What does a Telemetry Technician do?
Published 4 min read
A telemetry technician is a medical professional who specializes in the use of electronic devices to monitor and record the vital signs of patients. Telemetry technicians work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, and they may also be known as cardiovascular technicians or electrocardiograph (EKG) technicians.
Telemetry Technician job duties include:
- Operates and monitors telemetry equipment to provide continuous electrocardiographic monitoring of patient heart activity.
- Attaches electrodes to patient's chest according to prescribed procedures.
- Selects and operates appropriate telemetry equipment.
- Adjusts and maintains equipment for optimum performance.
- Records and interprets heart rhythms, and notifies physician of any abnormal readings.
- Prepares patient for, and assists with, diagnostic procedures such as stress testing and electrophysiology studies.
- Monitors patients during procedures, and reports any changes in heart rhythm to the physician.
- Maintains accurate records of all telemetry monitoring sessions.
- Performs routine maintenance on telemetry equipment.
Telemetry Technician Job Requirements
A Telemetry Technician is a medical professional who specializes in the operation of medical equipment that is used to monitor the vital signs of patients. They must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and must complete a training program that is accredited by the National Board of Medical Examiners. In addition, they must have at least two years of experience working in a hospital or other medical facility.
Telemetry Technician Skills
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Computer skills
- Detail oriented
- Electronics skills
- Instrumentation skills
- Math skills
- Mechanical skills
- Organizational skills
- Patience
- Physical stamina
- Problem solving skills
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How to become a Telemetry Technician
Telemetry technicians are in high demand due to the ever-growing popularity of electronic health care devices. Many hospitals and clinics are now using telemetry to monitor patients remotely, which has led to an increase in the need for qualified technicians. If you’re interested in becoming a telemetry technician, here are a few things you need to know.
First, you’ll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. While you don’t necessarily need any formal education beyond this, completing a postsecondary program in electronics or biomedical engineering can give you a leg up in the job market.
Next, you’ll need to obtain certification from the International Certification Commission for Clinical Engineering and Biomedical Technology (ICC). The ICC offers two levels of certification: Certified Telemetry Technician-Level I (CTT-I) and Certified Telemetry Technician-Level II (CTT-II). To be eligible for CTT-I certification, you must have at least six months of full-time experience working with telemetry systems. For CTT-II certification, you must have at least two years of full-time experience working with telemetry systems.
Once you have your certification, you’ll be able to find employment in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and research facilities. Salary will vary depending on your employer and location, but the median annual salary for telemetry technicians is $52,000.
If you’re interested in a career as a telemetry technician, there has never been a better time to get started. With the right education and training, you can begin your career in this growing field and enjoy a stable job with good pay and benefits.
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