An electrocardiograph technician, commonly referred to as an EKG technician, is a medical healthcare professional whose primary role involves measuring the heart’s electrical activity using specialized equipment. These test results help physicians diagnose the cardiovascular condition of patients and offer the needed treatment. If you are planning to choose a demanding career in the healthcare industry, you can consider becoming an Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician.
How is the EKG test performed?
Performing an EKG test on a patient includes attaching electrodes to his chest, arms, and legs. First, a technician will explain the test procedure to a patient, position him appropriately before the procedure and connect the required electrodes. Once everything is ready, EKG tech will then use a specialized machine to perform the test and collect results.
After getting a clear reading, a tech will send the reports to the ordering healthcare provider. A physician then confirms whether a patient is suffering from any cardiac condition or not! Then, depending on the test results, a physician will recommend a treatment or care plan to patients if needed.
Entering an EKG technician’s career requires less education when compared to many other medical professions. For example- Doctors or nursing. Many people enroll in EKG training courses that can be completed within a few months. This training can help candidates learn the required skills before starting their career as an EKG tech.
What skills are required to become a good EKG technician?
Electrocardiographs are non-invasive and painless procedures. But some patients may feel stress from any injury or disease, so doctors could recommend them to go for this test. While some other patients can feel low just because they are in the hospital setting and going for this test.
Therefore, EKG techs need to have a calm and courteous bedside manner. A successful EKG technician is one who pays close attention to details and has strong hand-eye coordination in addition to technical skills and physical stamina.
What are the job roles of an EKG technician?
An electrocardiograph (EKG) technician usually works in healthcare settings. He can find a job in hospitals, outpatient clinics, diagnostic testing centers, laboratories, nursing care homes, and private doctor’s offices. EKG tech’s job description varies from place to place. But generally, his duties may include-
Position patients appropriately before monitoring them
Educating patients about the EKG test procedures
Run EKGs
Perform stress tests
Preparing patients for Holter monitoring test
Obtaining a baseline record of the heart functions of patients
Sending test reports to healthcare providers
Performing administrative tasks such as scheduling patient appointments and keeping records.
Maintaining EKG equipment
Assisting physicians during test procedures
Are you wondering if these skills are easy to learn? Don’t worry; you can consider enrolling a seat in the best medical school offering various medical courses, including an EKG training course, a personal or home health care program, and a phlebotomy technician program in Centereach, Long Island.
What is the career outlook of an EKG technician?
According to BLS reports, these professionals are experiencing remarkable career growth. It has been estimated that the employment opportunities for these allied healthcare professionals will grow up to 8% by 2030. So, if you are looking for an ever-growing career in the healthcare industry, you can choose to become an Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician.
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