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

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 $9.00 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 $12.00 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

You must possess a high school diploma or GED to be admitted to this class.

The EKG class as Aress Academy is six weeks long, meeting twice per week,
and taught by a Registered Nurse with extensive experience operating
an EKG machine. You will get the requisite book knowledge and hands-on
experience to be a confident technician at work.

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 Practical Nurses (LPN), 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.