Health careers are becoming increasingly popular due to job security, benefits, and more than adequate pay. As people live longer, the demand for highly qualified medical professionals, such as EKG technicians, increases proportionally. Below is an overview of how a career as an EKG technician and EKG technician salary measures up in the competitive health care environment.
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EKG tech/technician is an abbreviation for electrocardiograph technician. Whenever there are medical issues such as suspected heart problems, an EKG technician administers the necessary cardiovascular tests ordered by the doctor/s. The most basic test involves the technician affixing electrodes on different parts of a patient’s body to obtain a printout used to analyze and diagnose heart related issues.
The job of an EKG tech can be both rewarding and stressful at times. Working with patients who are suffering from serious, life threatening cardiovascular problems takes its toll. Most EKG technicians work a standard 40 hour week depending on the workplace setting. Much of this time is spent standing or walking so you should be in good physical condition if you are considering a career as an EKG tech.
The most recent statistics released by the US Board of Labor Statistics indicate that the decade of 2008-2018 will experience growth of approximately 24% in the employment rate of EKG technicians and all other cardiovascular technicians/technologists. This is a result of an aging population prone to heart disease and other cardiovascular issues requiring more EKGs. Thus, the career outlook for EKG technicians is positive.
Required Education and Training
To enroll in school to become an EKG technician, you must have a high school diploma or a GED and a training certificate. To become certified as a technician, you will need to complete at least a year of school as well as additional training. Most technical schools and community colleges offer EKG training courses. Additional training is usually completed on the job under the supervision of cardiologist or EKG supervisor and takes between 4 to 6 weeks.
In order to maintain your certification, you must participate in continuing education. EKG technicians are expected to understand the latest technology while being reliable, possessing mechanical aptitude, and meshing well with the team. You should be articulate and able to explain complicated procedures in terms that the average patient can understand.
EKG Technician Salary
EKG technician salary varies widely according to both training and location. As an EKG technician, you can expect to earn between $28,100 and $74,000 per year with the average EKG technician salary being between $32,748 and $39,304. Keep in mind that the more advanced training an EKG technician possesses, the more he/she will earn. Other factors influencing wages include location and work environment (i.e. hospital, doctor’s office, etc.)
If you are actively searching for a new career or changing careers, it is well worth considering a position as an EKG technician. The field is experiencing exponential growth and job prospects are much better than average.