Electrodes are placed on the chest, arms and legs to test electrical activities of the heart.
An electrocardiographic (EKG) technician traces electrical impulses that are transmitted by the heart by attaching electrodes to the patient's body. Electrodes are linked to a machine called an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). The EKG reading, which is printed on a graph, shows spikes and dips that a physician must interpret. The physician can tell from the graph if a patient has cardiovascular problems.
Instructions
1. Complete high school first before you look for a suitable training program. Good grades might also help you to get a job in a health facility where you can train to become an EKG technician. Subjects like mathematics and sciences might be very helpful in your field.
2. Apply for an entry-level position in a hospital, using your high school diploma or general educational development certification. On-the-job training is primarily how people become ECG technicians, according to Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals. Many health facilities prefer to train people already in the healthcare field, such as nursing aides. Training is usually provided by an EKG supervisor or a cardiologist.
3. Attend an EKG technician certificate course. Usually, such courses are available across the United States. Courses cover topics including echocardiography, medical terminology, the role of the EKG technician and electrocardiography. Other courses are anatomy of the heart, phlebotomy and legal issues. Obtaining a college education enhances your chances of getting a job.
4. Obtain certification through the Cardiovascular Credentialing International, once you complete your training. Certification is not mandatory, but most employers prefer credentialed candidates, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
5. Train to use the Holter monitoring. Holter testing involves using an ambulatory electrocardiography device to monitor the nervous system. The training - usually acquired while you are on the job - takes between 18 to 24 months, according to education-portal.com. This training is beneficial for your own job security and may qualify you for higher earnings.
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