What does an electrocardiograph technician do?

2 Certification and licensing

Most employers prefer to hire ECG technicians who have a certification from a recognized organization, such as the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). To obtain a certification, you need to pass an exam that covers the knowledge and skills required for the job. You may also need to complete a certain number of clinical hours or continuing education credits to maintain your certification. Some states may also require ECG technicians to have a license or a registration, which may involve meeting additional criteria.

3 Duties and responsibilities

As an ECG technician, your main duty is to perform electrocardiograms, which are non-invasive tests that record the electrical signals of the heart using electrodes attached to the chest, arms, and legs of the patient. You are responsible for preparing the patient, explaining the procedure, operating the equipment, monitoring the patient's vital signs, and reporting any abnormal findings to the doctor. You may also perform other tests, such as stress tests, Holter monitors, or event recorders, depending on your training and certification. Additionally, you have to maintain the cleanliness and functionality of the equipment, follow the infection control and safety protocols, and document the results in the patient's records.

4 Work environment and schedule

ECG technicians work in various health care settings, such as hospitals, clinics, diagnostic laboratories, or cardiac rehabilitation centers. They may work with patients of different ages and backgrounds, and with different types of heart problems. They may also work with other health care professionals, such as cardiologists, nurses, or radiologists. ECG technicians usually work full-time, but they may have to work evenings, weekends, or holidays, depending on the needs of their employer. They may also have to travel to different locations to perform tests on patients who cannot come to the facility.

5 Salary and outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for cardiovascular technologists and technicians, which includes ECG technicians, was $57,720 in 2019. The salary may vary depending on the education, experience, certification, location, and employer of the ECG technician. The BLS also projects that the employment of cardiovascular technologists and technicians will grow by 12% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for cardiovascular services, especially among the aging population, and the advancement of technology in this field.