ECG/EKG Technician
Also known as a cardiovascular technologist or technician, an ECG/EKG technician is a person who performs the electrocardiogram. An electrocardiogram measures the electrical activity of the heart by painless electrodes placed on the body that transmit this activity to a machine which records it on paper. Many types of physicians, especially cardiologist, use the electrocardiogram to diagnose a number of heart related ailments.
Some ECG/EKG Technicians are unlicensed working with skills that they have learned on the job. For those seeking certification there are both two and four year degree programs to learn advanced skills of electrophysiology. Certification is obtained through both classroom study, practical experience, and the National Electrocardiography Certification examination. Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and pharmacology are important subjects for the cardiovascular technologist to master. By obtaining higher levels of training and certification the number of job opportunities and the salary will increase for the ECG/EKG Technician.
Certificate programs for the ECG/EKG technician at an allied health institute require a minimum of ninety hours of classroom time to complete while an associate’s degree program requires almost two years of classes. The difference is the level of training and the additional course work required for the ECG/EKG Technician to earn a degree. An associate’s degree will require basic college course work in math, English and science where a certificate program will cover very basic math and science within the frame work of the ninety hour curriculum.
The level of training for the ECG/EKG technician will determine the cost of the education. Certificate programs are several hundred dollars while an associate’s degree program will cost several thousand dollars. There are scholarships and loans available for those who qualify. It is important to remember that the increased level of education will increase the ECG/EKG technician's salary and job opportunities after graduation.
ECG/EKG Education
ECG/EKG technicians have an exciting and rewarding career working in direct patient care with many types of physicians but most commonly cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons to diagnose and treat heart and circulatory system diseases. Many programs exist to prepare students as ECG/EKG technicians. A good education is important for a successful career as well as landing a good job in this growing field.
Cardiovascular Technologist
ECG/EKG Schools Training - Programs ECG/EKG Technician - ECG/EKG Rhythm Tutorials
ECG/EKG Tech Schools Training - Classes - Certification
