When working for a hospital, you can take on many roles. From Physicians to technicians, each professional plays an essential role in keeping the healthcare system afloat. The cardiology department is one of the busiest departments in the hospital. Since there are much heart scans done in a day, there is an increased demand for interpreting these scans. That is where an Electrocardiogram technician is needed.
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What Is an EKG?
It is a painless test administered for monitoring and checking for heart conditions. An electrocardiogram records your heart’s electrical signals; it produces a graph that a technician can interpret and inform the patient about their status. These technicians work in hospitals and long-term care facilities or may completely switch over to private practice.
EKG in Modern Times
Some smart devices such as watches have EKG’s detectors found within them and can detect your heart rate. These devices record your heart rate over a week and compile this data for medical use found in their respective health apps. Similarly, when your heart rate is abnormally high, it will immediately alert you and connect you to an emergency helpline.
As nifty as these devices are, there is still a need for an Electrocardiogram technician.
How to Become an Electrocardiogram Technician
Suppose you’re interested in pursuing a career as an Electrocardiogram Technician. In that case, there are a few requirements you need to fulfill before you can earn your license.
- Education. To become these technician needs a minimum requirement of a high school diploma or GED. Applicants may also pursue further qualifications by doing a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor. Employers favor applicants who are certified beyond a high school degree due to the increased skill level.
- Training. There are several ways to receive training as a technician but typically, there three common routes:
- Hospitals provide the necessary training
- Do a one year certificate
- Do an associate degree program.
- Certifications. There are many educational institutes and online programs which will provide you with the relevant EKG certification. These certificates boost your carrier and make you an accredited technician.
- Create an Appealing Resume. After you earn the relevant educational requirements. It’s time to compile your skills in the form of a resume. List your qualifications, the training you received, and draft a cover letter. It should increase your likelihood of getting a job.
What Are the Skills Required by an Electrocardiogram Technician?
- Must Be Close Attention to Detail
These technicians must follow hospital procedures thoroughly. While reviewing patient tests, they need to study the charts carefully and observe any irregularities with their heartbeat. During a crisis or if they find a disease, they must immediately inform and alert the physician.
- Good at Communication
Technicians must be effective at communication, especially when explaining test results. They may directly interact with the patient and inform the attending physician about the lab result’s details.
- They Need to be Empathetic
For patients, this is a stressful time and would require a gentle hand to guide them through. Technicians should be calm while explaining the EKG procedure. Furthermore, when explaining lab results, they should be as calm as possible and as detailed as possible to prevent causing unnecessary fear in addition to their stress.
- They Should Work on Their Stamina
Being an Electrocardiogram technician is a physically strenuous job. Technicians must be on their feet several hours a day and switching between patients and operating the machinery. Technicians should follow a strict fitness regime that will provide them with the strength and stamina to carry out this daunting task.
- They Should Be Technologically Skilled
Technicians are required to use computers and advanced Electrocardiogram equipment. The machines’ care and maintenance is their responsibility, and they must know how to handle a troubleshoot. They also track inventories such as adhesive pads and electrodes. As well as compile the data provided by the EKG test.
- They Should Respond to Medical Codes
When patients admit to a hospital, they are assigned a code based on their current status. An Electrocardiogram technician should know what codes adhere to an emergency and what codes ask for a risk assessment.
- They Need to Be Active Listeners
While performing an EKG test, patients will express their discomfort and have difficulty in complying depending on their stress level. Technicians should pay attention to the patient’s demands and assist them accordingly. They shouldn’t downplay their comments, which may further agitate them and may aggravate their condition.
Wrap It Up
It is indeed a noble profession to serve humanity. Whether you go through intensive training as a doctor or choose to become a technician, both fields have their own set of challenges.
Start your journey today in becoming a technician and enjoy the excellent work environment as you progress through your career. With an Electrocardiogram technician certificate or degree, a technician may also pursue similar careers such as monitoring athletes, becoming audiologists, or conducting ultrasounds.
Earn your studies right away and shift through your many career opportunities, one of which is the highly rewarding technician. Become a technician today and start helping lives!
