Cardiovascular Careers
Electrocardiograph technicians perform ECG. ECG monitors the heart activity especially the pulses sent by the heart. These pulses are then traced by the electrodes that were placed by the technician on the patient’s arms, legs and chest. These electrodes are connected to the ECG machine to create a printout of the ECG reading. These results are then given to the physician that can help them evaluate and diagnose a disease. An ECG test is usually done in patients with cardiovascular problems. There are also electrocardiograph technicians who specialize in certain areas like Holter monitoring and stress tests. Holter monitoring is a test done wherein the technician attaches the electrodes to the chest of the patient and provides a portable ECG machine. The heart activity is being evaluated and recorded for 24 hours on a tape.
After 24 hours, the technician will then remove the tape and present the results in the screen and prints out a copy to be given to the physician for further evaluation. The stress test is also done by a technician by first taking the medical history of the patient. The patient is then asked to step on the treadmill and walk. The technician will then slowly increase the treadmills walking speed and begins to monitor the blood pressure and heart rate. The technician will then take note the updates regarding the patients file. An ECG technician works 5 days a week, 40 hours. Some work during weekends while others are on call.
There are a lot of accredited ECG technician schools that offer programs for this kind of job. Most ECG technicians completed a 6 to 18 weeks of on-job trainings in a cardio clinic and with the supervision of an ECG specialist. ECG technician schools also offer certification programs that include topics on echocardiography, anatomy and physiology and medical terminologies. It also includes topics on lead placements, heart abnormalities and ECG readings. Hands on programs also lets the students experience how to operate a machine. They also need to learn how to do procedures correctly and effectively. It is also their job to keep the patient’s relaxed during the procedure. ECG education program may be a two year or four year course depending on the preference of the students. Graduates may choose to have a certification or license after graduating. This may not be a compulsory requirement but most institutions hire and pay ECG technicians more with licensure. An ECG technician must also have important skills like good interpersonal skills and communication skills because they are working with different members of the healthcare team ad dealing with different kind of people.
So how much is the ECG technician’s salary? The salary always has a lot of variables to consider. Usually, the average salary of an ECG technician is $25,000 a year and can go as high as $30,000 to $40,000. Hourly rates also depend on the educational qualification since ECG technicians with certifications will prove that they are efficient in dealing with other people and in working. More experienced ECG technicians are also paid a little higher since they have been exposed to this job and have the skills and knowledge that is needed.