Job Duties
What does an EKG technician do? Generally speaking, they test the electrical activity of the heart, which is pretty cool. But there’s more to it than that, of course. Here’s a look at what this role entails:
- Properly placing electrode patches on patients’ bodies
- Measuring basic vital signs
- Performing rapid response procedures
- Operating an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine
- Measuring and identifying rhythms
- Interpreting and summarizing EKG test results
Work Environment
EKG technicians work in hospitals, clinics, cardiac centers, and private practices. Depending on the facility, the environment can be fast-paced and fairly high-pressure, and your schedule may include nights or weekends. EKG operation requires techs to be in close physical contact with patients, so it’s important that your people skills are up to par, and clear, timely communication is key, since other members of the medical team rely on the results of your work. It’s an active role, and our online EKG technician training program will prepare you nail it.
Pay Scale
How much can an EKG technician expect to earn? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary is $67,260 a year.* Obtaining your EKG certification could create opportunities for career advancement.
Documents
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*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. “Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Accessed April 22, 2025.
Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.
