Becoming an EKG Technician in Alaska
EKG technicians are important medical professionals that check patients’ heart rhythms with an electrocardiograph (EKG) machine. The technician puts electrical pads onto the person to get the reading and then interprets the reading on the machine. They share this information with a medical team to help inform health status or a medical diagnosis. EKG technicians can find work in medical settings in Alaska and other parts of the country.
Requirements for Becoming an EKG Technician in Alaska
The state of Alaska does not have schooling, certification or licensing requirements to become an EKG technician. Nonetheless, credentials may put you ahead of other job candidates or be required by certain employers.
If you’re interested in certification, you could take an exam through a certifying body such as the National Healthcareers Association (NHA) or the National Phlebotomy Certification Examination (NPCE). Some training programs help prepare you for one of the exams.
Training Courses and Education in Alaska
If you decide to further your career and take a training course, you could choose from online or in-person EKG courses, which may be offered by vocational schools, community colleges and online programs. Some will prepare you for an exam to achieve certification, while others will only provide a certificate of completion from the school.
EKG training programs are limited in Alaska, but consider expanding your search to online programs. These are some of the courses available:
Vocational Medical Trainers of Alaska: This in-person program in Wasilla, AK, lasts for 10 weeks and includes EKG certification among other medical training. It prepares you to take ASPT certification, which is for phlebotomy.
NAHCE Health Career Colleges: You could take the EKG Cardiographic Technician course to prepare for the national exam through the National Healthcareers Association. This is an online option that’s accessible from wherever you’re located. Getting certified helps you work throughout the nation, including in Alaska.
MedCerts: The EKG Technician course lasts for 11 weeks and prepares you for Certified EKG Technician (CET) and Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP) certification. These are national certifications that help you work throughout the country, including in Alaska.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The webpage provides detailed wage data for Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians in Alaska, comparing it to the national averages. Here are the key points:
- Average Wage in Alaska: $98,340 per year.
- Average Wage in the United States: $66,170 per year.
- 10th Percentile Wage in Alaska: $47,290 per year.
- 90th Percentile Wage in Alaska: $129,220 per year.
- 10th Percentile Wage in the United States: $36,620 per year.
- 90th Percentile Wage in the United States: $105,140 per year.
- Wages in Anchorage, AK:
- 10th Percentile: $48,590
- Median: $113,930
- 90th Percentile: $129,220
Key Takeaway
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians in Alaska earn significantly more on average than their counterparts across the United States, with higher wages observed at every percentile level.
National vs. Local Salaries
| Region | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median (50th Percentile) | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $36,620 | $44,160 | $66,170 | $85,930 | $105,140 |
| Alaska | $47,290 | $48,590 | $98,340 | $123,020 | $129,220 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region
| Region | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median (50th Percentile) | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | $48,590 | $48,590 | $113,930 | $123,020 | $129,220 |
EKG TechnicianTrends in Alaska
- Employment in Alaska (2020): 60 employees
- Projected Employment in Alaska (2030): 70 employees
- Projected Growth in Alaska (2020-2030): 17%
- Projected Annual Job Openings in Alaska (2020-2030): 10 openings
- Employment in the United States (2022): 58,900 employees
- Projected Employment in the United States (2032): 61,100 employees
- Projected Growth in the United States (2022-2032): 4%
- Projected Annual Job Openings in the United States (2022-2032): 3,900 openings
Table of the Data
| Region | Employment (2020/2022) | Projected Employment (2030/2032) | Projected Growth | Projected Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 60 (2020) | 70 (2030) | 17% | 10 |
| United States | 58,900 (2022) | 61,100 (2032) | 4% | 3,900 |
Source of data:
- Alaska source: Projections Central 2020-2030 long-term projections.
- United States source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022-2032 employment projections.
Working as an EKG Technician in Alaska
BLS information shows that most EKG technicians are employed by hospitals, while some work for doctor’s offices, outpatient centers or labs. This tends to be a full-time position that can include working irregular hours, weekends and holidays, especially if you work in a hospital.
An EKG technician is a needed role within the medical field. You could be an important part of a medical team that helps a patient get the proper diagnosis and care they need. In Alaska, you can easily become an EKG technician and start working in this role. You are not required to go through any specific training program or earn certification, although it may help you get started in the field and improve your job prospects over time.