ELECTROCARDIOGRAPH TECHNICIANS California Occupational Guide Number 538 Interest Area 13 1995
THE JOB
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in America. Significant advances in the treatment of heart disease have been made in recent years, but treatment is most effective when early detection of heart disease is made. One of the primary diagnostic tools physicians rely upon when they suspect the presence of heart disease is the electrocardiograph (EKG) machine. This machine detects and records the electronic impulses transmitted by the heart during and between heartbeats. ELECTROCARDIOGRAPH (EKG) TECHNICIANS operate and maintain EKG machines.
When patients are suspected of having heart disease or an abnormality, a physician may refer them to an EKG technician for testing. An EKG test may also be included as part of a comprehensive physical examination, especially for older patients. EKG Technicians begin the testing procedure by relaxing the patient, helping them cope with what is sometimes a stressful situation. The test is usually performed with the patient lying upon an examination table. Sometimes, however, a physician may order a stress EKG which requires the patient to walk on a treadmill while heart activity is recorded. In either case, the technician attaches from 3 to 12 electrodes (also called leads) to the patient's chest, arms and legs. Sometimes an electrically conductive gel is used to facilitate the reception of the body's electrical impulses. The technician then starts the machine which begins recording wave tracings on a roll of paper. Periodically, the technician relocates the electrodes, notes the replacement on the EKG tracing, and begins the recording anew. Once the test is completed, the technician may mark sections of the report that the physician should review.
In addition to the standard recording of heart rhythm for examination purposes, the EKG Technician can assist in monitoring the heart during other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. An EKG may assist physicians in heart catheterization, in which a small tube is inserted in a vein and snaked through the blood vessels to the heart, where blockages in the heart's own blood vessels may be present. Multi-dimensional tracings, phonocardiographs, and echocardiographs pulse recordings, and long-term (12 to 24 hours) EKG recordings made on magnetic tape may be performed by the EKG Technicians with advanced training.
WORKING CONDITIONS
A hospital, doctor's office, or medical clinic are the most common working environments for EKG Technicians. Their work areas are well lighted, temperature controlled, and relatively quiet. Unless they are involved in an emergency, technicians work in a relaxed environment. Since the greatest portion of their working day is spent in giving EKG examinations, technicians must spend much of their time on their feet, helping patients onto the table or treadmill, and administering the test.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 1,640 Estimated number of workers in 2005 2,240 Projected Growth 1990-2005 37% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 260
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
Employment will grow at a faster-than-average rate through 2005. The aging of the population will place higher demands on medical services in general, and, since heart disease is largely a disease of the older population, the cardiology field will grow in the coming years. The demand for EKG Technicians will grow along with the specialty, in spite of technological advancements which have increased productivity. In addition, computerization has cut back dramatically on paperwork. Another factor acting as a drag on employment growth is hospitals' efforts to cut labor costs by training other personnel to perform the relatively simple EKG procedures. Also, a small but growing number of jobs will be available in cardiology clinics, health maintenance organizations, and other outpatient settings.
Some opportunities will become available as technicians transfer, retire, or otherwise leave the labor force.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
EKG Technicians beginning their careers can expect to earn between $7.00 to $14.00 an hour or more depending on the geographical area and upon previous training, education, and experience. In three to five years, they can earn between $7.50 and $16.00 an hour, or more. Highly experienced technicians may earn $17.00 an hour or more at some hospitals. Pay tends to be higher in larger, urban hospitals and in teaching hospitals. Previous experience, additional education, and certification can aid an applicant applying for higher paying positions.
Since the majority of an EKG Technician's examinations are part of a routine physical examination, day shifts 40 hours a week, 8 hours a day are most common. Acute care facilities such as hospitals or clinics may maintain evening, night, or weekend staffs to contend with emergency situations.
EKG Technicians usually receive good fringe benefits. These generally include paid vacations and holidays, sick leave benefits, retirement, and health care. Some institutions provide tuition assistance, free educational courses, and uniforms.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Because the set up and operation of an EKG machine is somewhat complex, proper training is essential. Most EKG Technicians are trained on the job. Training curricula can last from three months to two years, depending upon the extent and scope of instruction. The basic EKG testing procedure can be taught in three to six months, which is the usual length of training offered by hospitals and clinics. Longer programs are generally offered in community colleges or vocational schools. The Armed Forces also has training facilities.
Employers generally look for applicants with high school diplomas and scholastic backgrounds in the physical sciences and biology.
Other courses that may enhance an applicant's background include data processing, psychology, and mathematics. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training is also a common requirement. Applicants should possess the ability to follow detailed instructions, have presence of mind in emergencies, and be reliable and patient.
Technicians must be physically fit, have good eyesight and normal hearing and must have the empathy and patience to relate to patients. They should also have the mechanical aptitude to properly set up the machine, and to perform minor repairs and adjustments when necessary.
When filling positions in EKG training programs at a hospital or clinic, many employers prefer to place workers already employed in the health care system. Licensed vocational nurses (LVN), nursing assistants, or those in similar occupations are most frequently the starting point for persons who enroll in an EKG training program. Some hospitals, especially smaller institutions in non-urban areas, will only consider experienced EKG Technicians for vacancies.
ADVANCEMENT
Opportunities for advancement are best for EKG Technicians who learn the more complex procedures, such as stress testing, echocardiography, and cardiac catheterization. With training and experience, they may advance to occupations which are growing in demand, like cardiovascular technicians, cardiopulmonary technicians, and cardiology technologists.
FINDING THE JOB
Hospitals, medical clinics, and cardiologists can be contacted directly to learn of job opportunities. Openings are most likely to occur within larger hospitals or clinics located in metropolitan areas. Placement offices in colleges that offer training in EKG technology may also be a source of job leads. The California Employment Development Department Job Service is another potential source of job listings.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The National Society of Cardiovascular Technology 120 Falcon Dr., Suite 3 Fredericksburg, VA 22408 (703) 891-0079
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists No. 89 Laboratory Assistant-Laboratory Technicians No. 201 Licensed Vocational Nurses No. 313 Therapeutic Radiologic Technologists No. 535
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Electrocardiograph Technician 078-362.018
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Electrocardiograph Technicians and Technologists 329260
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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