Do you want to work in healthcare but don’t want to draw blood or directly manage patient care? If you want to help out those in your community by working in the medical field, consider becoming a certified EKG technician.
What Do EKG Technicians Do?
An EKG technician assists doctors in diagnosing heart problems by conducting tests that record the electrical activity of the heart. Below are the primary duties of an EKG technician:
Performing EKG Tests
The most important part of the job is running electrocardiograms (EKGs or ECGs). These tests show the heart’s rhythm and electrical signals. You will start by accompanying the patient into the exam room and explaining the procedure. Then, you will place small sticky patches called electrodes on the patient’s chest, arms, and legs. Wires connect these to the EKG machine, which reads and records the heart’s electrical activity.
Monitoring Heart Activity with Holter Monitors
Some heart problems may not be detected during a brief EKG. Instead, you will use a Holter monitor. These are portable devices that record heart activity over an extended period, typically 24 to 48 hours. You will set up the Holter monitor by placing electrodes on the patient’s chest and connecting them to the device. You will then explain to the patient how to wear the device while going about their daily routine and what to avoid, like getting the device wet. For instance, a 65-year-old man might experience dizzy spells that occur only once or twice a week. You can outfit him with a Holter monitor to capture data while he’s at home. When the patient returns, you will remove the device and upload the data so a doctor can review it.
Preparing Patients for Stress Tests
Stress tests measure how the heart works during physical activity. These are often done using a treadmill or stationary bike. As an EKG technician, you are responsible for setting up the equipment and attaching the electrodes. You will monitor the patient’s heart activity on a screen while they exercise. The goal is to see how the heart performs when it’s working harder than usual. Take, for example, a patient who feels out of breath during light workouts. The doctor orders a stress test. You will monitor the patient for signs of strain or irregular heartbeat and alert the nurse or doctor if anything appears abnormal.
Explaining Procedures to Patients
Many patients have never had an EKG before and may feel nervous. You can help patients by explaining each step of the test. You will inform patients of the test’s duration, its expected sensations, and the necessary preparation steps. This helps the patient stay calm and still, which makes the test results more accurate. For example, a young woman might be anxious about her first EKG. you reassure her, saying, “You will feel a little cool from the patches, but the test doesn’t hurt.” By guiding her through the steps, you can help her stay calm and relaxed.
Keeping Equipment Clean and Ready
A significant part of the job is ensuring the tools are disinfected, safe, and ready for the next patient. You will wipe down the machines and electrodes after each use to prevent the spread of infections. You will also check wires, batteries, and supplies to ensure everything is functioning correctly. At the end of a busy shift, for instance, you might spend time restocking sticky pads, charging Holter monitors, and checking that the stress test treadmill is functioning correctly for the next day’s appointments.
Documenting Test Results
After running a test, you will ensure that the results are correctly stored. That might mean printing them out or uploading them into the patient’s electronic health records. You might also add notes about the patient’s behavior during the test, such as whether they were nervous or moved too much. If the results indicate a serious problem, you will notify the nurse or doctor immediately. For example, if the printout shows an irregular rhythm, you will finish uploading the file and immediately inform the nurse on duty so a doctor can check the results.
Working With the Healthcare Team
EKG technicians don’t work alone and are part of a bigger team that includes nurses, doctors, and other specialists. You will pass along test results, help prep patients for other heart procedures, and handle paperwork or scheduling follow-ups. For instance, after removing a Holter monitor, you might pass the data to a cardiologist and help the patient schedule a follow-up visit to go over the results.
Where Do EKG Technicians Work?
You can find EKG technicians in many types of healthcare settings. Hospitals are the most common, especially in emergency rooms and heart care units. Some work in outpatient labs, where they handle a steady stream of patients throughout the day. Others work in private heart clinics or urgent care centers. There are also mobile testing companies that send EKG technicians to patient’s homes or workplaces.
How to Become a Certified EKG Technician
Certification is often required to work as an EKG technician. Here’s how you can become certified, step by step:
Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED
Before you can train as an EKG technician, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent. Most programs, including CyberTex, require this before enrollment.
Step 2: Enroll in the Medical Assistant Program at CyberTex
CyberTex offers a Medical Assistant program that includes EKG training. This is a hands-on way to build skills while also learning other in-demand clinical tasks.
Step 3: Get Certification
After you complete training, employers require you to obtain certification. One of the most common options is the Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Step 4: Finding a Job After Graduation
The good news is that CyberTex helps you find a job after graduation. We have strong ties with the community and work with employers that have openings for graduates of our Medical Assistant program. We even help you build a strong resume, prepare for interviews, and match the jobs that you are passionate about.
Final Thoughts
EKG technicians play an essential role in community healthcare. They help doctors identify problems early and keep patients safe. If you want to work in healthcare without spending four to eight years in college, consider becoming a certified EKG technician.
Want to Learn More?
The Medical Assistant Training Program at CyberTex Institute of Technology prepares you for the CCMA from the National Healthcare Association. The curriculum is centered around the knowledge and skills you will need when you take the CCMA exam.
At CyberTex, we take excellent care of you by providing hands-on training, practical experience, and the support it takes to get started in a medical assisting career without spending years in school. You will learn clinical and clerical skills and prepare to work in physician’s offices, hospitals, and other medical facilities.
Contact us today to learn more about our Austin and Killeen campuses.
