How to Become an EKG Technician in North Dakota

An EKG technician is a healthcare worker who helps doctors to diagnose heart problems by using electrocardiogram (EKG) machines to detect heart disease and other heart issues by reading the electrical impulses of the heart.

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The job of an EKG tech is in high demand in North Dakota and throughout the nation. This is a well-paying career that doesn’t require a whole lot of training. Job requirements and salary will vary by state, so keep reading to learn how to become an EKG technician in North Dakota.

Regulations for North Dakota EKG Technicians

You only need a high school diploma or GED to work as an EKG technician. However, in North Dakota, unlicensed medical workers are required to register through the state’s Board of Nursing registry program. This includes EKG technicians. Applicants must show proof of training through an approved program, complete a national certification exam, pass a criminal background check and pay the application and processing fee. You may also receive on-the-job training by working as a medical assistant or nursing aide, especially in the cardiac unit.

EKG Tech Training in North Dakota

The options for EKG training in North Dakota are slim. However, there are a couple of programs to choose from. You may also be able to find an online program offered through a school in another state.

  • TrainND Northwest at Williston State College. The EKG Technician Program offered through TrainND at Williston State prepares students to administer EKGs by teaching them medical terminology, medical ethics and the anatomy and physiology of the heart. It takes approximately six months to complete this program.
  • Keiser University. Keiser University offers a medical assisting program online. This program does teach students how to administer electrocardiograms, along with assisting in minor surgeries and performing X-rays. This is a two-year program, and students who complete the program will earn an Associate in Science degree.

National EKG Technician Certification

Certification can help with career advancement, and it can also help you make more money. Several agencies offer EKG technician certification. Among those include The National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
and American Allied Health (AAH). For the NHA exam, you will need to set up an account through NHA and apply to take the exam and pay and exam fee. To take the AAH exam, you will need to show proof of eligibility to take the exam, register and pay the required fees. The AAH exam can be taken online, and you will instantly receive your results upon completion.

Career and Salary Outlook for North Dakota EKG Technicians

The average salary for EKG technicians in the state of North Dakota is $28.63 hourly or $59,550 annually. Technicians who are more experienced and hold certification can expect to make as much as $69,770 annually in the state.

The job field for this career is experiencing significant growth in North Dakota. By the year 2028, the number of EKG tech jobs in the state is expected to increase by 12.5 percent, which is almost twice the national growth rate for this field.

The Job Market for EKG Techs in North Dakota

EKG technicians generally find work in hospitals, other healthcare facilities and diagnostic centers. With the high job growth rate in the state, you should find work almost anywhere there are healthcare jobs available. However, larger cities like Bismarck and Fargo are more likely to have more job opportunities.

Some of the major employers of EKG technicians in the state include Post-Acute Medical, Quest Diagnostics and Sanford Health. Once you have completed training and taken a national certification exam, you can be on your way to becoming a top-earning EKG tech in North Dakota.