How to Become an EKG Technician in Kentucky

EKG technicians help doctors get the timely information needed to diagnose heart problems. They do so by operating EKG or electrocardiogram machines in hospitals and other facilities. It’s safe to say that these trained technicians play a valued role in modern healthcare systems.

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Kentucky healthcare is just as dependent on EKG technology as the rest of the nation. The state’s techs can usually find work as long as they uphold professional standards. In addition, many Kentucky EKG technicians receive excellent salaries. To learn more about the state’s requirements and opportunities, just check out the handy information in this article.

Regulations and Training for Kentucky EKG Technicians

It is quite common for EKG techs in America to work without getting licensed by their home state. Kentucky sticks with this well-established pattern. But like other states, Kentucky has not done away with all regulations for electrocardiogram operators. Instead, the state delegates authority for these unlicensed professionals to nurses and doctors who hold current licensing.

Despite the lack of licensing, EKG technicians are under considerable pressure to strive for excellence. To begin with, it takes a lot of knowhow to operate an EKG machine, especially in a real-world situation. Some Kentucky healthcare providers will train you if you otherwise meet their employment standards. Still, it never hurts to get at least some training in advance. In fact, some facilities may expect you to go through training before even filling out an application.

In addition, you may have a hard time getting a job without prior experience in a medical setting. This experience doesn’t have to be in EKG-related matters. Still, it helps if you have already worked somewhere in the healthcare system.

In-State Options for EKG Tech Training

Kentucky provides plentiful options for getting your EKG technician training. A list of your potential choices includes:

  • KY Healthcare Training – This institution offers a Certified EKG Technician program. The program includes 65 hours of instruction and covers all essential areas. KY also lets you count your EKG tech training toward a certificate as clinical medical assistant.
  • The Kentucky School of Phlebotomy – It takes six weeks to complete this Lexington-based EKG tech program. You time will be split between classroom work and practical development of your skills. The program is sanctioned by the Kentucky Commission on Proprietary Education.
  • Emergency Medical Training Professionals – This organization gives you multiple options for getting your EKG technician training. It takes two weeks to complete the full-time day program. You need seven weeks to complete evening classes. In addition, you can choose a mix of in-person and online instruction.
  • ATA College – This is a Louisville-based institution. It offers certification for patient care technicians. These technicians combine EKG skills with patient care, phlebotomy and nurse’s aide skills.

Possible Earnings for Kentucky EKG Techs

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians in Kentucky earn significantly less than the national average. The data shows that the average annual salary for these professionals in Kentucky is $50,020, compared to 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. Kentucky 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
Kentucky $32,120 $38,740 $50,020 $79,100 $85,780

Salaries and Percentiles by Region within Kentucky:

Region 10th Percentile 25th Percentile Median (50th Percentile) 75th Percentile 90th Percentile
Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area $35,950 $36,450 $48,660 $80,430 $87,260
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
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH $32,120 $34,260 $40,240 $67,030 $84,950
Lexington-Fayette, KY $40,390 $40,390 $40,390 $70,200 $83,610
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN $36,030 $39,110 $62,650 $80,730 $95,570
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area $36,590 $37,010 $39,370 $75,760 $82,190
West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area $34,600 $36,290 $53,260 $78,070 $80,200

EKG TechnicianTrends in Kentucky

The employment trends for cardiovascular technologists and technicians in Kentucky indicate moderate growth over the decade from 2020 to 2030. In 2020, there were 590 individuals employed in this occupation in Kentucky, and this number is projected to increase to 640 by 2030, reflecting a 9% growth rate. Additionally, there are expected to be about 50 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
Kentucky 590 (2020) 640 (2030) 9% 50
United States 58,900 (2022) 61,100 (2032) 4% 3,900
Source of data:
  • Kentucky source: Projections Central 2020-2030 long-term projections.
  • United States source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022-2032 employment projections.