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.
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
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians in Hawaii earn slightly lower wages compared to the national average. The data indicates that the average annual salary for these professionals in Hawaii is $61,380, which is below the national average of $66,170. The wage distribution within the state shows that the salaries in Hawaii are somewhat compressed, with the 10th percentile earning $46,900 or less and the 90th percentile earning $121,990 or more. The wage distribution for cardiovascular technologists and technicians in Hawaii closely mirrors the salaries in Urban Honolulu, HI.
National vs. Hawaii 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 |
| Hawaii | $46,900 | $51,350 | $61,380 | $103,730 | $121,990 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region within Hawaii:
| Region | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median (50th Percentile) | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $46,900 | $51,350 | $61,380 | $103,730 | $121,990 |
EKG TechnicianTrends in Hawaii
The employment trends for cardiovascular technologists and technicians in Hawaii show a modest growth over the decade from 2020 to 2030. In 2020, there were 200 individuals employed in this occupation in Hawaii, and this number is projected to increase to 210 by 2030, reflecting a 5% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 200 (2020) | 210 (2030) | 5% | 20 |
| United States | 58,900 (2022) | 61,100 (2032) | 4% | 3,900 |
Source of data:
- Hawaii 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 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.