One of the most important job duties of an EKG technician is to monitor a patient's cardiovascular system during surgery.
EKG technicians can specialize three different areas of this profession: vascular technology, echocardiography and invasive cardiology procedures. Technicians assist doctors that diagnose and treat the cardiovascular system and peripheral vascular problems. Holter monitor procedures are used by EKG technicians in order to record and measure heart activity. Procedures within this field involve the use of high-tech mechanical equipment and individuals must be trained and certified before they can enter into this line of work.
Job Description
EKG technicians will be trained to use a Holter monitoring machine, which is used to perform stress testing and observing the heart. After gathering important data on the heart, they report the information to a physician before they begin surgical procedures. While surgery is taking place, EKG technicians also monitor the progress of a patient’s heart rate and breathing to ensure that the patient does not have any complications during the process. Other tasks that are related to the EKG technician position include taking notes after performing diagnosis, cleaning equipment after surgery procedures, and updating a patient’s medical file.
Training
Hospitals and clinics will employ an EKG technicians without a degree, but an individual who works in this field must have a high school diploma and an EKG certificate. There are EKG schools that offer this type of training, and programs can usually be completed within one year. Hospitals usually offer on-the-job training, which normally takes up to four to six weeks to complete. Further instruction is usually required after an individual is employed in order to keep EKG technicians current with any technological or occupational changes.
Education
There are EKG technician programs offering associate's degrees that take two years of study to complete, but four-year bachelor’s degree programs are becoming more commonplace for EKG technicians. Qualified health professionals can also receive specialized training within a one-year time period. Education programs for EKG technicians must be accredited from organizations such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Professionals (CAAHEP). Coursework for EKG programs will include Holter monitoring, medical courses and noninvasive vascular or cardiovascular technology. EKG technicians with degrees often command higher pay and are more likely to be promoted into supervisory roles.
Certification
Employers who hire EKG technicians desire them to possess credentials that prove that they are competent and knowledgeable employees. Having certification is becoming a necessary requirement for EKG technicians if they want to increase their chances with gaining employment. Even though having credentials is voluntary it is becoming a standard by employers who hire EKG technicians within the cardiovascular profession. Certification is achieved by completing education requirements at an accredited program and passing an exam that is given by a credentialing organization such as the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
Exams
Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) is the name of one type of test that evaluates the knowledge and skills of an EKG technician. Exams are computerized and they’re offered at Pearson Vu Testing centers throughout the United States. Holter monitoring, proficiency with performing EKGs and treadmill stress tests are some of the major areas that are covered on the exams. Cardiac medications and electrophysiology are some of the other parts that are contained within the test.
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