Heart disease has quickly become one of the leading causes of long-term illness in the United States due to the widespread adoption of low quality dietary and exercise behaviors. As demand for cardiac care continues to skyrocket, healthcare facilities are becoming desperate for qualified personnel who are willing and able to help manage individuals who need care. Those who have a strong interest in providing patient care and who would like to work in a specialized department are encouraged to review the EKG technician job description in order to determine if this might be the appropriate career path. Few employment options provide as much room for advancement as that of the cardiac technician.

1. Cardiac Technician
Job Description

2. What Are They?
Unlicensed assistive personnel
Perform routine activities associated with patient care
May have varying job titles
Cardiac technician
Cardiovascular technologist
EKG technician
Etc…

3. Where They Work
Hospitals
Nursing Homes
Outpatient Care Facilities
Urgent Care
Independent Medical Establishments
Anywhere that offers Cardiac Care

4. Common Work Responsibilities
Administering heart studies
Electrocardiograms
Echocardiograms
Stress Tests
Holter Monitoring
Etc…
Documenting medical histories
Scheduling patients
Educating patients

5. Common Work Responsibilities
Assisting with invasive procedures
Creating and maintaining sterile fields
Injecting contrast medium
Operating and maintaining equipment
Initial evaluation of test quality
Emotional support
Monitoring patients

6. Job Description Variations
Can include many more responsibilities
Depends on patient population
Affected by size and type of employer
Unique medical needs in the area
Resources of the facility
Technician’s training and competency
Inquire with local employers

7. Administrative Roles
For experienced individuals
May require additional training and certification
Might include…
Training new employees
Supervising staff members
Resolving customer complaints
Delivering performance reviews
Organizing and conducting meetings
Contributing to administrative initiatives

8. Job Growth
Strong due to high demand for cardiac care
Larger population
Retiring baby boomers
Prevalence of chronic and acute heart disease
Poor dietary and exercise behaviors
Recent extension of health coverage
Nurse and physician shortage

9. Respectable Career Choice
Help manage patients
Contribute to the health and well-being of others
Lots of room for advancement
Few regulatory hurdles
Little education required
Short training programs
Formal credentials

10. References
EKG Technician Job Description
www.ekgtechniciansalary.org