Cardiovascular technicians who specialize in electrocardiograms, Holter monitors, and stress testing are known as EKG technicians. There are several other categories of cardiovascular technicians, and you can learn more about these professions through the Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals. All of these professionals assist physicians in diagnosing cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases by performing noninvasive examinations and tests.

Duties, Activities, and Scope of Practice

EKG technicians utilize a device that measures and traces electrical impulses that represent cardiovascular activity. They attach a set of electrodes according to the type of EKG ordered. These electrodes are attached to a combination of the chest, arms, and legs and then manipulated by a set of switches to measure the activity and obtain a reading. They print out this reading for the physician, who interprets it to make a diagnosis.

Holter monitoring is an advanced part of the EKG technician's skills. This involves placing electrodes on the patient's chest, and a portable EKG monitor on the patient's belt. The patient keeps this on for twenty-four or more hours while performing normal activities to help the physician diagnose such issues as heart rhythm disorders or problems with pacemakers. The EKG tech removes the tape at the set time from the Holter monitor and places it in a scanner to be read. Then the tech prints out a report from the scanner for the physician to analyze.

The third aspect of the EKG technician's duties is administering a treadmill stress test. The technician first obtains a medical history, then attaches the EKG monitor and obtains an at-rest baseline reading as well as a blood pressure reading. The patient begins to walk on the treadmill as the tech monitors the patient and the heart performance. Gradually the speed, and sometimes the incline of the treadmill, is increased so that the tech can monitor the heart's response to the increase in exertion. The tech provides the physician with a written report and printout from the test to analyze.

Education and Training

A high school diploma or GED is required. EKG technicians usually receive on-the-job training by an EKG supervisor or a cardiologist. This training typically lasts eight to sixteen weeks and is in basic EKGs only. Community colleges and vocational schools also offer a one-semester program to educate EKG technicians who wish to perform Holter monitoring and stress tests. Most employers prefer to train those who are already employed in the health care field, such as nursing assistants, L.P.N.s, or medical assistants in EKG technology. Others are usually cardiovascular technology students who wish to work part-time in the field to gain experience.

Licensure/Certification

Currently there are no licensing or certification requirements for EKG technicians.

Work Settings and Salaries

EKG technicians work primarily in hospitals and physicians' offices. Those who work in hospitals may work any of the shifts to cover twenty-four-hour availability and/or have on-call responsibility to cover weekends and holidays. Those who work for physicians will cover hours as set by the physician. The median income for 2004 was $38,690, and salaries ranged from $21,790 to $50,130.

Career Potential and Additional Information

As hospitals train more nursing aides to perform EKGs, the need for EKG technicians will decrease somewhat over the next decade. However, for those who are also trained in Holter monitoring and stress tests, the job outlook is much more favorable. To advance in the field or to have better job prospects and job security, it is advised to consider additional fields of cardiovascular technology.

More information about EKG technicians as well as other cardiovascular technologists and technicians is available from the Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals. Their Web site is www.acp-online.org. Their address is P.O. Box 2007, Midlothian, VA 23112.