How to Become an EKG Technician in Florida

The electrocardiograph (EKG) machine tracks the rhythm of the heart to determine important health information. EKG technicians are the medical professionals who connect electrical pads from the EKG machine to a patient to capture the heart’s electrical signals. This professional also understands how to read and interpret the information the machine provides. This information is used to help doctors make medical diagnoses, so the technician is an important part of the medical team. EKG technicians are essential medical professionals who can find job opportunities in Florida and across the nation.

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Requirements for Becoming an EKG Technician in Florida

Florida does not have training, licensing or certification requirements for EKG technicians. Nonetheless, employers may expect certain qualifications, which could also improve opportunities for job growth and pay raises. If you choose to get certified through a national certifying body, you could choose from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians or others.

Training and Education in Florida

While it’s not required in the state of Florida, an EKG training program could help you stand apart from other candidates and improve your career growth opportunities. In-person and online training programs are available, and you may find training through career colleges and community colleges. Some programs provide a certificate of completion from the school, while others prepare you for EKG certification through an established certifying body.

These are some of the EKG educational programs in Florida:

  • Florida National UniversityThe Patient Care Technician certification program includes classroom training with an EKG introduction and education on anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and other medical topics. The program requires 120 hours of clinical practice that includes a focus on EKGs. Campuses are in Miami and Hialeah.
  • Southern Technical Institute—This EKG technician test prep training course prepares you to take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exam to become a certified EKG technician. The course teaches EKG terminology, rhythm, interpretation and other medical topics. The school has campuses in Pinellas Park, Orlando and Tavares.
  • McFatter Technical College—The electrocardiograph technology program combines online schooling with lab work. It teaches about theory and skills to track heart activity. The program covers 465 hours over five months and can result in you becoming a certified EKG technician (CET). This program is part of the Broward County public schools.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians in Florida earn less than the national average, with notable variations across different regions within the state. The highest median salaries are found in Gainesville and Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach areas, reflecting the local economic conditions and demand for these professionals.

National vs. Florida 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
Florida $33,840 $37,140 $50,330 $80,610 $89,390

EKG TechnicianTrends in Florida

The employment trends for cardiovascular technologists and technicians in Florida indicate a robust growth trajectory over the decade from 2020 to 2030. In 2020, there were 5,560 individuals employed in this occupation in Florida, and this number is projected to increase to 6,460 by 2030, reflecting a significant 16% growth rate. Additionally, there are expected to be about 510 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
Florida 5,560 (2020) 6,460 (2030) 16% 510
United States 58,900 (2022) 61,100 (2032) 4% 3,900
Source of data:
  • Florida 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 Florida

The majority of these medical professionals work in hospitals, according to the BLS. Other employers of EKG technicians include medical labs, diagnostic labs and doctor’s offices. This tends to be a full-time position.

Working as an EKG technician puts you into an important role in the medical field. This position pays a steady wage and has a positive job outlook, without requiring the same level of schooling as a doctor or nurse. It’s easy to start working in this position in the state of Florida.

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