EKG Technician Job Description

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

The Million Dollar question: What is the average EKG technician salary? The average salary is $40,800 a year, often with benefits to sweeten the deal.* Obtaining your EKG certification will likely move the needle on your salary, and opportunities for career advancement abound (see medical assistant, telemetry technician, and cardiovascular technologist).

Industry Demand

With an aging population and nearly every medical facility staffing an EKG technician, the outlook for this job is pretty dang good. Estimates show that industry employment will remain positive over the next 10 years—up 8% in that time.* That’s what we call a positive prognosis. So don’t wait to sign up for our EKG tech program. Invest in your future and start preparing to get your EKG technician certification today!