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EKG technicians monitor and test a patient’s heart performance using special equipment. These technologists work hands-on with individuals experiencing chest pain due to heart-related issues like stress, heart attacks, and more.
Students interested in an EKG technician career must earn their associate’s or bachelor’s degree from a trade school or accredited college. After graduating, some candidates earn specific certificates to help boost their EKG technician resume. They also complete on-site training to ensure they know what they’re doing.
What Is an EKG Technician?
Also known as cardiographic technicians, these associates work closely with patients in hospitals, emergency rooms, and private health clinics. They are trained to attach electrodes to an individuals torso, arms, and legs to record electrical data from the patient’s heart. Then, those results are sent to a physician for review.
EKG technicians need to have a certain set of skills and characteristics in order to succeed. In addition to a knowledge of the trade, these traits include a caring personality, strong communication skills, and attention to detail. These employees often work one-on-one with a patient in a hectic environment, so it’s important for them to remain calm, attentive, and prepared for anything.
What Are an EKG Tech's Job Duties?
EKG technicians conduct several different tasks during their workdays. These specialists perform tests to see if a patient’s heart is functioning properly. They attach monitors to a person’s arms, chest, and legs to record their heartbeat and check for any issues. Some additional EKG technician duties include:
- Maintaining diagnostic imaging equipment
- Reviewing images and test results
- Collecting patient medical history and personal information
- Answering any questions about procedure
- Discussing findings with physician
What Types of Skills Should EKG Technicians Possess?
EKG technicians must follow a certain set of protocols and instructions in order to obtain the data needed to diagnose and treat their patient. While these workers need to pay attention to the monitor, they also must properly record the patient’s vitals and keep an eye out for any cues that show the individual is in pain, under stress, or experiencing another medical emergency.
One of the most important skills an EKG technician can have is to remain calm under pressure. Working with individuals who are experiencing chest pains or abnormal heart beats can be stressful, as the patient may be worried or angry. In the case of an emergency, these workers may also need to work with multiple patients back to back. Those who work well under pressure, and who can keep those around them calm as well, often succeed in this career.
Physical stamina is also an important characteristic for EKG technicians. These associates work long hours on their feet traveling to different departments in the hospital to treat patients young and old. They also must have the strength to push and lift heavy medical equipment, such as monitors or gurneys.
How Do Cardiographic Technician Maintain Their Workspace?
Like others who work in hospitals or healthcare facilities, EKG technicians need to keep a clean and organized workspace. Employees should make sure that monitors are working properly, electrode pads are kept in a safe spot to avoid damage, and wires are untangled for easy access. Additionally, all EKG technician equipment should be sterilized to ensure that it is clean for the next patient.
Why Do Cardiographic Techs Need to Be Personable?
An EKG technician typically works with patients who are experiencing high stress levels or unusual chest pains. These patients may come into the hospital very confused, worried, or even agitated. Along with recording the individual’s vitals and checking for any abnormalities of the heart, these associates are there to answer any questions that the person may have. Those with friendly and pleasant personalities often do well in this position.
How Do EKG Technicians Promote Their Work?
Some hospitals and health facilities have online portals where patients can get to know their staff. Along with doctor biographies and work histories, these websites may include information on the clinic’s nurses, EKG technicians, and other technologists. Additionally, some private doctor’s offices or laboratories may provide their workers with business cards to pass out to friends, family, and those looking for a new doctor.
What are Useful Skills for People in This Field?
- Strong communication skills
- Understanding of technology
- Active listening
- Documenting and recording data
- Following proper safety procedures
- Ability to use computers
- Thinking critically
- Submitting data in a timely manner
- Connecting EKG equipment safely and properly
- Cleaning equipment
Are There Special Requirements for EKG Technician Jobs?
Those interested in an EKG technician job can start by obtaining an associate’s degree in cardiovascular technology. Some may even go on to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in the program, though it is not required to get a job in this field. At these trade schools and colleges, students take courses like anatomy, medical terminology, and applied science.
Along with a degree, most employers prefer to hire EKG technicians who have certain certificates. One example includes the Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate, noting that the candidate is trained in CPR. Associates can also earn a certificate from Cardiovascular Credentialing International.
Upon hiring, technicians may need to complete a 4-6 week hands-on training program. Potential associates will learn the ins and outs of EKG equipment operation, go over the facility’s safety procedures and protocols, and will have the opportunity to shadow professionals.
What Is the
Outlook of Cardiovascular Tech Jobs?
As the general population ages, the risk of cardiovascular issues like blood clots and heart issues increases. This means that EKG technicians will continue to be needed to help these patients. Experts predict a 7-percent growth for these occupations in the next ten years.
The average salary for an EKG technician is $50k per year. However, that pay changes drastically depending on level of expertise, location, and place of employment. Entry-level technicians can expect to earn around $27k annually, while those with more experience can make upwards of $77k.
EKG technicians also receive certain benefits through their employers. These often include medical insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, and paid time off. Some offices may even offer paid holiday time or vacations.
What Should Workers Expect?
Technicians often work long hours in loud hospitals or emergency rooms. This includes some weekends, overnights and evenings, and even holidays. Some EKG technicians may even need to stay on-call in case there is an emergency at the facility. Those interested in this career should have a flexible schedule and be able to work early in the morning or late at night.
Where Can Prospects Find Work?
While the most common workplace for an EKG technician is a hospital, these associates can find jobs at other locations. These include:
- Outpatient care centers
- Medical and diagnostic laboratories
- Physician offices
Do EKG Technicians Travel for Work?
Though it is rare, EKG technicians may need to travel for their jobs. Like nurses and doctors, these technicians may be needed at neighboring hospitals or health clinics in case of an emergency or if that facility is understaffed.
Do EKG Technicians Have Any Other Options?
Thanks to their knowledge of human biology and their experience in the medical field, EKG technicians can find work in other departments. Like EKG techs, nuclear medicine technologists must prepare special equipment and administer specific tests to help diagnose a patient.
What are Alternate Careers for Cardiographic Technicians?
With some additional schooling and a slight change of focus, EKG technicians can find work as different diagnostic technicians. Clinical laboratory technologists perform similar tests while also collecting samples to analyze a patient’s bodily fluids and tissue for any issues.