ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC (EKG) TECHNICIAN
Electrocardiographic technicians, commonly called EKG technicians, are trained to operate electrocardiograph (EKG) equipment which monitors and records changes in heart action. The EKG technician places electrodes on areas of the patient’s body to record heart pulse rates. He/she is trained to read the tracings made by the machine and correct for abnormalities or technical errors the machine might make during its reading. The entire process is painless to the patient, but technicians must carefully monitor patient behavior. Physicians, called cardiologists, use the electrocardiogram tracing to diagnose and treat heart disease and injury.
HOW DO I BECOME AN ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC TECHNICIAN?
High school preparation for a training program would include coursework in biology, math, English, health and physical education, and typing. Graduation from high school or its equivalency is necessary to become an EKG technician. These technicians are usually trained on-the-job for four to six weeks. Some community colleges and vocational technical schools offer formal training programs which usually last from twelve to twenty-four months. After completing training, it is recommended that individuals take an examination which will qualify them as a certified cardiographic technician (CCT).
WHAT WILL I LEARN IN SCHOOL?
Training in a hospital-based program will prepare you for operating and maintaining electrocardiograph equipment. You will also learn how to evaluate EKG printouts, the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology, how to take medical histories, and the skills involved with patient care.
LIFE AFTER GRADUATION
The employment outlook for EKG technicians is good through the next decade. However, the field is growing slower than the average for all occupations. New, more efficient equipment will increase productivity and reduce the demand for new EKG technicians.
Most electrocardiographic technicians are employed in the EKG departments of hospitals and clinics. Some work in private physicians’ offices. They usually work 40-hours a week and sometimes work nights and weekends.