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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for EKG Technician

💰 $42,000 - $78,000

HealthcareCardiologyClinical SupportTechnician

🎯 Role Definition

As a vital member of the cardiology and patient care teams, the EKG Technician is responsible for performing non-invasive cardiac diagnostic procedures, primarily electrocardiograms (EKGs/ECGs). This role requires a unique blend of technical proficiency, meticulous attention to detail, and compassionate patient interaction. You will work directly with patients, explaining procedures, ensuring their comfort, and capturing high-quality data essential for cardiologists and physicians to diagnose and monitor heart conditions. Your work is critical in both routine and emergency situations, providing the frontline data that guides life-saving treatment decisions.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Medical Assistant (MA) with on-the-job EKG training
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Graduate of a Vocational EKG Technician Certificate Program

Advancement To:

  • Lead EKG Technician / Cardiology Department Supervisor
  • Cardiovascular Technologist (invasive or non-invasive)
  • Cardiac Sonographer / Echocardiographer

Lateral Moves:

  • Patient Care Technician (PCT)
  • Phlebotomy Technician
  • Medical Laboratory Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Skillfully and accurately perform routine, pre-operative, and STAT 12-lead electrocardiograms (EKGs) on adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients in accordance with established clinical protocols.
  • Prepare patients for procedures by explaining the process in a clear and reassuring manner, answering questions, and ensuring their comfort and privacy are maintained throughout the test.
  • Correctly identify patients using two-factor authentication methods and verify physician orders before conducting any diagnostic procedure.
  • Ensure proper and precise placement of electrodes on the patient's body to obtain high-quality, artifact-free EKG tracings for accurate physician interpretation.
  • Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain EKG machines, Holter monitors, and other cardiac diagnostic equipment, reporting any malfunctions to biomedical engineering promptly.
  • Apply and remove Holter and other ambulatory cardiac monitors, providing comprehensive instructions to patients regarding device operation, diary maintenance, and activity restrictions.
  • Perform and assist with cardiac stress testing (treadmill and pharmacological), monitoring patient's vital signs, blood pressure, and overall condition under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse.
  • Immediately recognize and report critical or life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and EKG changes to the responsible nurse or physician for urgent intervention.
  • Accurately edit and process EKG tracings, entering relevant patient data, measurements, and preliminary findings into the electronic health record (EHR) or cardiology information system (MUSE, CVIS).
  • Manage the workflow of EKG orders, prioritizing requests based on clinical urgency (e.g., STAT, pre-op, routine) to ensure timely completion.
  • Maintain a clean and well-stocked work area, ensuring that EKG carts and equipment are sanitized between patients and supplies are readily available.
  • Educate patients and their families on the purpose of the EKG procedure and what to expect, fostering a cooperative and positive patient experience.
  • Respond to emergency "Code Blue" or Rapid Response Team calls to perform immediate EKGs as part of the resuscitation and diagnostic effort.
  • Assist in maintaining departmental records, logs, and billing information related to the cardiac procedures performed.
  • Download and process data from ambulatory monitors, preparing summary reports for physician review and ensuring data integrity.
  • Participate in departmental quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives by collecting data and providing feedback on EKG-related processes.
  • Adhere strictly to all hospital policies, safety standards, and infection control protocols to ensure a safe environment for both patients and staff.
  • Collaborate effectively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care and communicate findings.
  • Act as a resource for other clinical staff, providing guidance on proper EKG techniques and basic rhythm interpretation when needed.
  • Stay current with advancements in EKG technology and cardiac care by participating in continuing education and professional development activities.
  • Transmit EKG results to the appropriate archival system and ensure they are available for physician interpretation in a timely fashion.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc requests for STAT EKGs and urgent cardiac monitoring from various hospital departments, including the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Units.
  • Contribute to the cardiology department's quality improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance patient workflow and EKG procedures.
  • Collaborate with nursing staff, physicians, and other allied health professionals to ensure seamless and coordinated patient care.
  • Participate in departmental meetings, training sessions, and huddles to stay current on new protocols and safety procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency in 12-Lead EKG Placement and Acquisition
  • Basic and Advanced Cardiac Arrhythmia Recognition
  • Holter and Ambulatory Event Monitor Application
  • Cardiac Stress Test Assistance and Monitoring
  • Operation of EKG Machines and related software (e.g., GE MUSE, Philips, etc.)
  • Competency with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems like Epic or Cerner
  • Strong understanding of Medical Terminology, especially related to cardiology
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR Certification
  • Knowledge of Human Anatomy and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
  • Adherence to Infection Control and Patient Safety Protocols
  • EKG Signal Troubleshooting and Artifact Reduction

Soft Skills

  • Empathetic and Reassuring Patient Communication
  • Exceptional Attention to Detail and Accuracy
  • Ability to Work Effectively in a Fast-Paced Environment
  • Calm and Professional Demeanor in High-Pressure Situations
  • Strong Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills
  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities
  • Time Management and Prioritization
  • Adaptability and Flexibility to changing patient needs and schedules

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
  • Completion of a formal EKG Technician training program or equivalent on-the-job training.
  • Active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA).

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree in a related allied health field.
  • Certification as a Certified EKG Technician (CET) or Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Cardiovascular Technology
  • Allied Health
  • Medical Assisting

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years of clinical experience in a healthcare setting.

Preferred: 1+ years of dedicated experience as an EKG Technician in an acute care hospital, emergency department, or busy cardiology clinic.

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