You might be considering entering the medical field. You’re searching a catalog of career options. Whether you are just now deciding to enter the medical field or you’re already in the healthcare industry, there is an option you should consider.
Our hearts are vital organs. Your heart creates actual electoral pulses that run through your body and support everything. Heart Disease and other forms of heart-related issues are at the top of health concerns.
With modern technology, there are sophisticated machines called Holter monitors that check these impulses. Not everyone is capable of using this machine. Naturally, we need a specialist trained in using and understanding the complex electrocardiogram machines that help monitor a heart’s performance.
Going forward into this field as an EKG Technician is a smart option, for more reasons than one.
EKG Technicians are an important part of health care teams. They are qualified to perform cardiovascular diagnostics and prepare you for other healthcare professions too. You can often see them working alongside doctors.
This complete EKG Technician guide is an overview of all the information you need to know before deciding to move forward with a career in the field.
Our team of researchers and instructors spent the past few months putting together a guide just for you.
We’ve compiled the most common questions that include the following questions:
What Do EKG Technicians Do?
EKG Technicians serve as important members of a medical team. They are individuals who are passionate and desire to help others.
EKG Technicians are trained to read complex machines that monitor a heart’s performance through wires and complex devices. They’re educated on how to monitor these readings and ensure that the machine is attached properly to record the EKG test results.
A day-to-day routine for an EKG Technician includes the following:
Taking a patient's medical history
Preparing patients for various cardiovascular tests
Checking the quality of recorded data
Reporting findings to the attending physician, who then makes decisions based on the results
Maintaining equipment in good working order
Helping technologists and physicians during procedure
There are a number of soft skills that are considered key tthe thato success as an EKG Technician.
Attention to detail
Interpersonal skills
Stamina
Technical skills
Hand-eye coordination
People skills
Physical stamina
Technical abilities
What are the Common Duties of an EKG Technician?
Your focus will be on helping others. You’ll be a support team player to the medical team. The reason why EKG Technicians are valuable to the team is because they offer qualities that can add depth to a medical team.
Common duties may include the following:
Prepare patients for procedures
Answer questions about the procedure
Obtain and record the patient’s medical history
Prepare and maintain diagnostic imaging equipment
Operate equipment to obtain diagnostic images or to conduct tests
Review images or test results to check for quality and coverage
Recognize abnormal images and identify other relevant diagnostic information
Analyze diagnostic information to provide a summary of findings for physicians
Record findings and keep track of the patient’s records
Help physicians during procedures associates
How Does an EKG Technician Course Work?
Since EKG Technicians require knowledge in the field and need to understand how to use a sophisticated machine, it’s no secret that they need training. As an EKG Technician, you must have a formal education.
There are different types of programs including an associates degree or postsecondary certificate.
In many cases, employers require a professional certification from an approved vocational facility. These programs include coursework, invasive or noninvasive cardiovascular technology procedures, and a clinical component in the form of an externship.
The externship may take place in a hospital, doctor’s office, or imaging laboratory. There are courses that are all-inclusive and include the externship within their class such as vocational training schools.
If you go for a vocational program, the clinical component can consist of an externship or be done within a classroom.
Other names for EKG Technicians:
Cardiographic Technician
ECG Technician
Rhythm Analysis Technician
Telemetry Monitor Technician
Cardiac Monitor Technician
What Are the Course Hours?
Course hours can vary, but the recommended amount of time is 60-80 hours. This will provide you with the maximum amount of time to learn and complete the training. If you opt for an associate degree program, this could take up to two years to complete.
Where Can EKG Technicians Work?
EKG Technicians can be found in most medical facilities. Here are the most common places a cardiovascular technician will work.
Doctors’ offices
General hospitals
Outpatient care centers
Specialized hospitals
Medical laboratories
Vocational School as an Instructor
What is the National HealthCareer Association?
The benefit of taking an EKG course at a vocational school is the National Healthcareer Association Exam. You’ll be certified by the state after finishing a state program.
While this certification is good to work in your state, you’ll need the NHA text if you want to work in other states.
Being nationally certified adds an extra credential to your resume. You’ll be able to work across the nation.
They are experts in healthcare certification. It’s a certification that demonstrates
The National Healthcareer Association is a certification and accreditation. It’s the largest allied health certification agency in the United States and has awarded over 1 million nationally recognized certifications.
They help ensure that those who pass their exams have acquired the skills and knowledge meaningful to potential employers.
Does My License Transfer or Expire?
Your state certification does not expire. A state certification may not transfer to a different state if you decide to move. If you want to move to another state and keep your certification, becoming nationally certified is the best way to go.
The National HealthCare Association certification must be renewed every two years.
Does Being an EKG Technician Lead to Better Jobs and Careers?
Of course! This is because of the population. This is a profession that isn’t going anywhere especially because of the heart.
As the U.S population continues to age, many of them need to diagnose medical conditions such as blood clots, and heart disease is expected to grow. This will only increase the demand in due time.
The demand for EKG Technicians is projected to grow by 20 percent by 2030 which is much faster than all occupations.
Did I mention you’ll be making good money too? You probably won’t want to move on to something else considering its great pay, competitive benefits, and reliable work environment.
EKG Technicians can earn an average of $60,000 per year and some may even earn up to $96,000 per year.
EKG Technicians can grow their skills into a number of different fields too. If you’re ever interested in earning more certifications or building your credentials, EKG Technician is a solid starting point.
Your options are endless. For example, with an EKG, Phlebotomy, and Certified Nurse Aide certification, you can work as a Patient Care Technician.
What Are the Requirements?
The requirements to register for an EKG Technician program are minimal. These are the requirements you must meet.
Successfully complete an Electrocardiogram Technician training course that is approved by the Board of Education in NJ
Complete a competency evaluation by an NJ state-approved school
Be at least 18 years of age
10 Electrocardiogram live test
What Do EKG Technicians Learn?
EKG Technicians learn a variety of skills. This is what they learn during their training:
Safety Precautions
Key Terminology
Calculating Heart Rate from an EKG Rhythm Strip
Recognize EKG findings Myocardial infarction
Proper EKG lead placement and how to perform a 12-lead EKG
Performing Stress Testing
Holter Monitoring Lead Placement, Procedure, and Analysis
Patient Communication
What is the Cost of an EKG Course
Courses can vary in price and time frames. Courses may offer payment plans too. The prices range from anywhere between $400-$2000.
I’d recommend going with a mid-range to higher premium course versus a lower-cost class. Premium price courses usually include a uniform, books, and great partnership programs for employment after completion.
Final Thoughts
This profession is rewarding and deserves your attention because you can earn a good-paying job and be secure in your decision.
You’ll find a sense of belonging here if you have a deep desire to help others. EKG Technicians are important members of the medical team.
Whatever you decide, you can’t go wrong with healthcare careers.
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