EKG Technician

Career Insight and Advice

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How to Benefit From the Growing Demand for Telemetry Technicians

Telemetry is a wireless technology that is used in many different industries to monitor and record events from a distance. Within healthcare, telemetry has been particularly useful for observing electrical action in the heart while patients are being evaluated and treated in medical facilities. In general, a device can be placed on the patient’s chest similar to an electrocardiogram that can then send signals detailing the electrical activity of the cardiac tissue to a receiver that is setup at the same facility or in a building that is located in another state or country. This allows for constant observation and enables providers to see how the heart reacts under a variety of physical conditions such as resting and active states. Although a telemetry unit is often manned by both nurses and technicians, several facilities have increased hiring of dedicated technicians to help meet the increase in demand for cardiac care that has been occurring.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the biggest healthcare problems facing the population today and can be attributed to nearly 25% of all deaths that occur in the United States each year. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have published data showing that over 700,000 people suffer from heart attacks each year. Even more concerning is the fact that heart disease is becoming a larger problem over time as the population continues to increase in size, the adoption of sedentary behaviors becomes more widespread, and the number of retiring Baby Boomers accelerates. These trends coupled with growing diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure has resulted in an influx of patients who are in need of cardiac care and who require long-term treatment. While this is highly concerning for public health officials, it has created many new career advancement opportunities for individuals who want to have a positive influence on the lives of others.

The telemetry technician position is a particularly appealing career path for many because it is does not require a college degree or extensive training, but offers a very competitive compensation package for an unlicensed allied health provider. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average technician in the cardiovascular specialty was paid $55,000 from May 2013 to May 2014 and the overall range of salaries feel between $28,000 and $85,000 per year. With such a wide variation in compensation, there are obviously a number of factors that are reflected in the level of pay that is being provided. Individuals who are planning to pursue the profession are well-advised to consider different strategies for securing employment and a competitive telemetry technician salary before searching for a job.

Perhaps the best way to compete for job openings in a rapidly expanding and lucrative field such as this is to voluntarily pursue formal education, training, and certification. While a four-year college degree is not usually expected, applicants who have acquired a couple years of coursework in an allied health field are more likely to be considered for an open position. Training and certification in a general area of work such as that of the medical assistant or nurse aide also provides an excellent foundation for mastering the basics of patient care and can offer many unique opportunities to gain exposure to several different specialties that may be of interest down the road. Those who are just starting out in healthcare and who lack experience are encouraged to consider seeking employment in these entry-level positions before attempting to make the transition to a competitive specialty such as cardiac care.

Technicians in cardiac care are in a great position to benefit from strong job and salary growth over the foreseeable future. In fact, federal statistics project that employment for cardiovascular care providers will increase by as much as thirty percent over the next ten years. With thousands of new patients entering the healthcare system each year, it is widely believed that the current influx of new patients will outpace the ability of medical organizations to staff their facilities with qualified providers. This trend will surely lead to growing employment prospects for those who put forth the time and effort to take steps to get the education and training they need to enter the profession.

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How to Become the Best Telemetry Technician Job Candidate

The healthcare industry is one of the largest employment sectors in the United States and has become a popular career option due to the wide range of openings available to entry-level personnel and the rise in demand for employees secondary to an influx of patients. The need for medical services in the US has grown over the past several years largely due to an expanding population, the number of Baby Boomers entering retirement, and the prevalence of chronic diet and exercise related illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. These trends have created tremendous need for unlicensed personnel who are capable of performing a diverse set of responsibilities associated with patient care. Those who want to work in cardiovascular care as a technician may be able to find employment without prior work experience or credentials, but most discover that steps need to be taken to help strengthen the resume.

Telemetry technicians are not generally regulated very heavily by state or federal government agencies since they are required to work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse or licensed physician. Because a technician does not need to become licensed in most states, they are typically able to find work without acquiring a four-year college degree. In fact, some individuals enter the profession with a high school diploma or GED. This does not mean that an employer will not offer hiring preference to an applicant who has finished a certificate or two-year Associate’s Degree in an allied health field. People who are struggling to compete against more qualified applicants may want to consider enrolling in such a program to help improve their chances of being selected. It is recommended that individuals contact potential employers to make sure that the credentials being pursued have been approved.

Formal training is another great way to enhance the resume and become a better job candidate for the telemetry technician position. Although there are several community colleges and vocational schools in the US that offer programs specific to the cardiac care department, many organizations also have their own in-house programs that must be completed prior to delivering direct care. Before enrolling in a local school, it is generally a good idea to check with administrators at regional healthcare facilities to ensure that the training being pursue is acceptable. In many cases, the employers own program may need to be taken regardless of prior training. Verifying this before enrolling in a specific program can save a ton of time, effort, and money. Directors at local educational institutions should also be able to provide more information regarding the marketability of the credentials they offer in the area.

One of the best ways to acquire the basic credentials needed to stand out from other job applicants is to work in a general area of practice for a few years as a medical assistant, nursing aide, or some other title that is similar. These opportunities typically have much lower barriers to entry and allow individuals to show that they are reliable employees while gaining exposure to different areas of practice that may be of interest down the road. Those who have the opportunity to complete telemetry certification during the initial years of employment may also be able to improve their chances of competing against other individuals who have not yet been certified. Some of the largest organizations offering exams specific to the department include the National Healthcareer Association, Association of Critical Care Nurses, and Cardiovascular Credentialing International.

Finally, one of the best ways to become a great job applicant is to demonstrate that one possesses the character qualities and personality traits required to work in a fast-paced medical setting. Employers are aware of how important these qualities are and they often seek out individuals who exemplify them due to the fact that technical skill can be taught to just about anyone while personality is extremely difficult to change. Those who are compassionate, caring, empathetic, eager to help, concerned about the health and well-being of others, detail oriented, willing to receive instruction, and capable of working in a team are generally the best people to hire because they contribute the most to the team. Individuals who are interested in learning more about this career opportunity should check out EKG Technician Salary.org.

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An Introduction to Atrial Fibrillation for EKG Technicians

Atrial fibrillation is a common heart condition in the United States that is believed to affect around three million people. Although many patients experience few signs and symptoms associated with the disease, it is important for unlicensed medical personnel such as EKG technicians to have a basic understanding of what it is as well as the changes that it causes on the electrocardiogram. Individuals who are able to identify waveform abnormalities caused by atrial fibrillation will be in a better position to contribute to the overall efficiency of patient evaluation and tend to experience higher levels of career satisfaction as well as expanded job opportunities and more competitive compensation.

Fibrillation is a term that is used to refer to rapid and irregular contractions of muscle fibers. In the case of atrial fibrillation, it occurs in the smaller chambers of the heart located just above the ventricles. The atria are responsible for pushing blood into the ventricles prior to their contraction. This process has the effect of increasing cardiac output and allows the heart to pump higher levels of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and peripheral tissues. In order for blood to flow in the proper direction, the atria must beat before the ventricles and; therefore, are the source of paced contractile signals. A collection of fibers in the right atrium known as the sinoatrial node regulates the rate of cardiac contraction by propagating an electrical stimulus that travels down through the heart causing contraction as it passes.

In cases of atrial fibrillation, the heart produces additional electrical stimuli that are not regulated by the sinoatrial node and that are allowed to roam aimlessly through the cardiac tissue via a series of re-entry circuits. This causes rapid and irregular contractions that prevent the atria from efficiently forcing blood into the ventricles leading to a decrease in stroke volume and oxygen delivery to the tissues. Although several patients experience few signs or symptoms associated with a drop in stroke volume, others may suffer from fatigue, confusion, chest pain, weakness, lightheadedness, and much more. Those who are concerned about problems they might be experiencing should seek the advice of licensed professionals.

While an EKG technician does not need to be able to perform in-depth medical evaluation of patients or develop treatment plans, they should have the knowledge and skills necessary to identify the changes that occur on an electrocardiogram. One of the most common abnormalities that may be indicative of atrial fibrillation is the loss of P waves. These waves occur first in the cardiac cycle and represent overall depolarization, contraction, and repolarization of the left and right atrium. Since fibrillation causes the chambers to contract in an irregular and uncoordinated fashion, the P waves no longer occur in the way they would in the absence of the condition. Other waveform changes could include things like rhythm irregularities, varying ventricular rates, loss of an isoelectric baseline, QRS complex abnormalities, waves that are fibrillatory in nature, and much more.

Unlicensed personnel working in the cardiovascular department are typically responsible for performing the cardiac exams and providing an initial evaluation of test quality. Some facilities might also choose to have technicians highlight concerning features that are seen on the exam results before passing them on to nurses and doctors for professional review. Education, training, instruction, and supervision are part of most orientation programs developed by healthcare facilities that employ EKG technicians and have been designed to give individuals the knowledge and skills they need in order to successfully complete their daily work responsibilities and make positive contributions to the patient care process.

The atrial fibrillation ECG is a common tool that is used by physicians to diagnose and treat patients who suffer from heart disease. Technicians should be aware that many licensed providers also like to order other tests such as echocardiograms and Holter monitoring to make more informed decisions. Several facilities train their unlicensed personnel to administer these types of exams and identify basic abnormalities. Those who would like to investigate the field are advised to head over to http://www.ekgtechniciansalary.org/ where they will discover facts about practice requirements in all 50 states along with details relating to several other topics of interest.

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Cast of coronary arteries (right = yellow, left = red)

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This visually helps me with the concept of PQRST in the heart

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HEARTBEAT ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY

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EKG

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HEARTBEAT ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY

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Electrical activity of the Heart

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The Dramatic Rise of Career Options for Cardiovascular Technologists

There are many opportunities for employment within the healthcare sector for individuals who want to help improve the lives of patients without having to complete several years of college or an advanced training program. Although most unlicensed allied health professions have been benefiting from a solid amount of growth over the past twenty years, few have seen as much job expansion as cardiovascular technologists. Individuals who work in this specialty are commonly referred to as an electrocardiogram (EKG) technician or cardiac care technician and they are assigned routine activities that must be offered in order to provide high quality care in a safe and effective manner. According to the government’s labor department, the cardiovascular technologist career path is well-position to grow at a rate of twenty-nine percent over the next 10 years. Individuals who plan on pursuing this employment option will be able to benefit from high levels of job security and personal satisfaction for many years into the future.

One of the largest factors that have contributed to the overall growth of the cardiac care specialty is the fact that the prevalence of chronic diseases related to bad diet and exercise behaviors has skyrocketed. Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity have become extremely common in our society and have caused many people to develop significant long-term illnesses such as heart, kidney, and liver failure. Because diseases like these require substantial amounts of resources to manage effectively, they have created a tremendous burden for the medical infrastructure and have led employers to begin the construction process on new facilities as well as become more aggressive about trying to attract talent that is qualified to work in both licensed and unlicensed positions.

Some of the other important elements that have created a favorable work environment for the cardiac care technician include things like general population growth, the extension of health insurance to those who were previously uninsured, and the thousands of baby boomers who are now entering their elderly years. All of these factors combined with the overwhelming increase in chronic disease prevalence have caused serious concern over the ability of the medical system to handle the influx of patients. While this does result in a more stressful work environment for those who are struggling to provide care, it is also helpful for allowing unlicensed providers to take advantage of new opportunities for advancement as an allied health professional. As with any career path, the options available will vary between regions.

The technician is a highly valued member of the medical team who is generally responsible for tasks that do not require the expert knowledge or skill of a registered nurse or licensed physician. Activities that are commonly assigned to technicians include things like welcoming patients to the clinic, recording vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure, documenting changes in status, administering studies such as stress tests and electrocardiograms, evaluating the quality of test results, helping with both invasive and noninvasive procedures, educating patients, processing and submitting paperwork, and much more. Although the role of the technician may not seem glamorous, it is vitally important to operations and is essential for the safe and effective care of patients.

One of the most important considerations when evaluating the appropriateness of this career path is to make sure that one possesses the necessary personality traits to become successful. Caring for patients can be an extremely challenging task and it requires that providers be passionate about the work they do on a daily basis and be compassionate towards others. Additional attributes that employers look for include things like intelligence, empathy, willingness to receive instruction, ability to work with others, and desire to advance. Applicants who have these character qualities are highly sought after and might even benefit from a more competitive EKG technician salary, better benefits, and greater advancement opportunities down the road. Those who lack these traits may want to consider a different profession.

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Acquiring Formal Credentials as an Unlicensed Technician in Cardiac Care

Unlicensed medical personnel are an essential component of the healthcare system that allows facilities to operate in an efficient manner and provide comprehensive care to the public. Within the cardiac unit, administrators often hire unlicensed technicians to help administer cardiovascular exams such as Holter monitoring, electrocardiograms, and telemetry. The fact that most states do not require technicians to become licensed in order to provide care means that it is often possible to find entry-level employment with nothing more than a high school diploma or GED. Because allied health providers often lack formal credentials, several organizations have been created in order to develop certification exams designed to ensure the competence of individuals who belong to a specific profession. Those who are considering a career as a cardiac care technician are encouraged to become familiar with their certification options.

In general, individuals who are employed as a technician in the cardiovascular department will need to have a broad understanding of the different types of medical procedures and services that are used to evaluate and treat patients who suffer from heart disease. While previous experience in the specialty is viewed favorably, training is often provided in-house or through a local community college. Following the training process, a period of hands-on experience is usually acquired prior to sitting for a national certification examination. There are a handful of exam options available within the industry and it is very important to make sure the exam of interest has been approved by the employer.

A couple of the most popular national exams include the Certified EKG Technician offered through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and the Certified Cardiographic Technician offered through the organization known as Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). These two tests are general in nature and were created to assess whether or not an individual is capable of performing a broad set of activities within the cardiac care unit. Most technicians take one of these exams or a similar option that is offered through another company within the first few years of beginning work. While not every facility requires employees to become certified, voluntary completion is encouraged given the many benefits that come with formal credentials.

National certification is an important step in demonstrating that an individual is qualified to provide care and is often viewed favorably by both patients and peers. Allied health professionals who are subject to few state and federal regulations are more susceptible to changes in legislation that are designed to cut medical costs by paying less for services performed by unlicensed personnel. Through credentials, the cardiac technician can show insurance agencies and governmental bodies that the services they provide are a legitimate and necessary component of the provision of care process. In addition, administrators understand the value of being certified and are often willing to offer a more competitive compensation package to applicants who have formal credentials.

Those who want to acquire credentials that are more specific to certain areas of cardiac care such as telemetry certification may need to complete a nursing degree. The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) is a great example of an organization that offers credentials for advanced providers. Two exams that they offer include the Progressive Care Nurse Certification (PCCN) exam and the Adult Tele-ICU Acute / Critical Care Nurse Certification (CCRN-E) exam. Since these exams generally require a nursing degree in order to become eligible, they are typically not available to unlicensed technicians.

Readers who would like to learn more about credentialing opportunities within cardiac care and the effect that they can have on the EKG technician salary are encouraged to contact employers directly. Many administrators are willing to offer insight and advice to individuals who are considering the specialty and who demonstrate a proactive attitude towards patient care. This approach can also help accelerate the career advancement process and lead to more fulfilling work experiences.

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How Unlicensed Assistive Personnel Contribute to Cardiac Care

Cardiac care is one of the largest and fastest growing branches of the medical industry within the United States due to the widespread adoption of poor dietary and exercise behaviors. Heart disease in the US has become one of the most common causes of chronic morbidity and has placed tremendous pressure on the healthcare system because there are not enough licensed providers to deliver the kind of quality care that individuals have come to expect. In order to help manage the influx of patients, administrators in several organizations have begun hiring unlicensed assistive personnel known as cardiac technicians, cardiovascular technologists, or EKG technicians to help perform many of the routine tasks that are an important part of diagnosing and treating cardiac illness. This has resulted in more employment options for those who want to provide patient care and who have a basic understanding of the responsibilities they will have as a technician in the cardiovascular department.

The evaluation and treatment of heart disease often begins with the administration of cardiac studies such as the electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and stress test. These procedures monitor the heart as it is exposed to both resting and active conditions. The data that is provided can then be used to observe how the heart is functioning and determine if any abnormalities exist. Since the delivery of these exams does not require advanced medical knowledge or skill, it can generally be delegated to an unlicensed assistant who has demonstrated competency in the operation and monitoring of cardiac equipment. A technician in the cardiovascular department is also typically responsible for collecting patient histories, answering questions, setting the patient up for monitoring, and supervising the exam process. When an abnormal event is observed by the technologist, it is generally reported to an advanced provider.

Although routine heart studies constitute the bulk of the cardiac technician’s work activities, some other tasks that may be found in the EKG technician job description include things like creating and maintaining sterile fields, helping physicians with invasive surgical procedures, following up with patients post-operatively, helping patients understand the diagnostic and treatment process, training new technicians, and much more. A specific employment opportunity is likely to have unique requirements based on the services offered by the department, the resources available to the facility, the patient population being managed, and the qualifications of the employee. The details associated with a particular opening should be evaluated as an individual is interviewing for the position and prior to the signing of a long-term contract.

Unlicensed assistive personnel are a critical component of all branches of the healthcare system and are highly valued by both advanced providers and administrative staff. While a technician working in cardiac care is not required to become licensed by the state, it is common for an employer to have employees complete both a training program and a national certification exam. These standards are widely adopted as a way of demonstrating competence and ensuring that both federal and private insurance agencies will continue to reimburse the facility for services performed by unlicensed personnel. Individuals who have worked in the profession for a few years and who have shown an interest in managerial activities may be asked to accept responsibility for training new employees, providing performance reviews, and supervising other technicians. An administrative promotion may come with a significant increase in pay, but may not be the best option for those who have little interest in the business side of patient care or who do not want to deal with the added stress.

Readers who would like to learn more about a career as an unlicensed assistive provider in the cardiovascular department are advised to visit www.ekgtechniciansalary.org where they will discover details about the regulatory requirements in their state as well as the common education, training, and certification expectations shared by many employers. A detailed review of this information will better prepare individuals for the job search process and will show employers that an applicant understands what they are getting into and is committed to providing the highest levels of patient care.

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Using Waves and Intervals to Evaluate Cardiac Nerve Conduction and Contraction

The heart is a vital organ that is responsible for pumping blood through the vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body. Damage to the heart can cause severe cardiac complications that compromise the body’s ability to sustain life for more than a few minutes. An increase in the prevalence of heart disease in the United States over the past several years has led to growing concern over the impact of chronic illnesses such as obesity and diabetes on the healthcare system. The number of people who currently require long-term cardiac care is higher than at any other point in history. One procedure that has seen a dramatic spike in use is the electrocardiogram (EKG). An EKG is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses electrodes to create views of the electrical and contractile activity of the heart. An electrocardiogram machine collects data about electrical conduction and translates the information into a series of waves and intervals that medical personnel use to evaluate heart health.

The electrocardiogram is often administered by an EKG technician who has the basic knowledge and skills to perform the exam and conduct an initial evaluation of the results. In order to provide comprehensive care to patients, it is important for the technician to have a basic appreciation for the structure of the heart, electrical conduction within the heart, and the waves and intervals seen on the EKG results. The standard human heart contains four chambers that work together to move blood through the circulatory system. The two chambers located on the right side of the heart are tasked with pumping blood to the lungs while the two chambers on the left side of the heart are tasked with pumping blood through the vessels that lead to the rest of the body. Each side of the heart consists of a small chamber known as an atrium and a large chamber known as a ventricle.

To ensure that blood flows in the proper direction through the body, the smaller atrium must contract before the larger ventricle. Because the atrium is located above the ventricle, it is responsible for filling the ventricle with blood before it contracts. The ventricle is larger than the atrium because it must pump blood against much greater resistance. The coordinated contraction of the atrium before the ventricle is accomplished through the creation of an electrical impulse at the top of the right atrium. This impulse travels along nerve pathways that course through the atria toward the ventricles. Because the impulse must travel through the atria in order to reach the ventricles, contraction occurs in the atria prior to contraction of the ventricles. An EKG captures this electrical activity as it occurs and creates a tracing that is used to evaluate the health of the cardiac cells and nerve conduction pathways.

The standard electrocardiogram consists of three waves (P wave, QRS complex, T wave) that represent different events that occur during each beat of the heart. The P wave demonstrates atrial contraction, the QRS complex shows ventricular contraction, and the T wave represents the return of the ventricles to a resting state between contractions. Waves that appear abnormal, last longer than they should, or are spaced unnaturally are usually indicative of heart disease. Because there are many different types of diseases that can affect the heart, it is important for the EKG technician to have detailed knowledge of the changes that occur in the EKG tracing with each disease.

The distance between waves is referred to as an interval. Intervals are often used to evaluate the elapsed time during and between contractions. The PP and RR intervals show how much time has passed between each atrial and ventricular contraction while the QT and QRS intervals demonstrate ventricular depolarization and repolarization. An understanding of EKG rhythms and intervals is essential to your success as an electrocardiogram technician and will be covered in-depth during the training process.

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A General Overview of Nerve Conduction and Contraction in Cardiac Tissue

The movement of blood through the human body is highly dependent on the heart to conduct electrical impulses and perform contraction in an efficient and effective manner. Failure of the heart to function properly results in rapid destabilization of the body and death. The fact that heart disease has become one of the top contributors to mortality in developed countries makes it one of the most pressing public health concerns in modern history. Much of the current cardiac health crisis has been caused by the widespread adoption of diets high in fat and a lifestyle that includes little to no physical activity. Within the cardiac care industry, many professionals believe that increased public awareness about how the heart functions and the need for heart healthy diets and exercise holds the most promise for reversing the trend towards a higher prevalence of heart disease in the United States.

The human heart consists of four chambers that are designed to move blood through the body in a timely and effective manner. The right side of the heart contains a small chamber that is called an atrium that is tasked with forcing blood into a larger chamber that is called a ventricle. The atrium rests on top of the ventricle and is separated from the ventricle by a valve that prevents the backflow of blood during ventricular contraction. The right ventricle is larger than the atrium because it is responsible for forcing blood into the lungs against greater resistance. The left side of the heart has the same atrium and ventricle design, but the left ventricle is responsible for moving blood into the vessels that carry blood to the rest of the body.

In order for blood to flow in the proper direction through the heart, it is critically important for the atria to contract before the ventricles. This process allows the atria to push blood into the ventricles and forces the atrioventricular valves shut before the ventricles are told to contract. Once the ventricles have been filled, an electrical signal passes along the ventricular nerve pathways and causes all of the cells in the ventricles to contract together. The uniform contraction of all cells within a chamber ensures that the maximum amount of force is applied toward forcing blood out of the heart.

The passage of electrical signals through the heart is initiated at an area of cardiac tissue that is referred to as the sinoatrial (SA) node and is located near the top of the right atrium. A series of nerves branch off from the SA node and pass through the atria before converging at the atrioventricular (AV) node located near the convergence of all four chambers. Once the SA node has initiated an electrical impulse, it travels through the atria toward the AV node causing atrial contraction as it passes. This contraction fills the ventricles with blood and causes the valves between the atria and ventricles to snap shut. At this point, the ventricles are prepared to force blood out into the body as soon as the electrical impulse is conducted through the ventricular nerve pathways.

Near the bottom of the AV node is an area of cardiac tissue that is called the Bundle of His. This tissue is the point from which the right and left ventricular bundle branch nerves originate. The electrical impulse that was created by the SA node travels along these branches as it passes through the left and right ventricles. Small nerve fibers that communicate directly with cardiac cells originate from these branches and provide a pathway for electrical signals to diffuse throughout the ventricular chambers. A series of cellular interconnections allow for the rapid dissemination of electrical signals.

The electrical activity of the heart is monitored by an EKG technician who specializes in the administration of electrocardiograms and the interpretation of the ECG. To learn more about the many opportunities offered by this profession be sure to check out http://www.ekgtechniciansalary.org/ where you will find details about employment standards in different states along with links to professional organizations and national certification agencies.

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Electrode Number and Position in Electrocardiogram Administration

Demand for cardiac care services have seen a dramatic increase in developed countries over the past several years because of the decline of healthy diets and active lifestyles. As the prevalence of heart disease continues to rise, it becomes increasingly important for healthcare professionals to understand the electrocardiogram (EKG) options available to them and the proper placement of electrodes. An EKG is a non-invasive medical procedure that is used very frequently to evaluate and monitor the electrical activity of the heart. A varying number of electrodes are placed on the chest and a tracing is created on paper as electrical impulses are detected. These tracings provide insight into the health status of cardiac cells and allow physicians to make informed recommendations about treatment options.

There are three common types of electrocardiograms that are used to assess the condition of individuals who suffer from heart disease. The oldest and most common type of EKG is referred to as a 3-lead EKG because it utilizes three electrodes to create the tracing. Each of these electrodes has a unique color and is placed on a different area of the patient’s chest. In the United States, the color scheme is red, black, and white to comply with the standard established by the American Heart Association (AHA). These colors may vary in other countries and medical personnel are encouraged to familiarize themselves with their local scheme before providing care. Proper electrode placement requires that the red lead be located on the lower left area of the chest, the black lead be placed on the upper left inferior to the collarbone, and the white lead be situated opposite of the black lead on the upper right just below the right collarbone.

Although the three-lead EKG is commonly used by many different departments because of its portability and ease of use, it does have limitations when attempting to identify and monitor conditions that are anywhere beyond basic. To increase the amount of information gathered from the electrocardiogram, some departments use an additional two electrodes that are colored green and brown. This type of EKG is known as the 5-lead EKG and it is widely used in situations where additional views of electrical activity are needed. The basic three leads are arranged in the same spots as they are for a 3-lead EKG, but a green electrode is placed opposite of the red electrode on the lower right side of the chest and a brown electrode is placed adjacent to the lower right side of the sternum. It is important to note that terms used to describe lead placement represent the right and left side of the patient and not that of the individual administering the exam.

Situations that require highly detailed views of the electrical activity of the heart often take advantage of a type of electrocardiogram known as the 12-lead EKG. The administration of this procedure uses the same electrodes used in the 5-lead EKG, but adds additional limb leads that are placed on the wrists and ankles. Some modern machines have been designed to allow for the placement of these additional electrodes on the chest. This approach makes the procedure far less cumbersome and helps to ensure that the leads remain in place throughout the exam. Most healthcare facilities reserve this type of EKG for complicated medical conditions that do not require emergent care and that occur in areas of the heart that are not well-represented by other types of electrocardiograms. A nurse or technician who has been tasked with administering an EKG will usually know which type is required based on the orders of the physician, the standards of the facility, and the type of medical condition being evaluated.

Readers who are interested in learning more about the electrocardiogram or a career as a technician in cardiac care should take a look at factors that can influence the size of the EKG technician salary, technician education, training, and certification requirements in different states, and nationally recognized EKG certification organizations. Aspiring technicians may also want to consider contacting local employers about training opportunities in their area.

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Effective Job Positioning for EKG Technicians

An electrocardiogram (EKG) technician is an unlicensed medical professional who performs tasks that have been delegated by a registered nurse or licensed physician. In most facilities, a technician who works in the cardiac care unit is responsible for performing electrocardiograms, continuous heart monitoring, and telemetry. The technician may also be responsible for a wide variety of additional tasks depending on the needs of the employer. It is not uncommon for a technician to prepare patients for invasive procedures, assist with post-operative care, provide patient education, and schedule follow-up visits. Some technicians who have been in the field for many years assume an administrative role that pays more and includes tasks such as hiring new employees, managing supplies, and providing employee performance reviews.

There are many different unlicensed employment opportunities within healthcare and it is important for individuals to understand the options that are available before deciding on a career path. Employment as an EKG technician is an excellent choice because many employers have begun increasing the number of technicians working in the cardiac care unit. This trend is the result of a spike in the number of heart disease patients in the United States. Over the past several years, the general public has gradually begun to eat more foods that are high in fat and low in nutritional value. The deterioration in diet coupled with a sedentary lifestyle has created large demand for all types of cardiac care. Since there are not enough advanced medical professionals to handle the increase in demand, directors are delegating more routine tasks to technicians.

The fact that heart disease affects one of the most important vital organs means that employers seek to hire individuals who have demonstrated competence in patient care and who display a high degree of professionalism. While it is possible to become an EKG technician without a college degree or prior experience in healthcare, most employers prefer to hire individuals who have a solid background in direct patient care. The high risk nature of cardiac care demands high standards for employment and those who are considering a career in this field are encouraged to spend a few years working in a less demanding and more generalized area of patient care prior to submitting an application to the cardiac care unit.

There are a number of different unlicensed employment options available to individuals who want to acquire experience in patient care and master the basics of high quality performance before competing for a specialized employment position. The two most popular job titles include that of medical assistant and nurse aide. Most medical establishments offer these positions to individuals who have only a high school diploma or GED and who are willing to complete a short in-house training program. While these positions are considered the bottom of the totem pole, they provide excellent opportunities for learning the basics of patient care and they expose individuals to many different specialties that may be of interest down the road.

Aspiring technicians who have been working in patient care for a couple of years are well-positioned to compete for job openings in the cardiovascular department. In many cases, these individuals have acquired formal training and EKG certification along with their real-world experience. Those who would like to learn more about the EKG technician profession are encouraged to visit http://www.ekgtechniciansalary.org/ where they will find additional details about industry specific topics and local employment requirements.

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Prerequisites for Career Advancement as an EKG Technician

An EKG technician is an important member of the cardiovascular team because they are responsible for many of the basic tasks that do not require advanced medical education and training. Nurses and physicians in hospitals and independent healthcare facilities depend heavily on technicians to help them meet the growing demand for cardiac services. The influx of new heart disease cases over the past several years can largely be attributed to an increase in the prevalence of diet and exercise related illnesses in the United States as well as the fact that the baby boomer generation is now entering the retirement years. Those who have been working in the profession for many years are optimistic about the number of career opportunities that will be created for individuals who are well-suited for working directly with patients and who have the knowledge and skills required to provide quality care.

The first question that everyone working in clinical medicine must answer is whether or not they have the right personality for patient care. Healthcare facilities are fast-paced environments where many activities are being carried out at the same time. For many people, clinical medicine is to demanding and stressful to result in a long and satisfying employment experience. In order to be successful as an EKG technician, one must have a genuine interest in improving the health and well-being of others as well as a compassionate attitude toward individuals who are chronically ill and sometimes a pain to deal with. If you have the character traits, then you are likely to do very well working in healthcare.

Unlike many healthcare professions, the EKG technician industry is subject to very few state and federal regulations. In most cases, employers are given the freedom to decide what their expectations are for new technicians. The fact that technicians are involved in patient care means that many employers will require applicants to have at least a 2 to 4 year college degree in an allied health profession as well as a few years of clinical experience. One of the best ways to acquire the credentials needed to work as an EKG technician is to complete a nursing assistant or radiologic technology training program. These educational tracks provide much of the foundational knowledge that is required in almost every medical profession and allow students to begin working directly with patients on a daily basis.

While there is no one route into the EKG technician profession that everyone takes, it is advisable for aspiring technicians to begin gaining experience with patient care as soon as possible. Individuals who are still in high school or college should plan to take courses in human anatomy, human physiology, chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. In addition, students can fast-track the career advancement process by job shadowing or volunteering in the cardiovascular department at a local hospital or healthcare facility. Early exposure to the daily responsibilities of an EKG technician will either reaffirm one’s commitment to the profession or lead them to pursue something else. These experiences are also a great opportunity to begin networking with influential people in the profession.

A career as an EKG technician can be both personally and financially satisfying for those who enjoy helping improve the quality of life for patients. As the number of heart disease patients continues to increase, technicians will be required to take on more responsibility and will continue to represent a critical component of the healthcare delivery system. As the healthcare environment continues to change, it is important for technicians to advocate for their profession.

Individuals who are genuinely interested in this field are encouraged to learn more by visiting http://www.ekgtechniciansalary.org/ where they will find information about requirements in different states along with topics relevant to the industry.