The leading cause of death in America every year is cardio vascular disease. Approximately 2500 Americans die every day because of the coronary vascular disease. Electrocardiograph, a small machine, can trace a person’s heart’s activity and is essential to identify any abnormalities. So, the machine is able to diagnose cardio vascular disease and save life.

The Electrocardiogram or the ECG courses are designed for students who are already in the healthcare sector or are planning to enter the field. Especially the training program is extremely beneficial for the medical assistants, nurses, lab assistants, and phlebotomists. Through the course, the students learn to perform non-invasive electrocardiography procedures. They can identify the heart rhythms and this is counted as an additional skill for any healthcare professional. It provides them a competitive edge and keep them ahead in the job sector.

What the students will learn in this program?

On completion of the course, the technician will be able to monitor and record electrical impulses transmitted by the heart. They will be able to recognize any abnormal heartbeat and record the progress of the patients. During the course, they will learn how to attach electrodes at different parts of the patient’s body and assess the health of patient hart accurately. The students will have knowledge of the anatomy and the physiology of the heart. They will learn certain medical terminology, legal aspects, and medical ethics.

During the course, the students will practice with the ECG equipment and learn about their proper usage and functions. Upon successful completion of the program, the students may appear for the certification exam. Though, it is not mandatory, but having a certificate is always an advantage.

Who should attend the course?

Those interested to establish the career as ECG technician, may apply for this program. They can work as entry level technician in different medical facilities, clinics, and diagnostic labs after successfully completing the course. Individuals like the phlebotomists or medical assistants in order to enrich their career prospect may also learn electrocardiogram.

When the electrocardiogram has to be performed?

The electrocardiogram can be performed for any of the following reason:

• Check for problems with the flow of electricity through the heart

• Recognize changes in rhythm of heart

• Identify the abnormalities before surgery

• Assist in evaluation of person’s health during a thorough medical check up

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of cardiac medications

What is the career prospect for the electrocardiogram technicians?

The technicians can work in various entry level jobs in hospitals, cardiac rehabilitation centers, medical offices, home healthcare facilities, and pathological labs. Electrocardiograph technicians record the individual’s heart rhythms and prepare a report for the physician. ECG can be performed on a routine basis or during emergency. Before any kind of surgery an ECG has to be performed. Doctors may recommend routine ECG if the heart of a person is weak. Emergency ECG is done when a person experiences chest pain. Sometimes serious patients in intensive care unit are put under continuous monitoring. The continuous monitoring help to check the patient’s heart activities over time.

So, there is sufficient demand for trained professionals in various fields. However, compared to the demand the supply of proficient technician is lower. As there is enough opportunity, professionals from the field of radiology or the respiratory personnel are learning to perform ECG. The electrocardiography training help any medical professional to deliver improved healthcare services.

The healthcare sector is constantly evolving and so, continuous learning is important. The technicians who have interest to develop their skills and knowledge can expect a rewarding career prospect. If you enjoy your work and prefer to stay in this field, you may advance your skills and knowledge. With advanced educational qualification and skills you can be a cardiovascular technologist. The technologists may assist physicians in angioplasty, heart surgery, and setting up pacemakers. However, the job of technologists are lot more complicated and demand advanced knowledge and skills. 

Jacob Brown is an educationist and a web enthusiast with interest in the field of vocational training. He is a well-known name in the blogger community and composes his write ups on healthcare and relevant vocational education. The objective is to provide insight on and deal with issues related to patient care technician.