EKG Technician

A Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician help physicians in diagnosing and treating heart and blood vessel problems. There are 3 areas they can specialize in: Invasive Cardiology (Cardiology Technicians), Echocardiography( EKG or Cartographic Technicians), and Vascular Technology. An EKG (or Electrocardiograph) traces electrical impulses produced by the heart. To take an EKG the Cartographic Technician attaches electrodes to the arms, chest, legs, and arms of the patient. After they turn on the EKG machine a printout is made for the physician. This test is usually done before most kinds of surgery and for routine physicals. An EKG Technician with special training can perform a Holter monitor and stress testing. Physicians use this test to diagnose heart and pacemaker problems. Most EKG Technicians work in the cardiology department of hospitals and made about $33,350 in 2000. To become an EKG Technician you need to complete a 2 year program at a junior or community college. If you graduate from an institution that has been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology you will be eligible for professional certification through Cardiovascular Credentialing International.

Image used with
permission of NHS Scotland

Local Companies

• Halifax Fish Community Health
  http://www.hfch.org/hmc-ormond.html

Additional Links

• Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals
  http://www.acp-online.org/index.html
• The Society of Vascular Technology
  http://www.svunet.org/index.htm
• American Society of Echocardiography
  http://www.asecho.org/index.shtml

College offering this program

• Florida Medical Training Institute
  http://www.ems-training.com/ekgtech.htm