At a Glance

Income:

($33,550 - $55,785)

Cluster:

Diagnostic Services

Class of Occupation:

- Realistic

Description

EKG or Electrocardiograph Technicians work with patients to measure electrical impulses that are transmitted by the heart during and in-between heartbeats. A simple EKG test would include attaching electrodes to a patients arms, legs and chest, and then obtaining a reading of the electrical impulses on an EKG machine. With more advance training, EKG Technicians will perform Holter monitor and stress testing, which is longer and includes the use of a portable version of an EKG machine,which the patient wears on their belt. At the end of the testing, which is usually 24 or more hours in length, the EKG Technician will print out the test results for a physician to review. The information from the test can be used to diagnose a patient's irregular heartbeat or problems with a pacemaker. In addition to EKG tests, an EKG Technician my assist in monitoring the heart during diagnostic procedures such as heart catherterization. While this career field will continue to have strong demand, there is competition from other healthcare workers who may also be trained in EKG testing. Note, this program is offered through San Mateo County Office of Education Regional Occupational Program. Please contact them for additional details.

View the education requirements.

Education Info

Campus(es):

- San Mateo County ROP

Time to Completion:

1 semester(s)

Type of Program (Cert, AS, BS):

Certificate

Educational Requirement

High School degree

Cost:

$80 plus books

Learn how to get started.

Getting Started

Prerequisite course listing:

No prerequisites required.

Additional Information:

EKG Technician course can be taken by Certified Nursing Assistants for 48 units of continuing education (CE), however students are not required to be a CNA. In this class students will learn to operate an electrocardiograph (EKG) machine to record heart muscle action for the diagnosis of heart disease. The class instruction includes basic concept of electrocardiology, cardiac structure and function, cardiac disorders, dysrhythmias, and other irregularities. Identify EKG equipment, supplies, and the needs of the cardiac patient; interpret EKGs and recognize clinical emergencies. The class runs for 9 weeks. Note, this class is offered by the San Mateo County Education Office's Regional Occupational Program, not the San Mateo Community College District. For more information, please contact Lauren Sneed at lsneed@smcoe.k12.ca.us or call

Program Website:

Click here to go to the program website.