart. Their work is preferred by patients because of its noninvasive quality--unlike more complicated and uncomfortable procedures involving surgically entering the body. Technicians play a critical role in uncovering heart abnormalities so physicians can administer proper life-saving treatment and prevent heart attacks or other complications.
Education
Proper EKG administration is commonly taught during four to six weeks of on-the-job training, states the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Testers typically hold other positions in the hospital, doctor's office or other medical facility, such as a nurse's aide, or are students studying to become cardiovascular technologists or other medical professionals. Additional advanced training in Holter monitoring and stress testing leads to greater employment opportunities. Alternate education is a one-year certification or degree from a college, university or medical career institute program providing formal training. X-Ray Technician Schools recommends programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Professionals. Not all U.S. states require certification or degrees, although it is preferred.
Character Traits
Technicians must enjoy close interaction with the public and have a pleasant, professional demeanor that comforts nervous patients. They must be very astute and demonstrate quick thinking skills. Instant preparation and response is needed when patients experience a heart attack or other complication during testing. This is always a possibility, since some patients have serious heart conditions.
Job Skills
Good communication skills are needed to explain procedures and answer patients' questions. It is necessary to communicate effectively with physicians as technicians pass on EKG results. Upper body strength is needed to assist in transferring elderly and overweight patients. Skill in the use of computers and applicable technological equipment is required. Correct and precise testing can mean the difference between discovering and treating heart problems and not finding any, resulting in further complications.
Duties
As the title indicates, EKG technicians administer EKGs (or electrocardiographs) during routine exams, before or after surgery or in reaction to a patient experiencing chest discomfort or palpitations. Electrodes are placed on the body. The EKG machine then records heart activity, and a printout is given to the doctor.
For Holter monitor testing, electrodes are placed and attached to a portable EKG monitor to be worn at home for at least 24-hours. After prolonged heart activity is recorded, the technician scans the information onto a computer, verifies its quality and passes on the results.
For stress tests, technicians record a patient's medical history, attach him to an EKG monitor, take his resting blood pressure and carefully collect data of heart activity as the patient exercises on a treadmill and gradually increases physical activity.
Other tasks include accurate recordkeeping of EKG results and maintaining the care and cleaning of equipment.
Job Outlook and Pay
Faster than average job growth is expected---increasing 24 percent through 2018 due to a higher elderly population and wider presence of heart disease among Americans, maintains the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Although pay varies according to location, knowledge and experience, X-Ray Technician Schools records 2008 average annual salaries between $30,000 and $41,000.
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