How Much Does an EKG Technician Make an Hour?
Electrocardiogram, or EKG, technicians operate specialized medical equipment to obtain diagnostic information for physicians. You may want to look closely at this career if you seek a secure job in health care that doesn’t require years of costly training. In just a few months, you could be a member of the medical profession conducting EKG diagnostic tests needed by physicians to save lives.
A typical day for an EKG technician involves conversing with patients while gathering valuable information on the overall functioning of their hearts. EKG technicians start by obtaining a medical history from the patient and gently explaining the procedures to follow. Next, lead electrodes are attached to the patient’s chest and extremities to observe patterns and fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure.
Typically, EKG tests are conducted as the patient rests in bed. Stress tests are performed while the patient walks on a treadmill. The EKG technician closely observes heart functioning while treadmill speed is steadily increased to measure the effects of exertion. Irregular response pattern can suggest heart disease or anatomical problems. Printouts of EKG data are prepared and presented, with unusual readings noted for the physician who will review the EKG test results.
You can complete some EKG programs in as little as two months, inclusive of 160 clock hours. Your studies usually cover cardiac anatomy and physiology, heart disease, pacemakers, medical terminology and ethics. You would gain practical training in the operation and maintenance of EKG equipment. Some programs also teach phlebotomy skills. Additionally, you would practice using 12-lead electrodes and interpreting EKG strips that provide data on heart performance. You may also learn about Holt monitors used for conducting longer tests. Graduates of approved training programs are eligible to sit for a state or national certification examination. Most employers prefer or require certification.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics includes EKG technicians in the category of cardiovascular technologists and technicians. Professionals in this category earn a median salary of $55,570, as reported by BLS in 2016, meaning that half earned more than $55,570, and half earned less. The lowest paid 10 percent on the median wage scale earn less than $28,650, wheras the highest paid made over $89,450.
Most EKG technicians work full time in hospitals. Other opportunities are found in doctors' offices, medical laboratories and outpatient clinics. The work requires stamina due to frequent standing and positioning patients with disabilities for an EKG. Shifts can include working days, evenings and weekends because hospitals continually need diagnostic testing, such as for suspected heart attacks.
Years of Experience
Your confidence will build as you gain experience in the field. If you like health care and later wish to move into a better-paid position with more responsibility, your medical background will help when pursuing an associate degree in radiation therapy or nuclear medical technology, for instance. Some health care facilities base benefits on years of service. Having seniority in your department can provide you with more vacation time and better shifts.
Job Growth Outlook
In 2016, the BLS projected that job openings for cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technicians, will increase 10 percent from 2016 to 2026 – faster than the average rate of other occupations. Job openings for cardiovascualar technicians, in genereral, are expected to grow as the large baby boomer population ages, thus upping the demand for diagnostic testing to assess heart conditions and strokes.
- O+Net OnLine: Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: OES: Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: OOH: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, Including Vascular Technologists
- AIMS: Electrocardiography/Phlebotomy Technician
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: OOH: Job Outlook