Cardiographic technicians monitor and interpret electrocardiograms, or EKGs.
EKG technicians assist physicians by performing electrocardiogram, or EKG, tests that monitor activity of the heart. EKG technicians usually undergo four to six weeks of on-the-job training under the supervision of a cardiologist or EKG technician supervisor. Additionally, EKG technicians can enroll in one of many certificate programs around the country. These programs generally last one year and prepare students to take the national licensing examination. In order to become certified, you must meet the minimum requirements.
Instructions
1. Determine if you meet the minimum requirements to sit for the Certified Cardiographic Examination. You must have a high school diploma or GED, in addition to one of the following: be enrolled or be a graduate of a cardiovascular training program, be employed or previously employed in the cardiovascular field or as an allied health professional, have a science or health degree or completed two years of volunteer work in the cardiovascular field.
2. Take a practice examination to determine if you are ready to sit for the national exam. These can be ordered from Cardiovascular Credentialing International, or CCI, for $45 plus $4.95 for shipping (prices as of 2010).
3. Register for the Certified Cardiographic Examination. You can find information on sending proof of qualification and payment on the Pearson testing website.
4. Review for the examination by reviewing basic cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, electrocardiogram techniques, cardiac electrophysiology, stress testing techniques, ambulatory monitoring techniques and cardiac medications.
5. Sit for the examination at your scheduled time and location.
6. Wait for the results of your examination. You will receive a letter with your results broken down by section. If you passed, you will receive a certificate and credential identification card.
7. Maintain your credential. You must pay a renewal fee every three years as well as accumulate continuing education units, or CEUs, which must be submitted to CCI every three years. As of 2010, the renewal fee is $150, and the number of required CEUs is 16.
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