ECG Technologist

ECG technologists operate electrocardiogram equipment to aid in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of heart disease. They may also perform cardiac stress tests or exercise tolerance tests. ECG technologists need to perform Holter hookups, patient education, monitor interpretation of the studies and providing full reports to the cardiologist. Works in conjunction with other team members and to be able to prioritize, coordinate and complete workload. ECG technologists need to perform and assist in various ECG related procedures including but not limited to Nuclear testing, Stress Echo Testing, Exercise Bike testing, ECGs, 12 lead ECG testing, as well as modified placement for Brugada, pediatric, right-sided and 15 lead ECGs Holter Monitoring hook up and scanning, and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in compliance with Departmental Policy/Procedure including patient instruction, patient history and documentation.

Average Hourly

$28.15

Range Hourly

$25.56-$30.25

Average Yearly

$54,883

Range Yearly

$49,842- $58,987

NOC Code

Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists (3217)

Alias Job Titles

Cardiac stress technologist; Cardiac technician; Cardiology technician; Cardiology technologist; Cardiovascular technician; Cardiovascular technologist; Charge technologist - electrocardiography; Electrocardiographic (ECG) technician; Electrocardiographic (ECG) technologist; Electrocardiography technician; Electrocardiography technologist; Electrocardiology technician; Electrocardiology technologist; Holter monitor technologist; Holter scanning technologist; Neuroelectrophysiology technologist; Non-registered electrocardiography technician; Registered cardiology technologist; Registered electrocardiography technician; Student cardiology technologist; Vascular technologist

Qualifications Required

Completion of a two-year college diploma program in Cardiology technology and supervised practical training/or a Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technologist course

Job Demand

Medium
Employment outlook is fair to undetermined in most provinces. More information is available here.

Growth opportunity

Without further education, chances to advance in this occupation are limited

Years’ Experience Required

0-1 year training and experience are usually required

Training Options (if available)

British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) - distance learning program
Stenberg College - on-line based program
Mohawk College - classroom-based program - Hamilton, ON
Vancouver Island Institute of Technology - classroom-based program - Vancouver Island, BC
Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick - based in New Brunswick

Personal Qualities

professionalism, maturity and self-confidence
empathy and the ability to reassure patients
the ability to be detail-oriented
the ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergencies
the ability to work with little direct supervision
the ability to work as part of a team.

Notes/Other Information

Cardiology technologists do shift work in healthcare settings. The work is physically demanding. They are on their feet most of the time. They sometimes lift and move patients who cannot move on their own.

Potential employers /Workplaces

Hospitals
Clinics
Medical laboratories

Steps towards capacity building to become competitive for this job

There are two ways to start. One can do a two-year college diploma program in cardiology technology and supervised practical training.
Registration with the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists in all provinces except Quebec is also required.
Another way is to do a Medical Laboratory Assistant program that is generally 6 months to 1 year long. This is only limited to 12 lead ECGs, however, other laboratory tests will also be taught there.