Pursuing a Career as an EKG Technician: What You Need to Know

EKG Certification

If you would like to pursue a career as an EKG technician, earning your EKG certification is an essential first step. Working as an EKG technician is an engaging and rewarding career that, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is only expected to continue growing in demand over the next few years. If you are interested in working as EKG technician, consider this blog post your ultimate guide to what this exciting career entails and what you will need to do in order to find employment. 

What is the Role of an EKG Technician? 

EKG technicians are responsible for administering a number of different cardiovascular tests, the most common of which being the electrocardiogram (EKG), which measures the heart’s electrical activity via electrodes placed on the patient’s torso. 

In addition to administering cardiovascular tests such as the EKG, EKG technicians are also responsible for organizing data from the tests and presenting it to the physician, making sure to highlight any anomalies or concerns that they notice.

EKG technicians are also involved in a lot of patient interactions. While interacting with a patient while they are administering a test is a given, EKG technicians are also often responsible for explaining procedures to patients, helping them make appointments, and helping keep them calm during the test so that the reading is as accurate as possible. With this being the case, bedside manner and effective communication are both an important part of working as an EKG technician and are areas that are sure to be covered both in your EKG certification course as well as any on-the-job training that you receive.   

How Much do EKG Technicians Earn 

According to Indeed.com, the average base salary for EKG technicians in the United States is $19.73 per hour or $45,943 per year. It’s important to note, though, that this an average base or starting salary for EKG technicians. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, EKG technicians across all levels of experience earn a median annual salary of $55,570 while the highest paid EKG technicians in the country make upwards of $89,450. 

What is the Job Outlook for EKG Technicians?

While salary is certainly a crucial factor to consider when choosing a career, job outlook is an important factor to take into account as well. Thankfully, the job outlook for EKG technicians over the next ten years is quite good. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected growth in employment for EKG technicians is predicted to be 7% over the ten year period from 2018-2028, which is significantly higher than the .5% predicted average growth rate of all careers across the same time period. This high growth rate is comparable to the growth rate of most all medical careers and is largely credited to the aging population in the United States and their expected need for more frequent medical services. 

What is Required to Become an EKG Technician? 

In order to secure a position as an EKG technician, you will need a high school diploma or the equivalent thereof as well as your EKG certification. An EKG certification can be attained through a non-degree program that entails a written test in addition to the requirement that you perform at least ten EKG tests on live patients. 

While some employers will offer on-the-job training and do not require that you have your EKG certification in order to apply for the position, being EKG certified is required in most cases and is preferred even when it is not directly required. It is also worth noting that a training program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is recommended. 

Once you have earned your initial EKG certification, you will need to renew your certification every two years. EKG certification renewal entails paying a renewal fee as well as completing ten credits of continuing education. In addition to allowing you to keep your certification up to date, taking these recertification and continuing education courses may enable you to pursue more responsibilities within your career as well as higher pay. 

How do I Receive my EKG Certification?

If you live in the Los Angeles area, we at EA Certs would love the opportunity to help you become a certified EKG technician. At EA Certs, we are proud to offer a high-quality ECG/EKG certification class that are taught by knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly instructors. These courses are designed to provide you with all of the information, experience, and training that you need to successfully begin your EKG technician career. 

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