- When a patient comes in complaining of chest pains or simply needs a routine physical examination, the ECG tech attaches electrodes from an ECG machine to the patient's chest, arms and legs, then adjusts the machine's settings to obtain a reading. The machine prints out an electrocardiograph, and the ECG tech hands it over to the cardiologist for interpretation. Electrocardiographs are used to diagnose a range of heart diseases that includes angina, coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis.
- In some cases, ECG techs--usually those with more experience or advanced training--perform Holter monitor and stress testing. With Holter monitoring, ECG techs monitor patients' hearts for a 24-hour period by attaching electrodes from a belt-attached portable ECG monitor (Holter monitor) to the chest. Stress-testing usually involves the patient running on a treadmill so that the ECG tech can measure the response of the heart to increased exertion.
- The majority of ECG techs work in hospitals. A few of them, however, also work in physicians' offices, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and outpatient centers.
- Usually, ECG techs need at least a high school diploma to enter the field, and a cardiologist or ECG supervisor provides on the-job training for a four- to six-week period. However, some people opt to enroll in a one-year certification or two-year associate's degree programs at community colleges and technical schools to not only enhance chances of employment, but to increase knowledge and earning potential as well.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated the median annual salary of cardiovascular techs at around $48,000 in 2009, with EKG techs included in that profession. As of June 2010, Salary.com reports that EKG techs make a median annual salary of $31,000. The BLS predicts a 24 percent growth in cardiovascular tech jobs between 2008 and 2018, a much faster rate than the average of all U.S. occupations.
Role
More Advanced Duties
Workplace
Education
Salary and Job Outlook
Source...