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About ECG Technicians

ECG Technicians monitor the ECG strips and identify cardiac rhythms to provide immediate feedback to health care providers regarding the patient’s status. ECG Technicians are a viable part of the team that takes the edge off of patients who are anxious about their health by explaining testing procedures to reduce anxiety.

A person in a surgical mask points at a monitor in a surgical suite while another person looks on

What does an ECG Technician do?

During the course of a career, ECG Technicians will:

  • Conduct electrocardiogram (ECG), phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress testing, or other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, or laboratory instruments.
  • Obtain and record patient identification, medical history, and test results.
  • Adjust equipment and controls according to provider's orders and established protocol.
  • Prepare and position patients for testing.
  • Attach electrodes to the patients' chests, arms, and legs, connect electrodes to leads from the electrocardiogram (ECG) machine, and operate the ECG machine to obtain a reading.
  • Monitor patients' comfort and safety during tests, alerting providers to abnormalities, and changes in patient responses.
  • Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (ECG) equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to notify the provider if something appears wrong.
  • Check, test, and maintain cardiology equipment, making minor repairs when necessary, to ensure proper operation.

What do ECG Technicians earn in KC?

Most student use this training to enhance a current health care role they have or they are earning.

How do I become an ECG Technician?

JCCC's program can be completed in approximately three months with 60 hours of training including a three-day externship experience.