Are you interested in entering the medical field? Have you considered becoming an EKG technician? EKG technicians are essential healthcare workers and are in high demand in today’s marketplace. If you are interested in a medical career in which you can help others and work with specialized medical equipment, a career as an EKG technician may be a great choice for you! ATA College offers an excellent training program that can train you for success. Read on to find out more about this rewarding career, and how ATA College in El Cajon, CA can help you enter this growing field!
Discover What Does An EKG Technician Do
EKG technicians are specially trained medical professionals who undergo thorough training to learn the skills necessary for this career. These specialized healthcare workers work in healthcare facilities alongside doctors and specialize in electrocardiogram (EKG) testing for patients. EKG machines are complex devices that monitor the heart’s performance through wires and electrodes attached to a patient’s chest, arms, and legs.
Demand for EKG Technicians is Growing
The healthcare industry is booming, and medical careers are in demand now more than ever. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment in medical careers is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, adding about 2.4 million new jobs to the healthcare industry nationwide (BLS). Cardiovascular/ vascular technologist and technician jobs specifically are projected to grow by 14% between 2020 to 2030 (BLS), faster than the average job growth. As the population ages, there is an increasing need for cardiovascular testing, and the rising demand for EKG technicians reflects this demand.
What Do EKG Technicians Do?
Trained specifically to operate these sophisticated devices, EKG technicians monitor the readings, make sure the machine is attached properly and in working order, and record the results of the EKG tests. While the main job of an EKG tech is to conduct electrocardiogram (EKG) testing, other tasks include:
- Taking a patient’s medical history
- Preparing patients for various cardiovascular tests
- Checking the quality of recorded data
- Reporting findings to the attending physician, who then makes decisions based on the results
- Maintaining equipment in good working order
- Helping technologists and physicians during procedures
How Long Does It Take to Become an EKG Technician?
ATA’s EKG technician training program is a three-semester, 60 clock hour program, teaching students all of these important skills and more. That means that you can start learning to become an EKG technician and get working right out of school. Vocational schools even help you find a job after graduation.
What Do You Learn During an EKG Technician Program?
Students learn basic anatomy and physiology, the cardiovascular system, medical terminology, cardiovascular medications and effects, patient care, EKG and ECG administration, equipment operation and maintenance, interpretation of cardiac rhythm, patient record management, and professional standards and ethics. Under the supervision of experienced faculty, students in ATA’s program learn how to administer EKG and ECG diagnostic examinations and report results to the treatment team. Students also develop their interpersonal skills, including the communication skills required to work with patients as well as others in the workplace. Upon completion of this program, students are prepared to test for professional certification.
Due to the accelerated nature of ATA’s EKG technician program, prior experience in the health care field or completion of a Medical Assistant program must be obtained prior to enrollment. Programs from other colleges or prior medical experience may be used to fulfill this prerequisite with approval from the admissions department. Additionally, students may apply the credits earned through the EKG technician program towards credit in the Medical Assistant, Associate of Applied Science program.
Hands-on Experience
As an EKG technician, you may find work as a cardiovascular technologist or you may perform EKG readings as part of your duties as a PRN, medical assistant, or another member of a healthcare team. Job titles for those with EKG/ECG technician skills might include EKG Technician, Monitor Technician, Telemetry Technician, or Biomedical Equipment Technician. These professionals work under the direction of a physician in hospitals, physicians’ offices, and diagnostic labs.
Where Do EKG Technicians Work in San Diego?
San Diego has a vibrant healthcare community with many different physician’s offices, clinics, hospitals, and other medical facilities actively hiring EKG Technicians. Some of the organizations in San Diego that are hiring include Prime Healthcare Systems, Rady Children’s Hospital of San Diego, Sharp Memorial Hospital, Scripps Health, and Select Medical to name a few.
Vocational Schools Help with Career Services
The best part about an EKG technician program at a vocational school is the career services that are offered to graduates. From resume building, interview training and job fairs to individualized matching based on a graduate’s talents and skill level, vocational schools look to place EKG technicians in the community. Some of the employment opportunities are not even publicized, rather employers look directly to vocational schools to recruit candidates because they know they are fully trained and ready to take on the job.
If a career as an EKG technician sounds interesting, call ATA College at 619.596.2766 today! ATA College in El Cajon, California, offers flexible online and hybrid programs to train busy people like you for rewarding careers in the medical field. Our friendly and helpful Admissions Representatives are waiting to answer any questions you have about ATA and our EKG technician program. Contact us today to schedule a tour of our modern campus in San Diego County or begin enrollment. Join the growing healthcare field- with training from ATA!
