What is a Certified EKG Technician?
An electrocardiograph technician, also known as an EKG technician, is a healthcare professional who uses specialized equipment to measure the heart’s electrical activity. They apply, monitor, and measure electrocardiography testing as well as administer various cardiovascular tests including measuring basic vital signs, performing rapid response procedures, and identifying rhythms. Physicians and other medical professionals rely on this information to diagnose and treat a patient’s cardiac health. This makes EKG technicians vital members of any healthcare team.
EKG technicians typically work in hospitals, but their skills may also be needed in other healthcare settings including outpatient clinics, private physician’s offices, and long-term care facilities. Taking an EKG on a patient includes attaching electrodes to a patient’s chest, arms, and legs. Technicians are responsible for explaining this process to patients, positioning patients appropriately for testing, and connecting the necessary electrodes. After using the EKG machine to collect a result and ensuring a clear reading, they report the information to the ordering physician.
Becoming an EKG technician does not require years of costly training, so it is an excellent entry point for anyone interested in a career in the healthcare field. The basic education requirements are a high school diploma or GED and completion of an accredited EKG certification program, which usually takes just three to six months to complete.
As with many jobs in the healthcare industry, the demand for EKG technicians is growing rapidly. (The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts 24% job growth between now and 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.) According to Salary.com, the median annual salary for this position is $40,200, but compensation can vary depending on numerous factors such as level of education, years of experience, and the type of facility. For instance, EKG techs who work in hospitals often earn more money than those who work in a physician’s office.
Dorson Vocational Training Institute offers a Certified EKG Technician online course that brings together anatomy and physiology of the cardiac system with how it pertains to the electrocardiograph procedure. Students learn to successfully perform and mount an EKG, as well as to classify heart diseases and recognize abnormalities. You must complete 100 hours of internship/externship, after which you will be eligible to sit for the NHA competency test for EKG technicians and be certified in CPR as a healthcare provider.
We are fully licensed by the State of New Jersey and our courses are certified by The National Health Association. Affordable tuition payment plans and access to financial aid are available. To learn more about Dorson Vocational Training Institute’s Certified EKG Technician program or other healthcare classes and training programs, call us at 973-676-6300 or fill out our online form.