Cardiopulmonary and EEG Technicians
Background
Military health care includes medical treatment for heart, lung, and brain disorders. Physicians need sophisticated tests to help diagnose and treat these problems. Cardiopulmonary and EEG technicians (electroencephalograph) operate complex electronic testing equipment. Cardiopulmonary and EEG technicians administer a variety of diagnostic tests of the heart, lungs, blood, and brain.
What They Do
Cardiopulmonary and EEG technicians in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Adjust settings and operate test equipment
- Attach electrodes or microphones to patients' bodies
- Help physicians revive heart attack victims
- Keep records of test results and discuss them with medical staff
- Monitor graphs and screens during tests
- Operate electrocardiographs and other test equipment
- Take patients' blood pressure readings
- Talk to physicians to learn what tests or treatments are needed
Physical Demands
Normal color vision is required for some specialties in order to set up and monitor equipment.
Special Requirements
No information available.
Helpful Attributes
Helpful attributes include:
- Ability to follow strict standards and procedures
- Ability to keep accurate records
- Interest in electronic equipment
- Interest in learning how the heart, lungs, and blood work together
Helpful School Subjects
Helpful school subjects include:
- Algebra
- Biology
- Chemistry
Helpful Fields of Study
No information available.
Work Environment
Cardiopulmonary and EEG technicians usually work in hospitals and clinics. In combat situations, they may work in mobile field hospitals.
Services offering this career:
- Air Force
- Army
- Navy
Hiring Practices
To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
This position is for enlisted personnel.
Wages
The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.
Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay.
Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.
There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.
Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.
Training Provided
Job training consists of 26 to 30 weeks of classroom instruction.
Course content typically includes:
- Diagnostic procedures
- Methods of resuscitation
- Operation and maintenance of diagnostic equipment
- Preparation of patients for testing
Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian cardiopulmonary and EEG technicians work in hospitals, clinics, and physicians' offices. Their duties are similar to those performed in the military. They may specialize either in cardiovascular (heart), pulmonary (lungs), or electroencephalographic (brain) testing.
Related Civilian Careers
Employment and Outlook
In peace time the services have about 6,000 cardiopulmonary and EEG technicians. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new technicians due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, new technicians are assigned to hospitals and clinics, where they work under the supervision of physicians and senior technicians. With experience, they may supervise others and assist in managing clinics.