Becoming an EKG Technician in Colorado
An electrocardiogram, or EKG, is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart and is commonly done to check for signs of heart disease. A healthcare professional who administers this test is known as an EKG technician.
If you’re interested in a career in healthcare in Colorado, working as an EKG technician offers an opportunity to fill an important role while receiving above-average wages. You’ll help to put patients at ease while explaining the procedure to them, maintain sterile fields, set up equipment and provide test results to doctors.
Requirements for Colorado EKG Technicians
In Colorado, a high school diploma or the equivalent is required in order to apply to postsecondary training programs for EKG technicians. You can learn the skills needed for this profession by completing a certificate program or an associate’s degree. You’ll need to have compassion for patients who may be experiencing discomfort and you’ll also need good interpersonal skills. Many settings require candidates to pass a drug test and a criminal background check.
Where Can You Obtain EKG Technician Training in Colorado?
Learning to be an EKG technician in Colorado usually requires education in a classroom setting as well as hands-on clinical experience. Some of the EKG technician training programs in Colorado include:
- Front Range Community College. This community college offers an electrocardiogram certificate on campuses in Fort Collins and Westminster. Students learn basic and advanced skills for administering and reading EKGs in a healthcare setting.
- Red Rocks Community College. Students can earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Diagnostic Medical Sonography at the Arvada campus of this community college. The program spans 21 months and five semesters and includes clinical internships at area hospitals and clinics. Current sonographers can earn a certificate in echocardiography, which consists of 9 credits.
- Pueblo Community College. This school offers an AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This two-year program consists of 68.5 credits and covers a wide range of imaging studies including cardiac and vascular. Students learn to work with highly complex medical imaging equipment, analyze images for quality and also learn techniques for patient care and education.
EKG Technician Certification in Colorado
Colorado doesn’t require EKG technicians to obtain a license or certification to work in this field. But it’s a good idea to get certified through a national organization in order to prove to potential employers that you have the expertise needed to work as an EKG technician. Certification exams are offered through Cardiovascular Credentialing International.
To become a Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT), you need to pass a multiple choice exam, which is 130 questions and takes two hours. To take the test, you need to have a high school diploma or GED. You also need to be a student or graduate of a cardiovascular or allied health training program.
Salary Expectations and Career Opportunities for Colorado EKG Technicians
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians in Colorado earn significantly more than the national average, with notable regional variations within the state. The highest median salaries are found in the Boulder and Denver-Aurora-Lakewood areas, reflecting the economic conditions and demand for these professionals in those regions.
National vs. Connecticut Salaries:
| Location | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median (50th Percentile) | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $36,620 | $44,160 | $66,170 | $85,930 | $105,140 |
| Colorado | $42,330 | $64,670 | $83,300 | $103,240 | $110,190 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region within Connecticut:
| Region | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median (50th Percentile) | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | $50,630 | $73,230 | $97,980 | $108,830 | $110,190 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $42,010 | $68,530 | $82,500 | $102,360 | $110,690 |
| Fort Collins, CO | $38,500 | $47,400 | $84,390 | $102,210 | $106,450 |
EKG TechnicianTrends in Colorado
The employment trends for cardiovascular technologists and technicians in Colorado indicate significant growth over the decade from 2020 to 2030. In 2020, there were 670 individuals employed in this occupation in Colorado, and this number is projected to increase to 820 by 2030, reflecting a substantial 22% growth rate. Additionally, there are expected to be about 50 job openings annually during this period, which includes positions due to both growth and replacement needs.
Nationally, the employment for cardiovascular technologists and technicians was 58,900 in 2022, with a projected increase to 61,100 by 2032, indicating a 4% growth rate. The average annual job openings nationally are projected to be around 3,900.
Table of the Data
| Location | Employment (2020/2022) | Projected Employment (2030/2032) | Projected Growth (%) | Projected Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 670 (2020) | 820 (2030) | 22% | 50 |
| United States | 58,900 (2022) | 61,100 (2032) | 4% | 3,900 |
Source of data:
- Colorado source: Projections Central 2020-2030 long-term projections.
- United States source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022-2032 employment projections.
A Career as an EKG Technician in Colorado
To work as an EKG technician, it helps to be a detail-oriented person with good physical stamina. In some settings, you may have to stand for long periods of time. You may have to work holidays, nights and weekends. The largest number of EKG technicians work in hospitals, but there are also opportunities in doctors’ offices and diagnostic clinics. Job opportunities are available across the whole state of Colorado, especially in large cities such as Denver, Colorado Springs and Aurora.