How to Become an EKG Technician in Georgia
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a diagnostic test that records the electrical activity of your heart. This test is an important tool in identifying signs of heart disease, and it’s administered by specially trained healthcare workers known as EKG technicians. If you’re interested in healthcare and want a career that doesn’t involve sitting in a cubicle, consider a career as a Georgia EKG technician.
EKG Technician Requirements in Georgia
You’ll need your high school diploma or the equivalent to get into postsecondary settings that offer the training needed to work as an EKG technician. A certificate program can prepare you with the knowledge needed to get started in this line of work and can usually be completed in less than year. You may also be required to pass a criminal background check for admission into EKG technician training programs.
Georgia EKG Technician Training Programs
In Georgia, most EKG technician training programs include the basics of anatomy and physiology of the heart along with hands-on training using EKG machines. Some of the training programs that can prepare you to become a Georgia EKG technician include:
- Kennesaw State University. This university in Kennesaw, GA, offers an EKG technician certificate program. The program includes anatomy of the cardiovascular system, lead placement, heart rate calculation and rhythm interpretation. This is a 70-hour program and can be completed in two months.
- Cumberland Medical Institute. This private community healthcare skills training institute is committed to providing students the opportunity to learn, practice and master the skills needed for a healthcare career. Their EKG certificate program can be completed in four weeks, in either mornings or evenings.
- Atlanta Career Institute. This EKG technician certification program can be completed in four weeks through either morning or evening sessions. Students learn all aspects of the skills needed to succeed in this field including the electrical conduction system, lead variations, dysrhythmias, Holter monitor, telemetry and stress testing. Students are required to complete Basic Life Support – CPR for Healthcare Providers within two weeks of starting class.
Do You Need Certification to Work as an EKG Technician in Georgia?
Certification isn’t required to work as an EKG technician in most states including Georgia. However, most employers prefer candidates who can prove they have the needed skills and knowledge for the job by passing a national certification exam. Examples of certification exams include the Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT), which is offered through Cardiovascular Credentialing International, and the Certified EKG Technician (CET), offered through National Healthcareer Association. These are both written exams that take about two hours to complete.
Pay Range and Job Outlook for EKG Technicians in Georgia
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians in Georgia earn wages that are closely aligned with the national average. The data shows that the average annual salary for these professionals in Georgia is $66,580, which is slightly above the national average of $66,170. The wage distribution within the state reveals notable variations across different regions, reflecting local economic conditions and demand for these professionals.
National vs. Georgia 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 |
| Georgia | $36,260 | $41,110 | $66,580 | $84,180 | $104,150 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region within Georgia:
| Region | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median (50th Percentile) | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $32,410 | $36,260 | $53,070 | $83,350 | $84,180 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $39,210 | $46,030 | $76,760 | $88,990 | $107,420 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $36,720 | $57,900 | $66,670 | $78,190 | $96,310 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $37,160 | $61,560 | $77,470 | $97,460 | $157,460 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $35,220 | $39,830 | $62,480 | $72,790 | $80,410 |
| Dalton, GA | $30,730 | $36,130 | $61,830 | $76,200 | $94,140 |
| Macon, GA | $31,770 | $38,570 | |||
EKG TechnicianTrends in Georgia
The employment trends for cardiovascular technologists and technicians in Georgia indicate significant growth over the decade from 2020 to 2030. In 2020, there were 1,370 individuals employed in this occupation in Georgia, and this number is projected to increase to 1,620 by 2030, reflecting an 18% growth rate. Additionally, there are expected to be about 130 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 1,370 (2020) | 1,620 (2030) | 18% | 130 |
| United States | 58,900 (2022) | 61,100 (2032) | 4% | 3,900 |
Source of data:
- Georgia source: Projections Central 2020-2030 long-term projections.
- United States source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022-2032 employment projections.
Working as a Georgia EKG Technician
As the aging population in Georgia and across the country continues to rise, many people develop heart-related conditions, increasing the need for qualified EKG technicians. There are opportunities for skilled EKG technicians all over the state of Georgia, especially in large cities such as Atlanta and Augusta. You may find employment in the cardiac department of hospitals, in the private practice offices of cardiologists, in diagnostic laboratories or in emergency departments.
Some settings may require you to work nights or weekends. Physical stamina is important because you may need to stand for several hours at a time and you may need to help turn disabled patients. As an EKG technician, you’ll have a rewarding career, and you’ll be an indispensable part of the healthcare team.