Becoming an EKG Technician in Indiana
With the ongoing expansion of the U.S. healthcare system, there is a constant demand for supporting technicians. The list of these prized technicians includes operators of EKG (electrocardiogram) machines. No matter the size of the medical facility, these EKG techs are on hand to provide their experience and expertise.
Considering seeking work as an EKG technician in the state of Indiana? Before you do, take some time to learn what the state requires of people working in this profession. You’ll also save valuable time by learning how to get trained as an Indiana EKG tech. The information contained in this article will help you pick up the basics as quickly as possible.
Who Regulates Indiana EKG Techs?
No matter where you live in America, chances are that you don’t need a license to be employed as an EKG operator. Indiana sticks to this common norm for the nation as a whole. Why are EKG techs allowed to work in healthcare without a license? Because they do not do their jobs independently. Instead, they work under supervision as part of a team. These kinds of workers are called unlicensed assistive personnel.
Who Supervises Indiana EKG Techs?
As is common elsewhere, Indiana calls upon nurses to oversee unlicensed personnel in medical facilities. These personnel include EKG technicians. The rules require EKG techs to follow set procedures when operating electrocardiogram equipment. They also forbid these staff members from making substantial medical decisions.
What Do Indiana Employers Look For?
You don’t necessarily have to get any training before working as an EKG tech in Indiana. In addition, you don’t necessarily need prior experience in any healthcare field. However, if you show up with no skills or previous work experience, you may be seriously decreasing your odds of getting hired.
In Indiana, it’s quite common for EKG specialists to start their careers in other healthcare-related occupations. Two of the most typical occupations for those gaining experience are nurse aide and radiologic technologist. That’s true because people who work in these occupations gain experience that supports later work in electrocardiography. While EKG techs are not licensed, Indiana does maintain statewide standards for both nurse aides and radiologic technologists.
It is also possible to demonstrate competence to prospective employers in other ways. For example, you can complete a training program designed for EKG techs. A comprehensive program may provide you with all of the background you need to make a good impression.
Training Options for EKG Techs in Indiana
Where can you go for EKG technician training in Indiana? Your possible choices include:
- The Indiana School of Phlebotomy (ISP) – ISP offers an electrocardiogram tech course that combines practical skill-building with classroom work. The course lasts for a total of six weeks. When you finish, you can seek certification through the National Healthcareer Association.
- Medical Career Academy – This institution follows the training mandates of both the American Heart Association and the National Healthcareer Association. In total, you will receive 44 hours of instruction. It takes 11 weeks of daytime or nighttime classes to receive your completion certificate.
- Caris College – Caris offers training for acute/clinical technicians. These technicians learn the skills needed for national EKG certification. They also go through training in patient care and blood-drawing (phlebotomy).
What Can You Make in Indiana?
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians in Indiana earn slightly more than the national average. The data shows that the average annual salary for these professionals in Indiana is $68,740, compared to the national average of $66,170. The wage distribution within the state reveals significant variations across different regions, reflecting local economic conditions and demand for these professionals.
National vs. Indiana 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 |
| Indiana | $33,820 | $40,740 | $68,740 | $85,370 | $98,700 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region within Indiana:
| Region | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median (50th Percentile) | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area | $28,340 | $28,340 | $43,370 | $67,890 | $76,560 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $40,390 | $46,140 | $64,420 | $95,320 | $100,880 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $38,760 | $45,790 | $76,700 | $81,130 | $94,110 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | $36,790 | $44,660 | $71,250 | $85,370 | $86,210 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $31,760 | $31,760 | $56,010 | $85,320 | $92,740 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | $36,380 | $41,900 | $71,870 | $85,900 | $97,670 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $36,030 | $39,110 | $62,650 | $80,730 | $95,570 |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area | $30,750 | $37,330 | $54,420 | $89,210 | $98,730 |
EKG TechnicianTrends in Alaska
The employment trends for cardiovascular technologists and technicians in Indiana show moderate growth over the decade from 2020 to 2030. In 2020, there were 1,440 individuals employed in this occupation in Indiana, and this number is projected to increase to 1,540 by 2030, reflecting a 7% growth rate. Additionally, there are expected to be about 120 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 1,440 (2020) | 1,540 (2030) | 7% | 120 |
| United States | 58,900 (2022) | 61,100 (2032) | 4% | 3,900 |
Source of data:
- Alaska source: Projections Central 2020-2030 long-term projections.
- United States source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022-2032 employment projections.