The risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and several heart diseases has been very high, creating a high demand for EKG Technicians. What are you waiting for? Here’s how to become An EKG Technician Fast.
Electrocardiograph (EKG) technicians, cardiographic, cardiac monitors, or electrocardiogram technicians, perform tests that record the heart’s condition and detect any underlying heart disease.
Electrocardiograph (EKG) and cardiographic or electrocardiogram technicians are appointed to conduct tests.
They assist doctors in making an analysis of cardiovascular diseases in patients.
To become an EKG technician, one must enroll in an EKG technician certification class in the Bronx. Continue reading to get complete details about EKG technicians and how to become one.
The primary role of an EKG technician is to record the heart activities of a patient and operate the machines that record these activities.
First, the EKG Technician records the patient’s history. Next, electrodes are attached to a patient’s chest, arms, and legs.
The physician will require a printout of the heart rate of the patient. Thus, the electrodes are used to trace the same.
These tests help detect irregularities that may result in a heart attack or heart disease. However, it is of immense help in identifying and treating cardiovascular problems in patients.
Typical duties include explaining procedures, monitoring patients’ blood pressure, and positioning patients.
A great deal of these technicians’ work time may be spent standing. More so, they sometimes need to lift or turn patients.
Some technicians employed in medical facilities work overnight, evenings, or weekends.
Table of contents
What Is EKG Technician?
Electrocardiograph (EKG) technicians, also known as a cardiographic, cardiac monitor, or electrocardiogram technicians, are vital allied healthcare team member that uses non-invasive cardiology technologies, such as Holter monitoring, EKG, and stress tests every day to perform diagnostic tests to help doctors in identifying and treating cardiovascular problems in patients.
What does an EKG Technician do?
EKG technicians work in healthcare facilities with doctors and technologists and specialize in electrocardiogram (EKG) testing for patients.
EKG machines are complex devices that monitor the heart’s performance. This is done by attaching wires and electrodes to a patient’s chest, arms, and legs.
EKG technicians monitor the readings, make sure the machine is attached correctly and in working order, and record the results of the EKG tests.
In addition, EKG technicians might take a patient’s medical history, ask questions, keep equipment in good working order, check the quality of recorded data, and help technologists and physicians during procedures.
Why EKG Technician?
Health is the most critical aspect of human life; hence, EKG students are trained accordingly.
EKGs can reveal evidence of a heart attack or heart disease.
They can also give clues about heart birth defects, problems with your heart valves, muscles, and pericardial sacs, irregular heartbeats, artery blockages, and heart failure.
One of the jobs of an EKG technician is to administer this vital test.
How much does it cost to get an EKG certificate?
Though it only takes less than a year to finish an EKG technician certificate program, costs are still involved.
Tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, and food are some expenses that must be considered when enrolling in an EKG technician course.
However, tuition for an EKG technician program can range anywhere from a little over $400 to more than $1,000.
At Carroll Community College, for example, the 60-hour EKG technician training program costs $629 and does not yet include books.
Meanwhile, California State University has an EKG technician certification program with a tuition cost of $1,099.
This already includes the course textbook. At the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Knoxville, their EKG technician program costs $478.
This already includes tuition, books and supplies, and other expenses.
At Edmonds Community College, the EKG technician program can be completed in one quarter after completing all the prerequisites.
The entire cost of the 22-credit program—which includes the prerequisites—is around $2,350. Books cost about $334, and laboratory fees cost $227.
What is the job outlook?
The demand for healthcare professionals, including EKG technicians, is growing.
This can be attributed to an aging population retiring at an escalating rate—creating job openings within the industry and generating an increased need for healthcare services.
The best way to secure opportunities as an EKG technician is to obtain certification and specialized skills, especially in Holter monitoring and stress testing.
EKG technician Certification Information
After completing an ASPT-approved EKG technician training program, individuals may apply for certification, which involves passing an exam and paying a fee.
Individuals without formal training may apply for the exam after six months of practical work experience.
A verification letter from an instructor or supervisor is required as proof.
An EKG technician certificate program teaches students to use EKG machines and Holter monitors to prepare them to enter a very fast-growing career field as cardiovascular technicians.
These programs also qualify graduates to sit for certification exams with the ASPT.
What is an EKG Technician’s salary?
The average annual income of a cardiac monitor technician is around $35,100, but salaries can get as high as $48,240.
You probably won’t get the highest pay rate, but an EKG tech in New Jersey can expect a starting wage of around $12-$15 per hour.
The average salary for an EKG Technician is $20.78 per hour in the United States.
Salary estimates are based on 121 salaries submitted anonymously to Indeed by EKG Technician employees and users and collected from past and present job advertisements on Indeed in the past 36 months.
The typical tenure for an EKG Technician is 1-3 years.
Where can I get EKG Certification?
#1. College Of Health Care Professions
At CHCP EKG program is offered under Online Medical Assisting Certificate Program alongside other programs like Phlebotomy, Examinations and documenting patient histories, Taking vital Signs, Basic Insurance, and Billing procedures.
Financial Aid is available for those who qualify.
There is friendly and helpful financial aid staff that will help you determine what financial assistance you are eligible to receive and will guide you through the process of applying.
#2. Vista College Ground Campuses
Vista College is an accredited, private college that offers a variety of flexible career training programs designed to prepare students to enter the workforce quickly.
It awards associate’s, bachelor’s, and diplomas at nine campuses in Texas, Arkansas, and New Mexico.
Vista’s programs are designed to provide practical training while helping students prepare for the workforce in as little time as possible.
Vista College students can access career services, and financial assistance is available to those who qualify.
Vista College ground campuses are accredited by Council on Occupational Education (COE).
#3. Southern Technical College
Southern Technical College is a private institution that provides extensive hands-on training in various careers for students seeking to develop the skills employers look for in allied health, nursing, design, business, and technical trades.
Many of the programs offer externships and clinical labs, providing plenty of opportunities for hands-on experiences that allow the application of methods and concepts taught in the classroom to help students build the skills needed for their chosen careers.
Students can sometimes earn an associate’s degree in as little as a year and a half or a diploma in 36-40 weeks.
The medical and technical trade programs, such as those in electrical technology, welding, or veterinary assisting, incorporate externships or simulated lab experiences for hands-on training.
Allied health programs can prepare students for careers as medical sonographers, medical assistants, surgical technicians, medical lab technicians, or medical billers/coders.
Associate degrees and diplomas are awarded in these allied health careers.
Nursing students earn an associate’s degree in an accredited program that is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and provides preparation for national certification exams.
Classroom and career training is supplemented by STC’s career services office, where students and graduates can brush up on interviewing skills, prepare resumes, attend career fairs and on-campus recruiting events, and enjoy other benefits guiding them through job-seeking.
Students of STC even enjoy discounts for electronic products from Dell, Microsoft, and Apple.
#4. Institute of Technology
Institute of Technology is a private, career-focused college offering education programs since 2004.
The school has four campuses on the West Coast that offer certificate, diploma, and associate’s degree programs in the business, medical, culinary, criminal justice, and technical fields.
Institute of Technology programs are taught by experienced instructors and feature the latest technologies to help students launch a real career in less time than they thought possible.
IOT’s programs offer focused training at an accelerated pace to prepare students for a meaningful careers.
IOT students can choose from nearly 20 programs that include hands-on training in the technical skills needed for that industry.
For instance, HVAC students learn to install, maintain, and troubleshoot HVAC systems. In contrast, pharmacy students receive hands-on training in packaging medications and learning PioneerRx, the top pharmacy management system in the industry.
Exact program options vary slightly by campus, but they may include a Practical Nursing Certificate, Medical Billing, Office Administration Diploma, Culinary Arts Diploma, AAS in Criminology, Emergency Response Management, AAS in Accounting, and an AOS in Industrial Maintenance and Automated Technology.
Cosmetology and barbering programs are available at the Clovis, CA, campus.
IOT’s California campuses are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The Salem, OR, campus is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).
#5. Herzing University
While expanding its campuses, Herzing diversified its educational programs to include business, health care, technology, design, and public safety.
It also raised the level of credentials from diplomas to Bachelor of Science degrees and Associate of Science degrees at all U.S. campuses and master’s degrees at the Online campus.
The managers and executives of Herzing have been leaders in their respective industries, and Herzing University has been nationally recognized for its community service.
How to become an EKG technician.
To become an EKG technician, you must follow these steps:
#STEP 1: Earn a High School Diploma or its Equivalent
Most employers demand applicants to hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Individuals wishing to further their education generally need to hold a high school diploma or equivalent to meet admissions qualifications.
In high school, consider taking math and science courses.
High school students interested in pursuing careers as EKG technicians after graduation should take mathematics, anatomy, and physiology courses.
#STEP 2: Gain Experience in the Healthcare Field
While EKG technicians generally are given on-the-job training, employers may prefer that applicants have some previous healthcare experience.
However, Becoming nurses, paramedics, or EMTs can give individuals the knowledge base to begin careers as EKG technicians.
#STEP 3: Complete On-the-Job Training or an EKG Technician Program
According to the Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals, on-the-job training is the primary path to becoming an EKG technician.
Training usually takes about four to six weeks to complete and is performed under the supervision of a cardiologist or EKG supervisor.
However, EKG technician certification programs are available at several colleges nationwide.
These programs train students on using the EKG machine and practicing correct 12-lead placement on patients.
Programs may also cover medical terminology, anatomy, and legal aspects of patient interaction.
Students can familiarize themselves with EKG equipment and gain hands-on experience during labs.
#STEP 4: Aquire Certification
Cardiovascular Credentialing International offers a certification examination for EKG technicians with the required experience or education. The Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) credentialing is not required, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates employers prefer applicants with professional certification. Students who have completed an approved EKG training program or have at least six months of experience will also be eligible to take the Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam offered by the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT).
It’s important to review for the exam. Individuals interested in taking the Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) exam should visit the Cardiovascular Credentialing International website to review sample questions and reference materials.
#STEP 5: Complete Further Training
Individuals who wish to advance their skills can learn to perform more specialized EKG tests, Holter monitoring, and stress tests.
This additional on-the-job training typically takes 18-24 months to complete and requires intensive study of physiology and cardiovascular anatomy.
This training may increase job prospects and create opportunities for career advancement.
To recap, with a high school diploma, on-the-job training, or a training program, An EKG technician can earn between $35,100 and $48,240 a year to perform diagnostic tests to aid doctors in identifying and treating cardiovascular problems in patients.
FAQs on how to become an EKG technician
Cardiographic technicians generally work a 40-hour work week. They usually work in hospitals. The outlook is good for this career, as cardiovascular technology and technician jobs are expected to grow 24% throughout 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Approximately four to six weeks
The training takes approximately four to six weeks and is overseen by a supervisor or cardiologist. Some technicians may have completed a two-year program for cardiovascular technologists, but this is unnecessary or required to operate an EKG.
These techs work alongside doctors in healthcare facilities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that most are employed by hospitals and cardiac centers, though some work in private practices.
As a Certified EKG Technician (CET), you’ll perform meaningful work in helping diagnose cardiovascular conditions. EKG rhythms provide important data for diagnosing heart conditions. … These tests can be performed during physical exams when cardiovascular problems are suspected or in preparation for surgery.
Certifications expire after two years. *The 10 credits apply toward one or more certifications.
Most EKG tech jobs can be found in the cardiology department of hospitals. However, employment opportunities exist within outpatient clinics, doctor’s offices, medical imaging centers, and other healthcare settings.
Some programs do not require a high school diploma or GED to enroll. However, certification or licensing exams are often needed, so reviewing the requirements of individual organizations that oversee the industry would be a good idea.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Also known as an electrocardiogram or electrocardiograph, an EKG is a test that monitors and records a patient’s heart’s electrical impulses and rhythms.
The patient’s physician can then interpret the results and diagnose heart abnormalities.
However, you can provide an essential healthcare service as an EKG technician.
But, whether you are just beginning or already an allied health professional wanting to learn a new skill, it’s essential to understand what EKG training involves.
