EKG Technician Training Schools
EKG Technicians are responsible for monitoring the cardiac health of patients and are responsible for conducting specific tests on patients suspected to have heart conditions affecting their health. EKG Technicians often work in hospitals, most frequently in emergency departments and cardiac units. EKG Technicians may be employed in private cardiologist offices or cardiac focused medical clinics. EKG Technicians operate EKG (electrocardiogram) machines, which monitor cardiac performance. EKG Technicians place electrodes on a patient's body and interpret the output of these electrical signals. These are further used by doctors to determine if the patient needs further medical intervention. This may be required when the patient is suspected of having a cardiac event, such as a heart attack, or after trauma, a car accident for instance. EKG Technicians may also conduct tests, such as stress tests, on patients to determine the existence of medical conditions.
EKG Technician careers are expected to grow by nearly 30% in the next decade. It is a common entry level position for those actively seeking their nursing degree. EKG technicians require technical skill in utilizing the EKG machines and the ability to communicate information in a concise manner verbally to patients and in detailed written reports to physicians.
EKG Technicians can be fully trained within two months through vocational training or certification programs. Further on the job training is generally necessary to become proficient in interpreting EKG result effectively. Training programs are usually completed through community colleges or vocational schools specializing in the medical field. Detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the heart is required. Some EKG technicians may be trained as nurses or paramedics. They may hold a variety of state certifications such as emergency medical technician or licensed nurse.
Due to the nature of the position, EKG Technicians often interact with patients with very serious illnesses, a good-natured bedside manner is definitely an asset in this position. The career sometimes may require weekends and odd hours due to being on call, especially when employed by a hospital. |