How to Become an EKG Technician in Hawaii

When you work as an electrocardiograph (EKG) technician, you set up EKG electrode patches on a patient’s body and test the heart rhythm with an EKG machine. You may also perform stress tests.

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After gaining knowledge in the role, you’ll be able to understand EKG readings and provide information to the medical team to aid in the patient’s diagnosis. EKGs can provide necessary information about a person’s heart and cardiovascular problems such as a heartbeat irregularity.

Hawaii has plenty of opportunity for those working in EKG technician positions, or you could train in Hawaii and work anywhere in the nation.

Requirements for Becoming an EKG Technician in Hawaii

Hawaii doesn’t have training or certification requirements you would need to follow to become an EKG tech in the state. Nonetheless, a training program would help you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to the role before starting your career.

Also, training and certification could give you greater job opportunities, and some employers may require it. You can opt to get certification through various certifying bodies such as the National Healthcareer Association.

Training Courses and Educational Programs in Hawaii

Hawaii has EKG training courses available to you, especially in Honolulu. You can look for training through career colleges, community colleges, online programs and other educational options. Some offer school certificates of completion, while others prepare you to sit for a certification exam.

These are some of the Hawaii courses in this subject area:

  • Hawaii Technology Institute —The Certified EKG Technician course lasts for four weeks, providing a combination of classroom education and hands-on training in Honolulu. This course prepares you to become a certified EKG technician (CET) by sitting for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exam.
  • Hawaii Medical Training Center — The Certified EKG Technician training teaches you to carry out EKGs and stress tests, provide test results to physicians and other related skills. The training prepares you to become a CET through NHA testing, with the exam offered on site in Honolulu.
  • Caregiver Training School — The Basic EKG Training Class gives classroom training on EKG concepts. It’s also possible to take an EKG and IV training bundle. Classes take place for five hours on weekends in Honolulu.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

EKG technicians and other heart technicians have a positive job outlook, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The field is expected to increase by 12 percent from 2019 to 2029.

The salary of Hawaii EKG technicians averaged $58,760 per year, or $28.25 per hour, according to BLS data from 2018. This is higher than in many other parts of the nation, but you also have to account for a higher cost of living in Hawaii. Beginners in the field could expect a salary closer to $36,750 in this state, while those at the highest income bracket can make as much as $99,950. Experience, training and certification could potentially increase your income. Also, the employer and the part of Hawaii where you work could impact your income potential.

Working as an EKG Technician in Hawaii

Most EKG technicians work for hospitals, and a smaller portion are employed by labs, doctor’s offices and outpatient centers. These technicians generally work full-time, yet the hours can be irregular, particularly in the hospital setting.

EKG technicians provide a necessary service in Hawaii and other parts of the country. This role puts you into a meaningful career in the medical industry, as you help patients and other medical professionals. You can get started easily without certification or training, yet these credentials could most likely give you increased job opportunities and income.