
If you're looking for a fast track into Florida's booming healthcare field, becoming an EKG Technician is a direct path to a stable, well-paying job that doesn't require years of college. The state employs over 6,400 of these skilled professionals, who are part of a growing field with a median salary of $67,500 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This guide provides the definitive 5-step process to get trained, certified, and hired in this rewarding career in just a few months.
Your EKG certificate is an excellent first step. You can use this experience to advance your career by becoming a Telemetry Technician (monitoring multiple patients' heart rhythms on screens) or by enrolling in a two-year associate's degree program to become a Cardiovascular Technologist, a more advanced role with a higher salary.
Dreambound offers a variety of accredited EKG Technician programs in Florida. These programs are designed to equip you with the skills needed to succeed in this field. Find EKG classes near you.
After obtaining your EKG Technician certification and gaining some experience in the field, you may be wondering about the career paths and opportunities that are available to you. Here are some potential career paths you can explore:
EKG Technician Supervisor: With experience and additional training, you may have the opportunity to advance to a supervisory role. As a supervisor, you will be responsible for overseeing a team of EKG technicians, ensuring quality patient care, and managing the daily operations of the EKG department.
Cardiac Monitor Technician: Cardiac monitor technicians specialize in monitoring patients' heart rhythms and identifying any abnormalities or irregularities. This role requires strong EKG interpretation skills and the ability to recognize and respond to critical situations. Additional training and certification may be required to pursue this career path.
Electrocardiography Instructor: If you have a passion for teaching and sharing your knowledge with others, you may consider becoming an electrocardiography instructor. This role involves teaching EKG technician training programs, conducting educational workshops, and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in EKG technology and procedures.
Cardiac Catheterization Technician: Cardiac catheterization technicians assist cardiologists during cardiac catheterization procedures, which involve inserting a catheter into the heart to diagnose and treat heart conditions. This role requires additional training and certification in cardiac catheterization.
Cardiovascular Technologist: Cardiovascular technologists perform various diagnostic tests to assess the function of the cardiovascular system. They may assist in procedures such as echocardiograms, stress tests, and cardiac catheterizations. Additional training and certification may be required to pursue this career path.
Further Education: If you are interested in advancing your career in the healthcare field, you may consider pursuing further education. You can explore options such as a degree in nursing, cardiovascular technology, or other related fields. This can open up opportunities for higher-level positions and increased responsibility.
It typically takes 4 to 12 weeks to complete an accredited training program and become an EKG technician in Florida. After finishing the program, you'll need to pass a certification exam to start working.
The EKG technician salary in Florida can vary, but on average, they earn $64,930 per year. Factors like experience, certification, and the specific healthcare setting can influence earnings.
Yes, you can learn to become an EKG technician online. Many accredited programs offer online courses that cover the necessary skills and knowledge. These programs often include virtual simulations and sometimes require hands-on clinical practice.
EKG technicians tend to earn the highest salaries in states like Massachusetts ($103,570 per year), Distrcit of Columbia ($97,330 per year), and Rhode Island ($91,800 per year). These states often offer higher wages due to the cost of living and demand for healthcare professionals.
Becoming an EKG technician can be a rewarding career choice for those interested in healthcare and patient care. By obtaining the necessary certification, gaining practical experience, and actively searching for job opportunities, you can start your career as an EKG technician. Additionally, there are various career paths and opportunities for growth and advancement in this field, allowing you to continually develop your skills and pursue your professional goals. If you are passionate about helping others and have an interest in cardiovascular health, consider becoming an EKG technician and embark on a fulfilling career in the healthcare industry.
Remember, this journey doesn't end with this article — it's just the beginning. So, if this doesn't align with your preferences, explore these other articles:

Athena is Co-founder and CEO of Dreambound.
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EKG Technicians are healthcare professionals who specialize in performing electrocardiogram (EKG) tests on patients. They are responsible for:
To get hired at a top medical facility in Florida, you'll need to meet the industry standards for this skilled role.
The path to becoming a certified EKG Technician is quick and focused on a specific, valuable skill set. Follow these intelligent steps to get started.
Before you can enroll in a program, you must have your high school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years old. You'll also need to be prepared to pass a background check for your clinical training and future employment.
Your next step is to enroll in a short-term certificate program. These courses are designed to be fast, often lasting just 4 to 12 weeks. The curriculum will focus on the essentials: cardiac anatomy and physiology, how to operate the EKG machine, proper 12-lead placement, and how to identify basic heart rhythms.
This is the most important credential you will earn. National certification proves to employers that you have the knowledge and skills to perform the job accurately and safely.
Complete Your Program: Graduate from your EKG training course.
Register for an Exam: Apply to take a national certification exam. The two most common are the Certified EKG Technician (CET) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
Pass the Exam: Pass the computer-based exam to earn your professional credentials.
Once you are certified, you are ready to enter the job market. A great place to explore the skills employers are looking for is MyNextMove.org (which covers the broader cardiovascular field).
Create a resume that prominently features your new CET or CCT certification and your CPR certification. Search for job titles like "EKG Technician," "Monitor Tech," or "Cardiographic Tech" on the career pages of Florida's major hospitals (HCA Florida Healthcare, AdventHealth, Baptist Health) and clinics. Emphasize your hands-on training, attention to detail, and experience with 12-lead EKG placement.
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