Become an EKG Technician in Mississippi
If you hate the thought of sitting at a desk all day, have always been interested in helping others and are looking for a healthcare career that doesn’t require lengthy schooling, consider becoming an EKG Technician. In this role, you’ll specialize in conducting electrocardiograms, an important diagnostic test in identifying heart problems. You’ll prepare and maintain equipment, explain procedures to patients, operate equipment and provide test results to physicians.
Requirements for EKG Technicians in Mississippi
Postsecondary education in a specialized training program is usually required to learn the skills needed to become a Mississippi EKG technician. In order to qualify for admission to these programs, you’ll need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Some training programs and most employers require a criminal background check and a drug test.
EKG Technician Training Programs in Mississippi
EKG technician training programs in Mississippi usually include training in both classroom and clinical settings. Some training programs for this field in this state include:
- Coahoma Community College. Located in Clarksdale, MS, this community college offers a Basic EKG Cardiography Certificate, which can be completed in eight weeks. It includes 34 hours of didactic instruction and 15 hours each of laboratory and clinical training.
- Blue Care Medical Academy. This career school in Southaven, MS, offers an Electrocardiograph Technician program, which can be completed in five weeks. Students meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:00 pm to 9:00 p.m.
- Northwest Mississippi College. An Associate of Applied Science degree in Cardiac Technology is available at this community college in Senatobia. Students learn advanced procedures for cardiac diagnostic testing including operating sophisticated equipment used in cardiac catheterization.
Obtaining EKG Technician Certification in Mississippi
Professional certification isn’t a requirement to work as an EKG in Mississippi, but most employers prefer to hire candidates who have passed a national certification exam. The National Healthcareer Association offers a Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam, and Cardiovascular Credentialing International offers the Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) exam. Both exams are written, multiple choice tests that take approximately two hours to complete.
Salary Range and Employment Projections for EKG Technicians in Mississippi
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians in Mississippi earn significantly less than the national average. The data shows that the average annual salary for these professionals in Mississippi is $40,470, compared to the national average of $66,170. The wage distribution within the state indicates lower earnings across all percentiles compared to the national figures. The highest wages are seen in the Jackson and Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula areas, reflecting local economic conditions and demand for these professionals.
National vs. Mississippi 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 |
| Mississippi | $28,560 | $30,770 | $40,470 | $63,310 | $75,140 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region within Mississippi:
| Region | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median (50th Percentile) | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | $29,570 | $37,880 | $49,440 | $67,030 | $74,730 |
| Jackson, MS | $29,410 | $30,320 | $41,530 | $63,310 | $78,960 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $36,440 | $37,150 | $56,770 | $79,770 | $81,500 |
| Northeast Mississippi nonmetropolitan area | $29,320 | $31,250 | $41,570 | $66,400 | $78,440 |
| Southeast Mississippi nonmetropolitan area | $23,500 | $29,470 | $34,430 | $53,520 | $64,020 |
| Southwest Mississippi nonmetropolitan area | $28,050 | $32,690 | $50,170 | $60,040 | $69,010 |
EKG TechnicianTrends in Mississippi
The employment trends for cardiovascular technologists and technicians in Mississippi show moderate growth over the decade from 2020 to 2030. In 2020, there were 460 individuals employed in this occupation in Mississippi, and this number is projected to increase to 490 by 2030, reflecting a 7% growth rate. Additionally, there are expected to be about 40 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 460 (2020) | 490 (2030) | 7% | 40 |
| United States | 58,900 (2022) | 61,100 (2032) | 4% | 3,900 |
Source of data:
- Mississippi source: Projections Central 2020-2030 long-term projections.
- United States source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022-2032 employment projections.
Your Career as a Mississippi EKG Technician
There are a variety of settings where you may be able to find employment as an EKG technician in Mississippi. The largest number of opportunities is in hospitals, particularly the cardiology unit or the emergency department. You may find employment at diagnostic facilities or doctors’ offices, especially the offices of cardiologists. Some settings will offer predictable hours, while others may require weekend or evening availability.
A career as a Mississippi EKG technician involves working closely with patients and members of the medical staff, so it’s important to have good interpersonal skills, especially the ability to communicate clearly. You should have good physical stamina, be a detail-oriented person and have good hand-eye coordination. While the largest number of opportunities is concentrated in cities such as Jackson, opportunities for EKG technicians can be found all over the state. With an aging population, more and more people developing heart-related conditions, so there’s a growing demand for skilled EKG technicians.