You will need to decide whether you would like to study to become an invasive or non-invasive EKG tech. You will need to obtain a certificate in cardiovascular technology. You can also get higher education by completing a program for an associate's degree or bachelor's degree in the field of health science. After you graduate, you will have to get certification and a license.
First, you will need to pick which type of cardiovascular technology you want to study for, invasive or non-invasive. With non-invasive cardiology, you will not be dealing with entering into the heart and instead will diagnose patients with ultrasound machines. In order to work in this field, you will have to be familiar with ultrasound physics, congenital heart disease and its clinical symptoms and signs, the heart's anatomy and cardiovascular pharmacology.
Then with invasive cardiology, EKG techs work in a team of a cardiac catheterization lab. You will have to have knowledge of ECG interpretations, disease and physiology mechanism, cardiovascular pharmacology and coronary anatomy.
You will need to find a certification program or degree program that is accredited. You will receive clinical and laboratory training. Some of the courses that you will be studying for include pharmacology, physiology, first aid, terminology, CPR and ethics. The program must be approved through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Once you finish the program for EKG technicians, you will have get you certificate. In order to get one, you will have to take an exam to show that you know the field. Then you can become licensed, which will allow you to find work and get a higher wage.
