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.