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An EKG technician performs tests to diagnose heart and vascular problems, attaches electrodes and monitors to patients, provides reports to physicians, and may also handle administrative tasks and equipment maintenance.
An EKG technician works with physicians to help diagnose heart and vascular problems in patients. The technician performs EKG tests, stress tests, and cardiac monitoring procedures that generate reports to help heart physicians determine any heart or vascular problems the patient may have.
The technician places the electrodes on the patient’s chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes measure the patient’s response to different activities with respect to the patient’s heart. Some EKG tests are routinely performed before the patient goes into surgery, while others are performed to check for specific problems the patient may be having.
The technician also attaches an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor to the patient’s belt. For example, this can be attached to the patient’s belt while the patient is walking on a treadmill. The EKG technician monitors the change in the patient’s heart as the technician increases and decreases the speed of the treadmill, which of course changes the patient’s heart rate and output.
In some cases, the EKG technician connects the EKG to the patient for use outside the hospital or doctor’s office. The patient can wear the monitor for 24 hours or more and continue with their normal life activities. The monitor records the patient’s heart rate and cardiac information as he goes about his normal life activities. The monitor electronically reports the information back to the EKG technician, or when the patient returns the monitor, the technician downloads the information in a report.
The electrocardiogram technician provides the reports and information to the physician. The technician will typically review this information with the physician so that the physician can make a diagnosis or have the EKG technician perform additional tests.
Some professional EKG technicians also get involved in more of the administrative part of the job. Administratively, this may involve scheduling and confirming appointments with patients. The technician typically reviews the patient’s files before and after the physician reviews and interprets the patient’s files so that the physician knows what next steps the physician wants the technician to take with the patient.
These technicians are also responsible for operating, caring for, and testing all machinery and equipment used to perform the tests on patients. This could include meetings with representatives who sell new technology or work with repair companies to maintain existing equipment.
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