They are also known as cardiographic technicians or electrocardiograph technicians an electrocardiogram or ekg monitors a patients heart by tracing electrical impulses given by the heart the technician attaches electrodes to the chest arms and legs of the patient and then controls the ekg machine to best obtain a reading which they then print out for the physician to look over and interpret. The cardiographic technician certification ctc program was developed in 2004 as a community service to provide a structured educational program for those interested in learning the science of electrocardiographic recording techniques upon fulfillment of all ctc program requirements graduates receive a certificate of completion. Cardiographic technicians are part of medical care teams that diagnose and or treat patients with heart conditions they may specialize in a particular noninvasive diagnostic technique such as cardiac sonography or electrocardiography ekg they may also assist with invasive procedures such as cardiac catheterization or even open heart surgery