21 Reasons Why You Should Be a Cardiac Monitor Technician

Cardiac monitor techs use non-invasive cardiology techniques to assist physicians and nurses in interpreting and diagnosing heart-related conditions. From Holter monitoring to EKGs to stress tests, these allied health professionals can detect arrhythmias, irregular heartbeats, and even cardiac arrest while it’s happening.

What Is a Monitor Technician Called? 

Depending on the job classification and training program, you may have heard cardiac monitor technicians (CMTs) referred to by other names, including: 

• EKG Technician
• ECG Technician
• Cardiographic Technician
• Rhythm Analysis Technician
• Telemetry Monitor Technician

No matter what they’re called, however, these health professionals are an important part of the allied healthcare team.

Here are 21 reasons why signing up for a CMT program is a fantastic career choice!

1. You’re Fascinated by Anatomy

Are you obsessed with the inner-workings of the human body? With advanced equipment, you can get close to the human heart – without the need for surgery.

2. Problem Solving? No Problem!

When it comes to complicated situations, you’re able to calmly and objectively analyze before making a move. Because CMTs might need to work in high-stress circumstances, having a cool head will benefit you (and everyone around you).

3. You Love Working with Others

Within your social and family circles, you’re known for your kind words and friendly personality. CMTs are almost constantly in direct communication with patients who are scared, overwhelmed by pain, or prepping for surgery. Kindness and empathy go a long way in all allied healthcare careers.

4. You Can Work Anywhere

Interested in heading out west? Thinking about moving back to your hometown? With the present need for CMTs, ECG techs, and EKG monitor techs in most hospitals and clinics throughout the United States, finding a job has never been easier.

5. Saving Lives Sounds Great to You

Considering heart disease causes 25% of American deaths, you’ve got opportunities to change more than one patient’s life. We’re guessing that that’s an amazing feeling.

6. Stay at the Forefront of Technology

Do you love learning about the latest developments in the tech world? Certified cardiac monitor technicians need to understand how to handle and derive results from a variety of complicated machines. You might utilize EKGs (electrocardiograms), Holter monitors, and stress tests to better understand the electrical activity of your patients’ hearts.

As a member of this constantly-developing field, you should enjoy staying up-to-date on all of the latest advancements. If there’s anything related to the heart’s electrical impulses, it’s got your name written all over it.

7. There’s More than One Way to Get Your Education

Most CMTs receive their monitor tech training via certificate programs at community colleges or vocational schools. EKG training programs have grown in popularity over the last decade, and most training programs include classroom instruction, hands-on training, and clinical internships.

8. Gain Experience Outside the Classroom

Classroom instruction is a great way to learn the basics, but clinical internships provide students opportunities to apply them in a real world environment. A mentor will help you every step of the way, developing the skills you need to set yourself apart from future competition.

Students who show their competence and professionalism may even get hired directly by their clinical site.

9. You Can Start Working Within a Year

Depending on your personal schedule, you can complete your CMT training in under a year. Some programs can even be completed in 3 months. Whichever path you choose: Monitor tech certification is one of the fastest methods to join the allied healthcare sector.

10. Avoid High Education Costs

The cost of a healthcare certificate program is significantly less expensive than a 2-year or 4-year college degree. Whether they don’t have the funds – or they simply wanted to avoid taking on massive debt – most allied healthcare workers are happy with their decision to attend technical school.

11. Study While Working a Full-Time Job or Raising a Family

Most CMT and EKG certification programs offer a variety of schedules for students with work or family commitments. If you work full-time, why not consider a night class? If you’re raising a family, weekend classes may be a great fit for you to pursue your education.

12. The CMT Job Outlook Is Great

It’s a fact that allied healthcare is the fastest-growing sector in the United States job force, and many related jobs are expected to grow by over 18% within a decade.

The Baby Boomer generation is set to increase to 20% of the total population by 2029, and because nearly 75% of these seniors have a current chronic condition, career opportunities will grow in order to handle these needs.

13. You Always Know What to Wear

When it comes to getting read, do you prefer a no-nonsense approach? CMTs are expected to dress in scrubs and supportive shoes to move freely and comfortably during their shifts. They’re able to add a little flair by personalizing their scrubs to fit their moods, but function over fashion is more important for these professionals. Who doesn’t love that? 

14. “Desk Job, Schmesk Job”

You won’t be sitting still for long: Get your daily workout from quickly walking up and down hallways, pushing heavy equipment, and even shifting patients into appropriate medical positions. An EKG tech will need to be on their feet for hours, so this is a great fit for someone who’s looking for a more physical job. 

15. You’ve Got an Eye for Details

Can you spot a needle in a haystack? As a CMT, you may be expected to study and analyze data for a substantial part of your shift. Finding virtually undetectable – but substantial medical outliers – is the name of the game.

16. Always Have a Good Party Story

Who wouldn’t be intrigued by a life-and-death story, especially when you’re the hero? Though you need to observe HIPAA laws, you can still brag about your accomplishments with friends and family.

17. Variety Is the Spice of Life

For EKG techs, there’s no such thing as a boring 9-5. Instead of sitting behind a computer all day, you’ll be checking monitors, keeping your eye on results, and ensuring that your machines are in perfect working order.

What’s more, you’ll likely be expected to take down a patient’s medical history, ask them targeted questions, and help other techs and physicians with routine procedures. Some experienced techs even get to help out in the operating room.

18. Lead by Example

Hospitals and clinics often rely on their best heart monitor techs to help train others. If you show aptitude and enthusiasm, employers will take notice. Not only does this build a great resume, but it can do wonders to boost your salary.

19. EKG Certification Isn’t Required (but It Helps)