An EKG technician:
- attaches electrodes to the patient’s chest, arms, and legs
- uses an EKG machine to trace and record electrical impulses transmitted by the heart
- prints an EKG for evaluation by the physician
To perform a holter monitor, an EKG technician:
- places electrodes on the patient’s chest
- attaches a portable EKG monitor to the patient
- removes a tape from the monitor and places it in a scanner, following 24 or more hours of normal activity by the patient
- checks the quality of the recorded impulses on an electronic screen
- prints the information from the tape for evaluation by a physician
- documents the patient’s medical history
- connects the patient to an EKG monitor
- obtains a baseline reading and resting blood pressure
- monitors the heart’s performance while the patient is walking on a treadmill
- gradually increases the treadmill’s speed to observe the effect of increased exertion
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Salary Information: EKG Technician
Salaries for EKG Technicians may range depending on the type of facility of organization, location and experience. Here are some estimated salary ranges:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May, 2008, the lowest 10% of EKG technicians earn less than $25,510, while the highest 10% earn more than $74,760. The median salary is: $ 47,010.
For more information, see: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos100.htm#earnings and http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292031.htm
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Education: EKG Technician
To become a EKG Technician, a certification program at a State Licensed School is required. Some schools may require you to have a High School Diploma or GED, but most will only require you to take an entrance exam. This is to ensure that you are at the appropriate educational level.
Most EKG technicians attend a one-year certificate program at a community or technical college. EKG technician training is typically included in cardiovascular technology programs at community colleges and some health care centers. Some EKG technicians are trained on the job for two to four months by a cardiologist or EKG supervisor at a hospital, doctor's office, or clinic.
Many employers prefer to train technicians who are already in the medical field. So, if you are interested in being an EKG technician and you do not work in the health care field, you will need to get training through a technical program.
In addition to EKG training, one-year certification programs for EKG testing, Holter monitors and stress testing are also available. It is not necessary to obtain a license through the state to become an EKG technician.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where do EKG Technicians work?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 75% of EKG technicians work in hospital cardiology departments. Other places where EKG technicians work include physician offices and laboratories, including diagnostic imaging centers.
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How can I find a good EKG Technician school?
Here is some helpful information to help you decide on an EKG Technician school:
- Compare programs at different schools and remember that programs vary in length depending on location, cost and course of study.
- Consider visiting one or more schools and request a tour.
- Search online for EKG Technician schools in your area using your zip code.
- Consider studying online and completing your studies from home.
- Ask schools for references from other students.
- Do you live or plan to relocate to the New York city area? Consider visiting the Manhattan Institute and learn more about how you can become a EKG Technician. Click here to learn more.
What is the employment outlook for EKG Technicians?
According to 2008-2009 statistics from the Bureau of Labor, jobs for EKG technicians will continue to grow faster than average. Technicians trained to perform specific procedures, such as Holter monitoring and stress testing, will be in particular demand. Employment for EKG technicians is expected to grow 26% by the year 2016. This is to the increasing aging population, and the increase of older people having a higher percentage of heart disease and heart-related complications.
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