EKG Technician

1. Program Overview: EKG Technician An EKG Technician (Electrocardiogram Technician) is a vital allied health professional who specializes in recording the electrical activity of the heart using EKG machines, monitoring cardiac rhythms, and assisting in diagnosing heart conditions. The training combines technical skills, patient care, anatomy & physiology, infection control, and basic interpretation of heart rhythm abnormalities. The role often includes diagnostic support work in settings like hospitals, clinics, outpatient centers, and diagnostics units. Core Duties & Responsibilities Patient Preparation & Communication ● Explain the EKG procedure to patients, alleviate anxiety, and ensure comfort throughout the test. ● Position electrodes correctly on the chest, limbs, and sometimes other body parts; prepare the skin surface as needed (cleaning, removing hair if required). ● Measure basic vital signs (blood pressure, pulse) prior to or during testing, particularly in stress tests. Conducting EKG Tests & Cardiac Monitoring ● Operate the EKG machine to record heart’s electrical activity. Ensure settings are correct, and data output is accurate. ● Perform different types of EKG tests: resting EKGs, stress/exercise EKGs, ambulatory monitoring (Holter monitors), and possibly telemetry monitoring. ● Monitor patients during tests for safety and response; watch for signs of distress or abnormal reactions and escalate concerns as needed. Recording, Interpreting & Reporting Results ● Record the test data, handle technical aspects like correct lead placement and artifact recognition (e.g. signal interference) to avoid misleading readings. ● Upload or deliver EKG output to physician or cardiac care team; prepare basic reports for review. Equipment Maintenance & Safety ● Maintain and clean EKG machines, leads, electrodes; routinely check for calibration and functionality.

2. ● Ensure infection control practices and patient safety protocols are followed—clean surfaces, use disposable materials as applicable, observe hygiene guidelines. Education, Skills & Certification ● At minimum, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Many employers prefer completion of a certificate or diploma program specific to EKG. ● Coursework typically includes anatomy and physiology of the heart, medical terminology, electrocardiography theory, basic life support / CPR training, patient care/HIPAA/duty of care modules. ● Hands-on training or clinical externship is often included, where students practice on actual patients under supervision. ● Certification such as Certified EKG Technician (CET) or equivalent is often encouraged or required, depending on workplace or state rules. Technical & Interpersonal Skills ● Attention to detail: Proper setup, lead placement, artifact detection, clear readings. Missed errors can affect diagnoses. ● Manual dexterity: Handling electrodes, small equipment, moving parts, connecting lead wires correctly. ● Communication: Explaining procedures to patients, calming anxious individuals, and reporting clear findings to medical staff. ● Technical aptitude: Understanding electrical signals, machine operation, recognizing abnormal rhythms, using ECG interpretation skills. ● Physical stamina: Standing, moving between patient rooms, occasionally lifting or adjusting patients or equipment. Work Settings & Career Opportunities ● Work environments include hospitals (cardiac units, emergency departments), clinics, physician offices, diagnostic labs, outpatient cardiac centers. ● Alternative roles or specialized tasks may include stress testing technician, Holter monitor technician, or telemetry monitoring. ● Shift work, including evenings or weekends, may be required depending on healthcare facility needs. Job Outlook & Demand ● Employment for cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including EKG Technicians, is projected to grow due to aging population and increasing prevalence of heart disease.

3. ● Certification and specialized training improve job prospects and potential earnings. Employers often prefer or require certified EKG technicians.