Cardiovascular Technicians are people who take EKGs (tests to understand the electrical impulses transmitted by the heart). These tests are done before most kinds of surgery and as a part of routine physican examinations for people over a certain age. Those who do EKG and stress tests are also known as noninvasive technicians. As a component of their work, these technicians reassure a patient and answer any questions they may have about the EKG test procedure.
For Technicians, the minimum requirement is a high school diploma. For basic EKGs, Holter monitoring, and stress testing, 1-year certificate programs exist, although most EKG technicians are still trained on the job by an EKG supervisor or a cardiologist. On-the-job training usually lasts about 8 to 16 weeks. Most employers prefer to train people already in the health care field, nursing aides, for example. Some Technologists have completed 2 or 4 year training programs and are certified.
- Calhoun Community College – Division of Health
- Chattahoochee Valley Community College
- Jefferson State Community College