Electrocardiograph (Ekg) Technician
Electrocardiograph technicians (EKG TECH) are healthcare employees who perform diagnostic tests that help doctors identify cardiovascular problems in patients. The tests can help discover any irregularities in the heart that may lead to a heart attack or heart disease.
Role of a EKG Technician
The EKG technician is responsible for maintaining the EKG equipment and tracking the required inventory, like electrodes and adhesive pads. They may also perform administrative tasks, including the recording of the test results and filing of important documentation. The EKG technician has an empathetic demeanor with clear communication skills, as they explain what they’re doing to the patient and help to calm them down. The ideal candidate may learn standard procedures and maintain them with precision to reduce test errors. The EKG technician also fosters camaraderie, as they interact with hospital staff on a daily basis.
Field of Responsibility
The EKG technician explains the test to patients prior to conducting them. Once the patient is on the machine, the technician monitors heart performance and the patient’s blood pressure. Other duties include:
- Executing EKG services according to the hospital’s procedures
- Maintaining EKG equipment and any required inventory needed to run tests
- Performing related administrative tasks including recording results, filing, and data entry
- Attending additional training programs as required by the health care system, including safety procedures
- Performing and scheduling EKG tests
Work Environment
EKG technicians usually work within a hospital environment, but some might also work in a specialty long-term care facility or a private practice. A healthcare employer, such as a hospital, typically stations them in a separate room with the EKG equipment but may have interactions with patients, doctors, and nursing staff throughout the day. EKG technicians typically spend long hours standing. Their work hours may depend on how many patients are on the schedule for tests that day.
Career Opportunities
The average salary for an EKG technician depends on education, experience and location. EKG technicians can work either part-time or full-time, depending on the demands of the hospital. The average salary for EKG technicians is $50,844 per year.
Skills
EKG technicians use a variety of hard and soft skills to succeed in their role:
- Attention to detail:An EKG technician has an acute attention to detail to follow hospital procedures. You may review patient tests and understand if there’s a life-threatening irregularity with their heartbeat. If there’s an issue, you follow the hospital protocol on how to alert the physician and explain what’s happening to the patient.
- Communication:EKG technicians need excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with patients and hospital staff and file accurate reports. They may communicate test results to the patient’s physician or to the patient themselves if their facility requires it.
- Empathy:These people clearly and calmly explain to the patient what they do as they do it to soothe worried patients. For example, you may alert them when you place adhesive pads that are connected to wires that are connected to the EKG machine.
- Stamina:EKG technicians need physical stamina as they’re often on their feet for hours at a time. They may go back and forth between the patient and the machine, or between the physician and the workroom.
- Technological skills:These people use computers and advanced electrocardiograph equipment regularly, so they often have the technical skills necessary to troubleshoot and maintain equipment and perform the necessary tests.
Why SW Medical Academy?
Our program focuses solely on the skills needed as a Electrocardiograph technicians (EKG TECH), making it one of the most affordable programs in the area, and is designed to be valuable, accessible, and flexible for all students. With online learning mixed with in-person simulation coursework and rotations, this type of learning environment allows for a better fit with your schedule and aspirations.
Tuition Fee: $650
EKG Program at SW Medical Academy
Electrocardiogram Technician (EKG TECH) Online self-pace No Live Instructor
Duration: 4-Weeks Program
Registration Fee: $200
Time: All clinical times will be 8:30am-4:30pm
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