EKG Technician Job Description
EKG Salary and Job Outlook
Mean average wage: $11.68
Mean annual salary: $24,300
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EKG Technician field is expected to increase 24 percent through the year 2018. This increase in employment rates can be attributed to the increased prevalence of heart disease and the aging population. This is predominantly due to the elderly having a higher incidence of heart disease and other complications of the heart and vascular system.
Work Environment
EKG Technicians have many options when it comes to employment settings. Typically hospitals have the most need for EKG technicians in both an inpatient and outpatient setting. They are sometimes required in the emergency room to obtain an EKG of patients who have heart attack symptoms or chest pain. While EKG technicians work predominantly in hospitals, they may also find jobs in clinics specializing in cardiology or private practices. EKG Technicians often conduct pre-employment screenings for employers as well.
Job duties
Job duties include preparing the room to perform the necessary tests on the patient, greeting the patients, setting up the machinery that will be utilized during the exam, and tidying up the room upon completion of the tests. Positions in the EKG technician profession are best suited for individuals who are outgoing and work well in fast-paced environments. It should be noted that performance duties can vary significantly depending on the specific requirements outlined by the employer. Many EKG Technician's work directly under the supervision of a registered nurse and physician and can also perform tasks such as phlebotomy, blood and specimen collection, patient care, monitoring vital signs and treatment plans, and catheterization.