The telemetry technician job title may be assigned to an unlicensed assistant who works in a cardiovascular care unit and who helps with the remote monitoring of heart disease patients. Other names for this type of employee include cardiac technician, cardiovascular technologist, and EKG technician. Because individuals in this profession are not licensed by most states, it is important for them to show that they are competent through the acquisition of formal credentials such as nationally recognized certification. While not all employers require telemetry certification, it is highly recommended due to the many benefits that it brings. Certified technicians are commonly offered higher salaries and may be able to take advantage of more employment opportunities throughout the US. To learn more about options in a specific geographic region, it is advised that aspiring technicians contact potential employers directly.

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Telemetry Technician
Credentialing Opportunities

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What is a Telemetry Technician?
Unlicensed medical provider
Works under the supervision of a nurse or physician
Employed by cardiac care department
Assists with monitoring heart disease patients
May be responsible for several activities
Also known as cardiac technician or EKG technician
Few educational or credentialing requirements

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Demand for Technicians
High due to increased prevalence of heart disease
Secondary to chronic diet and exercise related illnesses
Diabetes
Hypertension
Obesity
Heart disease has become top cause of morbidity
Has created many new job opportunities for technicians

4. + Entry Requirements
High school diploma or GED
Prior experience is a plus
Basic orientation and training
Hands on experience
National certification is often expected
Other credentials help secure open positions

5. + Certification Options
National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Certified EKG Technician (CET)
Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT)
Broad examinations designed to evaluate the competency of the entry-level cardiovascular technologist
Not specific to telemetry
Does include questions on the administration of telemetry

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Advanced Options
Primarily developed for nurses
May need to acquire nursing credentials
American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)
Progressive Care Nurse Certification (PCCN)
Adult Tele-ICU Acute/Critical Care Nurse Certification (CCRN-E)
More in-depth relating to telemetry
Designed for nurses working in acute, critical, intensive, and progressive care

7. + Benefits of Credentials
Preserve the profession amidst regulatory changes
Demonstrates competence
Received better by patients and peers
Regarded as more professional and knowledgeable
Higher salary
Better benefits
More employment options

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Resources
Telemetry Certification
Ekgtechniciansalary.org