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Whether you're a recent high school graduate or a seasoned professional looking to switch careers, being an EKG technician offers a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge. Did you know that the demand for EKG technicians is projected to grow by 10% in the coming years?
At Dreambound, we help over 100,000 people find job training programs every month, so we know the ins and outs of all the different certifications out there. EKG is among our top 10 most popular certifications as of March 2024, although we believe it's underrated!
Here's why we like the EKG certification over other allied health certifications here at Dreambound:
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On Dreambound, there are 247 EKG programs, 107 upcoming classes, and the average class length is 2 months. We've helped thousands of people find EKG classes near them, and we've been featured in Yahoo!, NurseJournal, Forbes, and other publications.
Here's what Candise has to say about her experience with us: "Its truly amazing! Life-changing, actually. Im so grateful to Dreambound for helping me start my career journey. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to further their career path!!! Thank you, Dreambound!"
In person programs
There aren't as many in person EKG options available across the country as there are other in-person healthcare programs. Schools will usually lump in the EKG program with their Patient Care Technician program, which is a combination of EKG, CNA, and Phlebotomy. However, you can use our search to filter by in-person EKG classes near you.
In general, here's what you can expect:
Online programs
It's surprising, but yes EKG programs can be done online! We'll break them down below:
In order to help you find an EKG class, at Dreambound we've gathered the most comprehensive list of EKG classes in the US. Below, you can find a list of EKG classes organized by city. If you don't see your city listed, you can always search by zipcode.
We know taking the first step to becoming an EKG technician can be scary. That's why we're trying to demystify the process by writing guides on how to become an EKG technician. Since state processes or requirements may vary, we've written separate guides for each state:
Considering other programs? Read our guides on EKG versus other similar programs in your field, providing a comprehensive overview to assist you in making the right choice for your career path.
An Electrocardiograph Technician, also known as an EKG Technician, is a valued member of the healthcare team. They assist with performing different procedures and work directly with patients. Learn more about this valued profession and how to become one.
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An EKG technician is responsible for performing electrocardiogram tests to monitor and record the electrical activity of a patient's heart. These tests help doctors diagnose and treat heart conditions. With the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, pursuing a career as an EKG technician can offer job stability and a rewarding opportunity to contribute to patient care. Some other responsibilities of an EKG technician include maintaining EKG equipment, recognizing abnormalities, preparing patients, and performing related tasks as assigned.
Here are the general requirements you must prepare to complete your journey toward getting your EKG technician certification. First, make sure you have a high school diploma or your GED. Then, find an accredited training program to enroll in. During this program, you'll gain practical experience, which will be beneficial as you enter the workforce. To become certified, you'll need to pass an exam and meet specific requirements, such as completing the training or gaining work experience.
EKG technician training programs usually last between 12 and 24 months, although some schools may offer a shorter program that can last from 3 to 6 months. EKG training programs cost between $1,000 and $4,000. A high school diploma isn't necessarily required unless you're training at a community college.
In every job, there are always going to be pros and cons. Before diving into a career path, it is important that you weigh these and make an informed decision. EKG technicians are surely a rewarding vocational career choice. The pros of being one include job stability, a competitive salary, and plenty of opportunity for career advancement. However, it is important to note that the job can be physically demanding, requiring long periods of standing and the ability to lift and move patients. EKG technicians may also experience high levels of stress due to the critical nature of their work.
An EKG technician can work in various settings. These may include hospitals, clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, and private medical practices. Some EKG technician jobs can be found in specialized cardiac care units or cardiovascular departments. EKG technicians can also work in nursing homes and the like to ensure the health of elderly patients, who are more susceptible to heart-related problems.
The salary of an EKG technician can vary based on factors like experience, location, and the employer. In May 2022, the average annual wage for cardiovascular technologists and technicians was $63,020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The average hourly wage for diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians was $37.60. It's important to note that these figures may change over time due to fluctuations in the number of certified EKG technicians and other factors impacting the job market.
Harold Roldan is a Growth team member at Dreambound. With a background in IT, he works with data and automation to improve team efficiency and workflows. He spends his free time playing musical instruments or studying data, computers, and technology.