As an EKG technician, you will listen to people’s heartbeats and record them over time. Hacking the EKG machine is part of the job, and it measures the electrical activity in the patient’s heart. An EKG technician will listen to your heartbeat, record your heartbeat, and then understand the meaning and any contradictions behind your heartbeat. After the examination, the EKG technician takes the doctor’s report, who will then discuss it with the patient. To improve this work, you should be willing to work with all kinds of people and get reliable information about the medical field.

Roles of an EKG Technician

There are numerous obligations to be done consistently for an EKG Technician. A portion of the things that might be needed in this vocation include:

• Attaching and dismantling gear
• Cleaning and purifying gear
• Making covers information
• Noticing tests
• Checking patients
• Conversing with patients
• Reacting to clinical codes
• Talking with specialists
• Maintain EKG tools and the required inventory to run tests and perform related administrative tasks such as recording results, filing, and data entry.

Salary of an EKG Technician

The compensation of an EKG technician may shift worldwide, yet the distinction between the pay rates isn’t immense. Typically, the EKG technician is paid a similar sum in practically all the USA, and the only distinction between the USA’s condition.

As per salary.com, the average compensation according to January 2021 of an EKG technician is $39,000 in the USA. The compensation can go from $44,000 to $70,000 in the USA, and each state has its normal salary for the EKG technician. The compensation varieties can vary due to the kind of organization the EKG technician is working at. Every year, the compensation raise is average, and you will acquire far better with your experience. The base you can make with the most minimal instruction and experience level is around $50,000 in the USA.

How to become an EKG technician

Step 1: Get Education

Most employers require a certain degree to work as an EKG specialist. This is because, with a degree, you can show that you know how to do your job and have the knowledge you need to work in the medical field. Getting a collaborative degree in cardiovascular technology will lead you to a distinguished career as an EKG technician. Most junior employees take about two years to complete their degree. Please note that any program you submit must be approved by the Commission for accreditation of the relevant health education programs. You should be able to find many cardiovascular technology programs accredited by your local community college or university. Some of these may even be available online, which may take less than two years.

In the cardiovascular technology program, you should expect some classes that include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• First Aid
• Medical Terminology
• Principles of Electrocardiographic
• Microbiology
• Procuring an associate’s degree can help you get into hospitals or other healthcare settings entry-level jobs.

Step 2: Gain Experience

Now that you have a degree, you need to start looking for a career. Here are some places where you can find your experience as an EKG technician.

• Medical Center
• Research Institutes
• Hospitals
• Doctor’s offices
• Clinics

If you are not fully prepared to go to work, it is advisable to shade the contents of EKG technicians for review. This is what every working day looks like. You can also volunteer at a hospital or other medical center. Gaining practical experience in this area will take you farther, the more you know about electrocardiography and the general medical field, the more likely you are to grow and develop. I will. You must have at least two years of experience as an EKG technician to prepare for the certificate before certification.

Step 3: Become Certified

If you have several years of experience with ECG technology, we recommend that you consider getting certified. This is not yet required by US law, but employers show that you are competent in your career. ECG specialists can obtain several certifications, including:

• Certified EKG Technician from the National HealthCareer Association
• Certified EKG Technician from the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians
• ECG Technician from the American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals

Each certification has different requirements, but having an EKG Technician experience is a must for all. Very essential. You must pass the exam to obtain these certifications. After getting your qualification, you stand out among your employers and show that you own your craft.

Step 4: Further Your Education

Whether you want to pursue your career as an EKG technician or expand into other areas of the medical field, increasing education is not a bad idea. Those who choose to pursue a master’s degree may wish to consider majoring in cardiovascular science. If you already have an associate’s degree, you’ll be able to transfer credits to speed up the process, but it takes about four years to get a regular master’s degree.

Some of the classes that you will take in a cardiopulmonary science program are:

• Pulmonary Pathology
• Cardiac Electrophysiology
• Patient Assessment
• Diagnostic Testing

Other majors could qualify for this career field.

Consider asking your employer before determining which major is right for you.

The other majors to consider are:

• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Cardiovascular Sonography
• Cardiovascular Technology

This is a major step in a more advanced career, either as an EKG engineer or for promotion to a managerial position.

Education required to become an EKG technician

You do not need to have a legal degree to earn a career as an EKG technician. However, most employers need at least some kind of education. Many will agree that an associate’s degree in cardiovascular technology is an excellent choice for this career. On average, an associate degree takes about two years. As part of the Cardiovascular Technology Program, you will learn a lot about ultrasound technology and the cardiovascular system. There are many times when you need to put your knowledge into practice.

We also take many classes on topics such as:

• Anatomy
• Pharmacology
• Cardiovascular technology practice
• Pathophysiology
• Clinical skills

It is possible to earn an associate degree as an EKG technician online, but don’t forget to gain hands-on experience in the field during class. An associate degree provides you with the opportunity to work in an entry-level position in the medical field. A bachelor’s degree increases your chances of being promoted to more cardiovascular managers. It takes about four years to get a bachelor’s degree in cardiopulmonary medicine, but some associate degrees may be taken over, and research costs may be lower.

This degree will take you deeper into the world of cardiovascular science and explore topics such as

• Patient Management
• Legal and Ethical Aspects of Healthcare
• Leadership
• Community Health
• Diagnosis and Intervention

After earning a Bachelor’s degree, there are so many career opportunities.

Some of them need further certification, but you could find your niche as a:

• Respiratory Therapist
• Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist
• Vascular Technologist
• Echocardiographer

The type of career you are looking for will determine what level of education you need. It is important to gain practical experience during training. You can do this by shadowing other EKG techniques to see how they work and what the proper procedure is. It is possible to gain experience by volunteering in clinics or hospitals in your community. The important part is to gain as much knowledge as possible in your area of interest.

Certification

Certification is an excellent way for employers and patients to know what you are doing as an EKG technician. Although this is not a legal requirement, it is something you should consider if you want to work in this profession. Many associations provide certification for EKG technicians.

The three most significant ones are:

• The National HealthCareer Association
• The American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals
• The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians

There is a specific requirement of a Certified EKG Technician Certificate from the Health Career Association, applicants must complete their education in the field within the last five years. To obtain this certification, you must pass an exam that costs $117. This exam lasts for about three hours and comprises multiple-choice questions.

Some of the areas to focus on for the exam include:

• Safety Compliance and Coordinated Patient Care
• EKG Acquisition
• EKG Analysis and Interpretation

You can expect to receive your results in the mail between 6 and 8 weeks after taking the test. To be certified as an EKG Technician Certified by the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (yes, it has the same name), you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a current ASPT member
• Have proof of 5 documented EKGs by a supervisor
• Be a graduate of an accredited program

It costs $60 to apply for this test and test sites can be found in the United States, see the lead of your local hospital or community college. For other certifications from the US Certification Agency of Healthcare Professionals, certified ECG technicians, you must have:

• At least six months of ECG recording experience
• Successful completion of an EKG program

This exam is given online through the ACAHP website, and more information about how to obtain this certification can be found there as well.

Average Training Program Duration: 1-2 Years

Training to become an EKG technician can take up to six months, but beware of smaller programs, as they often do not provide the education necessary to start an entry-level career. Instead, opt for programs that are one year or longer and experience clinics in ECG technology. Those who are serious about becoming an EKG technician will earn an associate’s degree, which can usually take about two years. Certifications can last from six weeks to several months depending on the certification.

Job opportunities for the EKG technician

An EKG technician’s career will grow at a rate of about 5 percent over the next ten years. Compared to other professions in the medical field, an EKG technician should expect the most job opportunities. This is due to the need for medical treatment for the aging baby boomer generation. As this generation ages, they will also retire, giving new EKG technicians more job opportunities. Those who are certified or work as EKG technicians in a specific niche are likely to find more career opportunities. With advances in mechanical engineering, more and more employers are demanding that EKG technicians also have advanced training in technology.

Why should you work as an EKG technician?

Overall Satisfaction: High

Most EKG techs love their careers; the only downside is that there aren’t many opportunities to advance. This career is faster and less stressful than most medical jobs. Becoming an EKG technician doesn’t take long, only about two years, and it can be an excellent salary on top of a good salary. For those who get more education, there will be more job prospects in this career, as well as opportunities to elevate and promote those without a certificate. The hours are good, and depending on the type of facility you work in, you cannot work forty hours a week. This is good for some and difficult for others, but this task can be very lucrative in the long run.

Average Salary: High

Most EKG technicians in the United States earn about $59,000 a year. After many years of experience and certifications, many EKG technicians can earn more than $76,000 in some areas. Specializing in specific types of EKGs can also lead to higher salaries. EKG technicians are new to their careers and should expect to receive compensation close to $44,000 per year, to begin with. Working in a large hospital or a densely populated area can also lead to higher pay.

Job Growth Outlook: High

A career as an EKG technician is incredible, and that career seems to be on the rise. Over the next decade, job opportunities for EKG technicians should increase by about 5 percent. This is more than other careers in the medical field. There has been an excellent need for EKG technicians in recent years, and it continues to grow with aging baby boomers. As this generation gets older, they need more medical care. Technological progress has helped those who want to work as an EKG technician.

Education Duration: 1-2 Years

Your education to become an EKG technician depends on the facility you want to work at. Your employer will tell you whether you need to earn an associate’s degree or a certificate from your local community college. If you need an associate’s degree, it can take a full-time student up to two years to complete. However, there are many certification programs of varying lengths, from 6 weeks to 6 months and even one year.

Personal Skills Needed

Working as an EKG technician can be difficult for people who do not know in the medical field, but it is essential to have other specialties.

The ECG specialist should pay close attention to detail to follow hospital procedures. You will review patient tests and need to understand if there are any potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances. If there is a problem, you should follow hospital protocol on alerting the doctor and explaining what is happening to the patient. ECG technicians need excellent oral and written communication skills to communicate with patients and hospital staff and produce accurate reports. They may need to report the test results to the patient’s doctor or the patient himself. These professionals should clearly and calmly explain to the patient what they are doing to calm the worried patient.

For example, you can alert them when you place sticky electrodes connected to wires connected to the ECG machine. You will need to stay calm and help patients remain calm, as this can be a very stressful time for them. Keeping them quiet will also provide you with accurate results. ECG technicians need physical endurance because they often spend hours on their feet. They may need to move between the patient and the machine or between the doctor and the labor room. These professionals can have multiple patients and should help the patient stay calm while things are getting ready. EKG specialists usually work in a hospital, but some may also work in a specialized long-term care facility. They are generally kept in a separate ECG room but will communicate with patients, doctors, and nurses during the day. EKG specialists usually spend long hours waiting. Whether they work part-time or full-time, those hours will depend on how many patients are scheduled for tests. Some tech people can work on weekends depending on needs and emergencies. These technicians regularly use computers and advanced electrocardiographic equipment to have the necessary technical skills to troubleshoot and maintain equipment and perform the required tests.

To have an influential profession as an EKG Technician, you ought to have:

• Actual endurance
• Comprehension of EKG innovation
• Great composed and verbal, relational abilities
• Sympathy and compassion
• Relational abilities
• Attention to detail
• Incredible perception abilities
• Capacity to work alone and with others
• Great bedside way

Having a mindful heart and a desire to help other people will get you far in this profession.

FAQs

What is the average salary for an EKG Technician?

Most EKG technicians in the United States earn approximately $59,000 per year. Having a good education and the right certification can result in salaries of over $76,000 for some EKG technicians. When you are starting your career, you expect a salary of around $44,000 for a better start. Getting a degree, getting certified, and even specializing in a particular position will give you higher promotions and salaries in the long run.

How long does it take to become an EKG Technician?

The time it takes to become an EKG technician is ultimately up to you. And there are many programs at community colleges and online or trade schools that teach EKG courses from one year to 18 months. Most people who work as an EKG technician earn an associate’s degree, which takes about two years to complete. After many years of experience, you can become certified as an EKG technician in various fields. In general, it can take 2 to 4 years to become a (certified) EKG technician.

What does an EKG Technician do?

EKG Technician is an expert working with echocardiograms to determine the patient’s cardiovascular health. This can be achieved by conducting tests on the patient, monitoring blood pressure, and collecting information from the physicians.

Some other tasks that you will likely have as an EKG Technician include:

• Sanitizing and purifying all equipment
• Keeping patients comfortable and at ease
• Setting up components of equipment
• Monitoring and observing equipment

In this profession, it is needed to work closely with a wide range of specialists, attendants, and patients, so having incredible relational abilities will get you far.

What is the demand for EKG Technicians?

This world will always need technologies, especially for those who work in the field of medicine. With state-of-the-art technology, heart problems are more likely to be discovered than ever before, and so are career opportunities. Those interested in this career can expect an increase of about 19% in the next decade. Getting a job shouldn’t be a problem, significantly as children’s boomers increase pay generation and demand more medical help.

How much does it cost to become an EKG Technician?

Some programs that take a year to complete can cost between $4450 and $1,000. On average, an associate’s degree in the United States costs between $15,000 to $20,000, depending on the school you attend. Certificates can cost around $100 each, depending on which certificate you choose. Overall, it can take between $550 and $20,500 to become an EKG specialist.