How to Become an EKG Technician in Delaware
In medical facilities throughout Delaware, there is a constant need for accurate patient testing. That includes hi-tech cardiac testing performed with electrocardiogram (EKG) machines. Without proper handling, EKG machines won’t produce reliable results. And no facility will last for long unless potential missteps are avoided.
The personnel called upon to operate electrocardiogram machines are typically called EKG technicians. In Delaware, these technicians earn incomes that are often well above what you’ll find in other states. And given the ongoing boom in medical testing, skilled EKG techs usually have no shortage of work opportunities. If you’re considering working as a tech in Delaware, here are some of the key things you need to know.
What Rules Govern Delaware EKG Technicians?
In the U.S., it’s pretty rare to find a state that has laws specifically regulating EKG techs. Instead, most states regulate these technicians indirectly through other laws. Delaware is typical in this regard. That means you won’t need to apply for an EKG technician’s license. It also means that you will still need to stick to some key rules.
The law that applies indirectly to the employment of EKG techs is enforced by Delaware’s Board of Nursing. This law states that licensed medical providers can delegate some of their duties to other providers who are not licensed. The general title for these unlicensed providers is assistant. The licensed supervisors of these assistants are registered nurses.
When working as assistants, EKG technicians must follow the set procedures laid out by nurses. This means you can’t decide on your own when and where electrocardiogram machines will be used. Instead, you defer to the judgment of nurses, who in turn follow the instructions of doctors.
Are There Specific Job Qualifications?
There is no single set of EKG technician job qualifications shared by all medical facilities in Delaware. Instead, each facility establishes its own hiring procedures. Some hospitals and specialized care facilities will require you to have previous healthcare experience before applying as an EKG tech. Others may allow you to apply without previous experience, as long as you have your high school diploma or GED.
Delaware Training Options for EKG Technicians
As an alternative to prior healthcare-related work experience, you may want to enroll in an EKG tech training program. In Delaware, providers of these types of programs include:
- Delaware County Community College – DCCC offers a 50-hour course for those wishing to work as EKG technicians. The course provides direct experience operating an electrocardiogram machine. It also helps you build a wider range of supporting skills.
- Delaware State University – Delaware State offers a 375-hour, online EKG tech program. This program includes the option to work as an extern in a medical facility. You can complete your classwork at your own pace.
- Tri-State Technical School – Tri-State’s EKG technician program focuses on interactive training. Perks includes round-the-clock access to online resources and frequent assessments of your progress.
Salary Expectations in Delaware
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians in Delaware earn slightly less than the national average, with notable variations across different regions within the state. The highest median salaries are found in the Salisbury, MD-DE area, reflecting the local economic conditions and demand for these professionals.
National vs. Delaware 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 |
| Delaware | $38,170 | $47,910 | $63,520 | $86,790 | $104,800 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region within Delaware:
| Region | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median (50th Percentile) | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $42,920 | $46,750 | $64,600 | $85,630 | $101,600 |
| Salisbury, MD-DE | $45,190 | $65,510 | $80,260 | $86,170 | $104,800 |
EKG TechnicianTrends in Delaware
The employment trends for cardiovascular technologists and technicians in Delaware indicate a positive growth trajectory over the decade from 2020 to 2030. In 2020, there were 270 individuals employed in this occupation in Delaware, and this number is projected to increase to 310 by 2030, reflecting a notable 15% growth rate. Additionally, there are expected to be about 20 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 270 (2020) | 310 (2030) | 15% | 20 |
| United States | 58,900 (2022) | 61,100 (2032) | 4% | 3,900 |
Source of data:
- Delaware source: Projections Central 2020-2030 long-term projections.
- United States source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022-2032 employment projections.
Future Employment Prospects
Even in turbulent economic times, skilled medical workers tend to do quite well in the job market. That certainly holds true for the employment category that includes EKG technicians. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that this category will see an expansion of roughly 12 percent from 2019 to 2029. Does that definitely mean you will find a job? No. But it does mean you have a good chance of getting hired somewhere if build up your training or work credentials.