become an EKG technician

EKG Technician Training: Here's What You Should Know

Medical assisting is a thriving field, and among this field are EKG technicians. This field is important for a number of reasons, one of which includes cardiovascular health. As populations live longer and longer, preventative health and maintenance become crucial. With the right education and skills, you could become an EKG Technician making a difference in people's lives.

 Here’s what you need to know about becoming an EKG technician.

What are EKG Technicians?

EKG (or electrocardiograph) technicians are a vital component in the treatment of heart conditions, the diagnosis of a variety of ailments, and much more. EKG technicians:

  • Work with doctors to improve patient health outcomes
  • Perform electrocardiographs and stress tests for monitoring cardiovascular health
  • Monitor tests for heart disease patients in order to track their overall health
  • Track patient progress throughout treatment

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An EKG can be used in the diagnosis of cardiovascular problems like heart attacks, dysrhythmias, pulmonary embolisms, heart murmurs, and structural defects. They can be very useful in monitoring the effects of various heart medications, and may also be utilized when diagnosing:

  • Fainting spells
  • Unexplained collapses
  • Seizures
  • Abnormalities in electrolyte levels

EKG technicians need to be well-versed in the technical aspects of the job, and these skills can be learned through a good training program. A degree is essential if you want to be properly prepared to join the medical field. However, it’s not just your education that’s important when it comes to being an effective EKG technician.

Which Skills are Necessary to Be an EKG Technician?

In addition to the proper education, it’s important that you have other, real-world skills that complement your formal education. The job duties associated with EKG technicians require that you be able to:

  • Work with patients and other staff members
  • Perform patient testing using complex equipment
  • Record test results in a variety of formats
  • Accurately evaluate specific results
  • Maintain accurate medical records for a number of patients

In order to perform these tasks, you should have:

  • Interpersonal Skills: Because you’ll be working directly with patients, it’s important that you know how to communicate and interact effectively. Bedside manner is an essential part of helping patients feel relaxed; being able to help patients through tough tests and treatments will help foster trust between you and them. Interpersonal skills are also important when it comes to collaborating with colleagues and interacting with other members of the staff. Healthcare, especially cardiovascular care, requires a team of individuals working together for the benefit of the patient; good interpersonal skills help facilitate good patient care.
  • Study Skills: You’ll have to keep abreast of the ever-changing technologies and procedures associated with cardiovascular health and EKGs. Good study skills make it easier to assimilate new information, including policy changes, equipment upgrades, and continuing education coursework.
  • Organizational Skills: As an EKG technician, you’ll likely be expected to keep accurate, organized records for your patients. Not only is organization important in ensuring a high quality of care, it’s also essential for complying with privacy and confidentiality laws. You may also be responsible for scheduling appointments and updating patient information on a regular basis.
  • Mechanical Skills: You’ll be expected to operate a variety of complex machines in order to perform cardiac tests. Having good mechanical skills will help ensure that you can properly handle the equipment, identify technical issues, and correct those issues, if necessary.
  • Computer Skills: Computers are extremely prevalent in the medical field. Some cardiac tests require computer graphing or extensive computational analysis, too. Having effective computer skills is one of the most important additional skills for EKG technicians. You’ll probably be working with computers on a daily basis, and accurate data entry skills are a must.

While it’s possible to learn these skills, individuals who already possess them will be far ahead of the game when it comes to succeeding as an EKG technician.

What about Training?

The education necessary for becoming an EKG technician can require as little as 15 months to complete. A good degree program will include classes on anatomy, medical terminology, coding and billing, phlebotomy, lab procedures, infection control, and more. It could provide the information you need to be prepared to pass required certification exams for becoming an EKG technician, and could qualify you for work with clinics, hospitals, or medical offices.

Get Started with a Medical Assisting Degree!

If you’re considering a future in the healthcare field, ECPI University offers a degree program to fit your needs. Contact ECPI University about the Associate of Applied Science in Health Science with a concentration in Medical Assisting program, and start earning your degree today! It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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