Becoming an EKG Technician in Connecticut

An EKG technician is a healthcare professional who administers a test known as an electrocardiogram, also called an EKG. This test records the electrical activity of the heart and can provide valuable information about heart health and signs of any heart diseases. When you work as an EKG technician in Connecticut, you’ll be an important part of a healthcare team. You’ll explain procedures to patients, answer any questions they may have, maintain sterile fields and administer the test. When it’s complete, you’ll provide test results to doctors.

What are the Requirements for Connecticut EKG Technicians?

Learning the skills needed to become a Connecticut EKG technician can usually be done by completing a certificate program or an Associate of Science degree at a community college. You’ll need a high school diploma or the equivalent to be eligible to apply for admission to one of these programs. For most schools and medical settings, you’ll need to pass a criminal background check, drug test or both.

Do You Need EKG Technician Certification in Connecticut?

Most states including Connecticut don’t require a license or certification to work as an EKG technician. That said, passing a national certification exam is a way to demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge needed for this career. Certifications you can pursue include Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) through Cardiovascular Credentialing International, or Certified EKG Technician (CET) through National Healthcareer Association.

EKG Technician Training in Connecticut

Most EKG technician training programs include both classroom and hands-on training. Some Connecticut EKG technician training programs include:

Valley Medical Institute. Located in Bridgeport, CT, this school offers an EKG Technician careers training program. It’s a 40-hour program that includes theory, academics and clinical instruction. Students can choose between days, afternoons, evenings and Saturdays. Depending which time frame is chosen, the course can be completed in three to five weeks.
Capital Community College. This community college in Hartford offers a 60-hour EKG technician training program. Students can experience real-life scenarios in classroom and lab environments. The college prefers candidates with a background in healthcare. The class meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30pm.
Three Rivers Community College. This school in Norwich, CT, offers a 54-hour ECG Technician Certification Program. Students learn anatomy and physiology, medical ethics, electrocardiography, echocardiography, stress tests and Holter monitoring. Students learn proper lead placement, how to analyze printed readings and how to determine normal versus abnormal results.

Pay Range and Job Outlook for Connecticut EKG Technicians

According to Salary.com, the pay range for Connecticut cardiac technicians is between $42,402 and $66,570. As of August 2020, the average salary was $50,323. The amount you earn can varies widely and can be impacted by location, education and years of experience.

CareerOneStop reports that across the United States, job openings for EKG technicians are projected to increase by approximately 7 percent between 2018 and 2028. In the state of Connecticut, growth of openings in this field is projected to be approximately 5 percent between 2016 and 2026.

Working as an EKG Technician in Connecticut

Jobs in healthcare can be very rewarding, and as an EKG technician you’ll know you’re playing an important role in helping to keep people healthy and aware of any cardiac challenges they may have. You’ll need good communication skills, especially active listening skills. It’s helpful to be a detail-oriented person with good hand-eye coordination and physical stamina.

The most common setting for job opportunities for EKG technicians is in hospitals, particularly the cardiac unit or the emergency department. You may also be able to find employment in doctors’ offices, medical laboratories or outpatient care centers. Depending on where you work, your work shift may be days, nights, weekends or holidays. Opportunities for EKG technicians are available all over the state of Connecticut, especially in or around cities such as Bridgeport, New Haven and Hartford.