Electrocardiograph Technician

INTRODUCTION

This program prepares the student for employment as an electrocardiograph aide, electrocardiograph technician, EKG technician, or other job requiring knowledge of how to perform a 12-lead EKG and recognize a cardiac emergency. Course content includes normal cardiac function, the relationship of EKG markings to normal function, preparing a patient mentally and physically, setting up equipment properly, recognizing cardiac emergencies, interpersonal skills, an overview of cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, patient care techniques, medical instrumentation, cardiovascular drugs, the interpretation of monitoring and testing results, medical ethics, cardiac wellness and rehabilitation, safe and efficient work practices, CPR, and employability skills.

Program graduates may sit for the EKG Technician National Certification Exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

IS THIS FOR YOU

People in this career are “doers.” They like physical activities and projects, have strong interests in helping others and enjoy analyzing and solving problems. They want work that allows the best use of their abilities and results in a sense of accomplishment. It’s also very important to them to have friendly co-workers. They like to be of service to others without compromising their sense of right and wrong. They are dependable and cooperative, have good attention to detail, and can tolerate stress.

BEYOND GRADUATION

Graduates from the EKG Technician program may advance in their career by successfully completing an examination offered by a national EKG technician credentialing agency. They may also pursue a degree in any health care program at Pensacola State College.

RELATED CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Primary Employers

Graduates from the EKG Technician program will find the largest concentration of employment in hospitals. A few EKG technicians are employed in the offices of physicians. A smaller percentage work for insurance companies.

Occupations

EKG Technicians
Conduct tests and evaluations of patients for diagnostic purposes that aid in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries or other physical conditions. EKG Technicians explain testing procedures to patients and obtain and record patient identification, medical history or test results. They prepare and position patients for testing; attach electrodes to the patients’ chests, arms, and legs; connect electrodes to leads from the electrocardiogram (EKG) machine; and operate the EKG machine to obtain a reading. During testing, they monitor patients’ blood pressure, heart rate, comfort and safety, alerting physicians to abnormalities or changes in patient responses. Technicians adjust equipment and controls according to physicians’ orders or established protocol.

Other Occupations