An EKG technician, or an electrocardiograph technician, runs diagnostic tests to help doctors determine and treat cardiovascular problems. As you decide whether to attend EKG technician school at the IGBANS Institute of Vocational Training in Springfield Gardens, NY, consider the typical career path people follow after finishing their training. Once you know what your future could hold, you can decide whether it’s the right path for you.  

The Job

A technician can work in a variety of healthcare settings, though a hospital is the most common. They work alongside heart doctors in diagnosing cardiovascular problems. The EKG test that they run involves placing electrodes on the patient’s chest, arms, and legs to get a reading of the electrical impulses the heart sends.

They give the results to the doctor for diagnosing. If a technician gets additional training, they can also perform stress testing and Holter monitoring. Stress testing monitors the patient’s heart while they walk on a treadmill, and Holter monitoring involves attaching a portable EKG monitor to track the patient’s heart as they go about their daily activities for 24 hours.

The Outlook

The health care job industry is healthy, and the outlook is good for EKG technicians. According to payscale.com, the mean annual salary that technicians receive ranges between $23,348 to $35,036. This includes working a 40-hour work week. It’s a smart entry-level position that offers other paths for advancement if someone wished to take on additional training over the years, such as working in specialty areas like vascular sonography and working in the cath lab.

If you’re ready to start working toward a brighter future, becoming an EKG technician may be your answer. Visit IGBANS Institute of Vocational Training online or call them at (718) 276-8100 to talk about what your training would involve. They also train in other health care work should you want to become a phlebotomy technician or a certified nursing assistant.