Western Washington Area Health Education Center
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
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WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician
Job description
An Electrocardiograph (EKG or ECG) Technician operates equipment which measures and records heart action by monitoring and graphically tracing electrical activity occurring during the heart beat. Physicians use the graphs (electrocardiograms) in diagnosing heart ailments, monitoring heart functions, and recording patients' progress.
Activities may include
●
obtain information for EKG records, including patient identification, history, and medication use
●
escort patients to the treatment room or wheel equipment to the patient's bedside
●
explain test procedures and give instructions to patients
●
attach/connect/operate electrodes from specified body areas to leads from electrocardiograph machine
●
direct patients to perform physical exercise as specified by physicians
●
recognize emergencies and assist physicians
●
identify abnormal heart rhythms
●
mark tracing paper to indicate electrode positions, paste/label tracings on mountings for physician's interpretation
●
clean and maintain equipment, supply stocks, replace defective stylus (tracing tools)
●
perform clerical tasks
Specialties
With additional on the job training and experience, EKG technicians may operate one or more types of cardio-diagnostic equipment and may be designated accordingly.
Cardiac Catheterization Technologist - inserts a tube into a blood vessel then eases the tube forward into the heart so that the condition of the vessels and the heart can be examined with the aid of a television monitor.
Cardiopulmonary Technician - uses invasive and noninvasive procedures to test the lungs and heart.
Cardiovascular Technologist - measures and analyzes heart functions using invasive and noninvasive procedures. The test data is used to determine the presence and extent of heart disease.
Echocardiograph Technician - uses ultrasound diagnostic equipment to produce two dimensional, ultrasonic patterns and positive pictures of the heart chambers and valves to detect problems such as congenital defects.
Holter Monitoring Technician - checks special electrocardiograms which are recorded on cassettes attached to patients for a 12-24 hour period in order to record irregular heart action.
Phonocardiograph Technician - operates equipment designed to record heart murmurs and other abnormal sounds.
Stress Testing Technician - uses cardiodiagnostic equipment to record heart activity during physical exercise.
Vectorcardiograph Technician - monitors special, three dimensional tracings of the heart's electrical activity.
Salaries and benefits*
In Washington state, Electrocardiograph Technicians average $1,940 to $3,189 per month. Entry-level EKG Technologists working for a state college or university earn $1,636 to $2,058 per month, while those with one year of experience or training earn $1,793 to $2,259 per month. In the Pacific Northwest, EKG Technicians working for health care facilities average $1,911 to $2,326 per month.
Usually the electrocardiograph technician works in a hospital or clinic and receives a full benefits package.
Training and requirements
An EKG/ECG technologist completes a six month to two year certificate or associate's degree program offered by community colleges, colleges/universities, vocational-technical institutes, or hospitals. Many EKG/ECG technologists learn their skill through on-the-job training in large hospitals and clinics. A related 7 quarter noninvasive cardiovascular technology course is available at Spokane Community College. Edmonds Community College also has a course.
Necessary skills
●
ability to learn new tasks quickly and accurately
●
ability to see slight differences
●
excellent eye/hand coordination
●
ability to use hands skillfully
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ability to work under stress with high risk patients
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ability to take instruction and work as a team member
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good mathematical aptitude
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ability to relate well to a variety of patients
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ability to be a calming influence to patients
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ability to stand and move about freely for extended periods of time
Licensure/Certification
Licensing is not a requirement in Washington State at this time. The American Cardiology Technologists Association offers certification.
Helpful high school courses
Includes math, anatomy and physiology, biology, physics, computer science, and typing.
Colleges/Vocational Schools in Washington State
●
Edmonds Community
College
2000 68th Ave. W
Lynnwood, WA 98036-5999
(425) 640-1459
●
Spokane Community College
North 1810 Greene St.
Spokane, WA 99207-5399
(509) 533-7000
Outlook*
Nationally, the openings for Electrocardiograph Technicians are expected to decrease by 23% between 1998 and 2008. Prospects will be best for technicians with training in Holter monitoring, stress testing, or other specialties.
Professional Association
●
Alliance of Cardiovascular
Professionals
910 Charles St., Suite A
Fredericksburg, VA 22401-5810
(540) 370-0102
http://www.acp-online.org
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2000. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 9/15/04