Electrocardiograph Technician

Duties and Responsibilities: An electrocardiogram technician performs an ECG by attaching electrodes to a patient and then pulling switches on an ECG machine to trace electrical impulses transmitted by the heart. A doctor then inspects these readings to analyze the patient's heart condition. ECG technicians also might perform stress tests. This involves hooking up a patient to an ECG monitor for a baseline reading and then monitoring the patient's heart while he or she exercises on a treadmill. During the monitoring period, the treadmill speeds up and slows down to produce ECG readings at multiple levels of physical exertion.

Salary: $25,998-$44,062

Education: Electrocardiograph technicians usually complete a certificate program or on-the-job training. Courses in a certificate program may include anatomy, CPR, diagnostic electrocardiogram, electrocardiogram techniques, and EKG analysis. Some states require electrocardiograph technicians to be licensed, and there are several organizations that provide certification. Though not required, many employers seek electrocardiograph technicians who hold certifications. Some necessary skills are must have good communication skills to be able to explain procedures to patients and calm them if they become agitated. Electrocardiograph technicians also must possess the clerical skills to take patient medical histories and the medical knowledge to detect the quality of an EKG test.

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Reflection: This job is interesting but I would never become a electrocardiograph technician. Maybe I would think of being one, one day but not at the moment it really doesn't catch my attention. It doesn't really interest me like being a chef does because it is very different and I have wanted to be a chef since I was nine years old and I wouldn't want to change my career path. Until I really find something else that interest me a lot just like becoming a chef does.