The Job Duties of an EKG Technician

An EKG technician uses an electrocardiogram machine to get data on a patient's heart rate and activity. EKG technicians also help doctors with the diagnosis
and treatment of various cardiovascular problems. The job duties of the EKG technician center around the medical field of echocardiography, which uses ultrasound to study the heart.

Equipment

One of the primary duties and requirements of an EKG technician is to be able to use an electrocardiogram machine. This an electronic device that reads a patient's heart rhythms. The EKG technician must place electrodes on the patient's skin and take readings on the function and condition of the heart.

Location

The job duties of an EKG technician are carried out in hospitals and medical clinics.

Medical Team

EKG technicians perform their work duties as part of a medical team that includes doctors and nurses. They sometimes work under stressful conditions, such as when a patient comes in with an emergency heath issue like a heart attack or stroke. The EKG technician provides information for the doctor to interpret as they diagnose and treat the patient.

Patients

EKG technicians also work with patients to help monitor their heart health over time. Frequently, this is done with a Holter, which is a a 24-hour EKG machine that measures the patient's heart rate. EKG technician's duties also include working with patients on exercises done on a treadmill. The technician measure the patient's responses with an EKG machine as they exercise and work their heart.