Key Points:

• Job Duties: Acute Care Nursing Assistants (ACNAs) provide hands-on patient care, while EKG Technicians perform electrocardiogram tests to monitor heart health.
• Earnings: ACNAs typically earn a lower hourly wage compared to EKG Technicians.
• Training Options: ACNA training can often be completed online, while EKG Technician programs typically require in-person training.
• Cost & Duration: ACNA training is generally less expensive and shorter than EKG Technician training.

The healthcare field offers various career paths for individuals interested in making a difference in people's lives. Two such roles—Acute Care Nursing Assistant (ACNA) and EKG Technician—are essential to patient care. This post will break down the differences between ACNAs and EKG Technicians to help you decide which path suits your skills and goals.

What is an Acute Care Nursing Assistant?

An Acute Care Nursing Assistant (ACNA), also known as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), provides direct patient care in healthcare settings like hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities. ACNAs assist with:

• Daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding
• Monitoring vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate)
• Preventing bedsores by turning and repositioning patients
• Assisting with medical procedures under nurse supervision
• Providing emotional support to patients and families
• Maintaining a clean and safe environment

What is an EKG Technician?

An EKG Technician specializes in performing electrocardiograms (EKGs), which record the electrical activity of the heart to diagnose heart conditions. Their responsibilities include:

• Preparing patients for EKG tests by explaining the procedure
• Applying electrodes to the patient's chest, arms, and legs to record heart signals
• Operating EKG equipment and monitoring test quality
• Troubleshooting any issues during the procedure
• Assisting physicians in interpreting EKG results
• Maintaining patient records and confidentiality

Key Differences: Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs EKG Technician

1. Job Duties

• ACNAs assist with daily patient care, such as personal hygiene and monitoring health, as well as helping with basic medical procedures.
• EKG Technicians focus on performing diagnostic tests and assisting physicians with heart-related medical conditions.

2. Work Environment

• ACNAs work in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers.
• EKG Technicians work in hospitals, diagnostic labs, and clinics that specialize in cardiology.

3. Level of Patient Interaction

• ACNAs have extensive patient interaction, offering care and emotional support.
• EKG Technicians interact with patients mostly during the EKG procedure.

4. Scope of Practice

• ACNAs have a broader scope, including assisting with medical procedures like blood draws and catheter insertions.
• EKG Technicians have a more specialized role focused on performing EKG tests.

5. Career Path

• ACNAs can advance to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs).
• EKG Technicians may specialize further in cardiovascular procedures or pursue certifications in other diagnostic areas.

Job Descriptions

Acute Care Nursing Assistant

• Responsibilities: Assist with daily activities, monitor vital signs, reposition patients to avoid bedsores, assist with medical tasks, and provide emotional support.
• Work Environment: Hospitals, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers.

EKG Technician

• Responsibilities: Perform and interpret electrocardiograms, ensure the quality of heart-related tests, assist with diagnosis, and maintain patient records.
• Work Environment: Hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and cardiology clinics.

Education and Training Requirements

Acute Care Nursing Assistant Training

• Education: ACNAs complete a state-approved training program, usually lasting 4-12 weeks.
• Certification: After completing the program, ACNAs must pass a competency exam to become certified.
• Training Location: Some programs offer online training, while others provide in-person clinical experience.

EKG Technician Training

• Education: EKG Technicians typically complete a certificate or associate degree in cardiovascular technology.
• Certification: While certification is not always mandatory, it is highly recommended for career advancement.
• Training Duration: Programs can last from a few months to two years, depending on the level of education pursued.

Career Outlook and Salary

Acute Care Nursing Assistant

• Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 4% growth in ACNA employment from 2023 to 2033.
• Salary: The median annual wage for ACNAs was $38,200 in May 2023, with top earners earning more than $43,850.

EKG Technician

• Job Outlook: The BLS projects a 4% growth in employment for cardiovascular technologists, including EKG technicians, from 2023 to 2033.
• Salary: The median annual wage for cardiovascular technologists was $66,170 in May 2023, with the top earners making over $90,000.

Final Thoughts

Both Acute Care Nursing Assistants and EKG Technicians offer rewarding healthcare careers, each with unique responsibilities and career paths. If you enjoy hands-on patient care and a broader scope of duties, a career as an Acute Care Nursing Assistant may be a better fit. If you have an interest in cardiology and prefer a more specialized role, consider becoming an EKG Technician.

Both professions offer opportunities for growth and stability in the healthcare field. By understanding the differences in training, responsibilities, and career opportunities, you can make a more informed decision about which career aligns with your passions and long-term goals.

To explore training programs and learn more about these careers, check out the following resources:

• EKG in Delaware
• EKG classes near you