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Cardiac telemetry technicians work with physicians by assisting with surgical procedures such as catheterization and angioplasty. These technicians are responsible for aiding cardiologists during open-heart surgery and less invasive surgeries; monitoring patient vitals; and providing nurses and physicians with precise analyses of cardiac rhythms. Cardiac telemetry technicians also run EKG machines, and sonogram equipment. He or she should be well versed in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and basic cardiac life support (BCLS). Cardiac telemetry technicians are generally highly organized and familiar with deciphering information produced by medical machinery. Technicians work as part of a team, and are responsible for reporting to higher-ranking medical staff as needed.

Completion of a two to four year cardiac telemetry training program is required to become a cardiac telemetry technician. A minimum of one year of specialized cardiac instruction (such as noninvasive or invasive vascular technology) is also required. Multi-tasking skills, communication skills, reporting skills, organizational skills, prior telemetry experience, triage experience, EKG experience, and EMT/EMS experience is preferred. General nursing or cardiac nursing experience may be required. CPR certification, and BCLS certification is required. Individuals who have experience or training with Holter Monitoring and stress testing have a better chance of gaining employment.

The typical average salary of an experienced cardiac telemetry technician working for a private physician is about $36,900 per year, and about $38,150 for those working in a hospital.