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
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians in Connecticut earn significantly higher salaries than the national average, with notable variations across different regions within the state. The highest median salaries are found in the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk and Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford 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 |
| Connecticut | $50,770 | $66,570 | $87,360 | $102,640 | $116,980 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region within Connecticut:
| Region | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median (50th Percentile) | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT | $49,420 | $63,150 | $93,910 | $105,000 | $122,950 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | $56,410 | $69,900 | $87,360 | $102,150 | $110,080 |
| New Haven, CT | $49,520 | $62,960 | $81,480 | $100,690 | $120,430 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | $37,490 | $45,730 | $79,810 | $102,450 | $171,430 |
| Waterbury, CT | $49,940 | $74,680 | $87,330 | $109,240 | $116,450 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | $36,860 | $49,670 | $88,270 | $105,120 | $172,380 |
EKG TechnicianTrends in Connecticut
The employment trends for cardiovascular technologists and technicians in Connecticut show modest growth over the decade from 2020 to 2030. In 2020, there were 420 individuals employed in this occupation in Connecticut, and this number is projected to increase to 440 by 2030, reflecting a 5% growth rate. Additionally, there are expected to be about 30 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 420 (2020) | 440 (2030) | 5% | 30 |
| United States | 58,900 (2022) | 61,100 (2032) | 4% | 3,900 |
Source of data:
- Connecticut 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 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.