What is a telemetry technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
Quoted Expert
Jason Mott Ph.D.
introduction image

A telemetry technician analyzes data collected using remote devices, such as medical equipment or environmental sensors. They use specialized software to track and interpret data, detecting patterns and abnormalities that could indicate a problem. Telemetry technicians work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure accurate readings and troubleshoot technical issues. They may also be responsible for setting up and maintaining the equipment used for data collection. Attention to detail is crucial in this role.

What general advice would you give to a Telemetry Technician?

J

Jason Mott Ph.D.Jason Mott Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Associate Professor, Pre-licensure Program Director/Assistant Dean, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

I think the best advice for new graduates is to be flexible. Things are going to change daily. It is essential to be able to go with the flow. Also, take time for yourself. As the numbers of covid patients increase, staff members are at high risk of developing burnout. It is essential to take time for yourself to relax and get away from everything, even if for only a few minutes. That way, you can prevent becoming burned out.
ScoreTelemetry TechnicianUS Average
Salary
2.8

Avg. Salary $35,758

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
9.1

Growth Rate 10%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.91%

Asian 13.87%

Black or African American 10.58%

Hispanic or Latino 12.77%

Unknown 3.28%

White 58.58%

Gender

female 62.63%

male 37.37%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress Level
9.1

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.9

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.9

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Telemetry Technician?

Pros

  • Good job stability, salary, and benefits due to high demand

  • Opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings (hospitals, clinics, etc.)

  • Opportunities for career advancement

  • Opportunity to work in a challenging, fast-paced environment

  • Opportunity for flexible scheduling

Cons

  • Physically demanding due to long hours of standing or sitting

  • Possible exposure to contagious diseases

  • High stress due to exposure to critical situations

  • May require working long or irregular hours, weekends, and holidays

  • Can be repetitive

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Telemetry Technician career paths

Key steps to become a telemetry technician

  1. Explore telemetry technician education requirements

    Most common telemetry technician degrees

    Bachelor's

    35.0 %

    Associate

    29.6 %

    Certificate

    12.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific telemetry technician skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Patients26.13%
    EKG14.65%
    Patient Care8.85%
    Customer Service7.99%
    Rhythm Interpretation4.41%
  3. Complete relevant telemetry technician training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New telemetry technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a telemetry technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real telemetry technician resumes.
  4. Gain additional telemetry technician certifications

    Telemetry technician certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific telemetry technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for telemetry technicians include Certified EKG Technician (CET) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research telemetry technician duties and responsibilities

    • Observe patients being monitor while in the ICU and the Med/Surge unit and reporting any abnormal findings to the RN.
    • Monitor patients and administer EKG.
    • Utilize varied medical equipment including telemetry monitors, vital sign monitors and lifting equipment to care for patients.
    • Provide continuous observation of monitor ECG rhythms for patients on telemetry and report pertinent information to appropriate nursing personnel.
  6. Prepare your telemetry technician resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your telemetry technician resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a telemetry technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Telemetry Technician Resume templates

    Build a professional Telemetry Technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Telemetry Technician resume.
    Telemetry Technician Resume
    Telemetry Technician Resume
    Telemetry Technician Resume
    Telemetry Technician Resume
    Telemetry Technician Resume
    Telemetry Technician Resume
    Telemetry Technician Resume
    Telemetry Technician Resume
    Telemetry Technician Resume
  7. Apply for telemetry technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a telemetry technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Telemetry Technician Job

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Average telemetry technician salary

The average Telemetry Technician salary in the United States is $35,758 per year or $17 per hour. Telemetry technician salaries range between $28,000 and $44,000 per year.

Average Telemetry Technician Salary
$35,758 Yearly
$17.19 hourly

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How do telemetry technicians rate their job?

-/5

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Telemetry Technician reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2022
Pros

I like the Patient care part of the job. Seeing the patients get better and go home

Cons

Nothing


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2022
Pros

taking care of people love it been doing it for 34 years and getting patient back home and be able to return to there daily activities

Cons

patient who are real sick and not able to return home it make me sad but i make sure there stay is the best care when they are in hospital this is the only hospital they want to come to and they tell other about the best care they got


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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