As healthcare needs grow quickly, so do the opportunities for learning new skills. Therefore, now is the best time to learn more about learning new skills and pursuing a fulfilling career as an EKG Technician. That’s the reason, McKallen Medical Training is passionate about educating and preparing individuals for this field. Being an EKG (electrocardiograph) technician will open doors to exciting career opportunities. But best of all, you can become a life saver with your skills.

What is an EKG technician?

First of all, EKG’s are a critical component of every patient’s medical history. This is especially true if patients are experiencing heart disease, heart attacks, or abnormal heart rhythms. An EKG test is used by physicians to be able to detect any type of electrical abnormality in the heart and thus treat it accordingly. An EKG technician specializes in performing these types of tests, where electrodes are connected to a monitor, and are placed on the patient’s chest, arms, and legs. An EKG technician can recognize regular and irregular cardiac rhythms and can quickly initiate a response to life threatening conditions.

How long does it take to become an EKG tech?

Completing an EKG training may vary from institution to institution. Some college preparatory high schools will offer healthcare career courses like these throughout the school year, allowing you to receive your certification at the end of the school year.

However, at McKallen Medical Training, you can complete 50 hours of training in 5 weeks. Our training has the benefit of having the option of combining online and optional hands on training. With McKallen Medical Training, you don’t have to wait any longer than necessary in order to obtain your EKG certification.

How do I become an EKG technician?

Guiding and helping you find your path to becoming an EKG technician is our passion. We have summarized a few simple steps you can take to help you be on your way to becoming an EKG technician:

• Have a high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• Enroll in a qualified EKG training program
• Obtain certification through NHA (National Healthcareer Association) or
• Obtain certification through NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing)
• Apply for a job!

What does an EKG technician do?

At a glance, take a look at the different competencies an EKG technician must master. EKG technicians are responsible to care for the patient and provide safety at all times. The technician is responsible to competently place the electrodes on the patient correctly, assess the patient’s heart rate and rhythms, and be able to troubleshoot any abnormalities. Below are some of the main duties performed by an EKG technician:

Execute EKG services

Every work place (ex: hospital, doctor’s office, or outpatient facility) will have their own protocols and procedures in place. Typically, an EKG procedure is always ordered by a physician. At times, depending on the needs of the patient, the physician may order a stress test as well. This involves obtaining an EKG reading while the patient is performing exercise to monitor for heart function. As you continue to develop your abilities as an electrocardiograph technician, you’ll discover that some skills are essential in executing EKG services competently, such as:

• Critical thinking
• Active listening
• Continuing to increase your knowledge base

Maintain EKG equipment

Learning how to troubleshoot and provide maintenance to the EKG equipment is essential. Assessing the equipment on a daily basis is a must, to ensure that it works at optimum level for the best and most accurate reading. Some things to consider as you provide maintenance to the equipment:

• Inspect EKG machine for damage
• Ensure proper grounding of EKG machine
• Restock EKG supplies (electrodes, alcohol pads, paper, etc.)
• Clean and disinfect machine before use
• Identify causes or reading errors
• Identify causes for recording errors

Perform related administrative tasks

You may also be expected to perform administrative tasks such as providing patient education and documenting your encounters with your patients and the overall outcome. Common administrative tasks may include:

• Recording EKG results
• Filing
• Data entry

Attend additional training programs

Because the healthcare system is ever changing and evolves in striving to always provide the best patient care, your facility or place of work may have additional training they may require you to take. Some additional trainings may involve topics such as:

• Infection control
• Patient privacy/HIPPA
• Electronic Medical Records software training, etc.

Perform and schedule EKG tests

An EKG technician is organized and ensures he/she coordinates with the patients and their physicians to schedule and perform the EKG tests in a timely manner. EKG tests may be routinely done, while other times they may be a requirement for a surgery or other procedure. Therefore, tests must be performed in a timely and accurate manner.

Average salary of an EKG technician

EKG technician salaries vary. On Average, salaries may start at $20.01 per hour. They largely depend on:

• Experience
• Location
• Part-time/or full-time
• Facility (hospital, clinic, etc.)

Requirements to enroll in an online EKG technician course

McKallen Medical Training makes it effortless to enroll. We offer a unique online EKG Technician course, which you can complete from the comfort of your home. Students will have the opportunity to enjoy real-time instructors via online and also participate in hand-on practice practice. Students need to be available 3 days out of the week for 5 weeks in order to successfully complete the program.

Where does an EKG technician work?

Once you gain more experience as an EKG technician, many fields of opportunity can open for you. If you have a passion for teaching or a passion for starting your own EKG technician business, you may be able to do so using your skills as an EKG technician. In the beginning however, it’s best to start working in the following settings for best training and support.

Hospital

Expect the hospital to be an excellent center to expand your knowledge and expertise, as you will encounter all types of scenarios and different situations. Hospitals are typically a faster paced environment, where you will interact with doctors, nurses, patients, and their families on a daily basis.

Care facility

Care facilities may include outpatient facilities, long-term care facilities such as nursing homes or assisted living homes/facilities. These centers also provide medical care and treatment, where EKG technicians also provide services for those requiring a test for diagnosis purposes or routine care.

Private practise

You may find yourself working at local doctors offices or clinics performing EKG tests. Typically doctors offices have additional designated office space for EKG equipment and testing for privacy. Generally, this is a setting where patients come in by appointment only.

Enroll in our EKG technician course today

Are you ready to join the McKallen Training family? Transform your life by becoming an EKG technician! We want to help you become the future of the healthcare professionals and launch your career to success.  We will provide you with the best tools available and help you with:

• Free tutoring
• Experienced instructors
• Offer job assistance
• Flexible payment plans and no waiting list
• Convenient online and classroom schedules!

Enroll today!