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.
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
In North Dakota, the average annual salary is $64,110, with the lowest 10% earning $41,180 or less and the highest 10% earning $95,510 or more. Nationally, the average salary is $66,170, with the lowest 10% earning $36,620 or less and the highest 10% earning $105,140 or more. Hourly wage comparisons show similar trends, with North Dakota’s average hourly wage slightly lower than the national average.
National vs. Local Salaries
| Location | Average Salary | 10% Earn Less Than | 10% Earn More Than |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $66,170 | $36,620 | $105,140 |
| North Dakota | $64,110 | $41,180 | $95,510 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region
| Region | 10% Earn Less Than | 25% Earn Less Than | Median Salary | 75% Earn More Than | 10% Earn More Than |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $36,620 | $44,160 | $66,170 | $85,930 | $105,140 |
| North Dakota | $41,180 | $50,060 | $64,110 | $78,620 | $95,510 |
EKG TechnicianTrends in North Dakota
In North Dakota, there were 250 employees in 2020, projected to grow to 290 by 2030, representing a 16% increase. There are projected to be 20 annual job openings during this period. Nationally, there were 58,900 employees in 2022, projected to grow to 61,100 by 2032, a 4% increase, with 3,900 annual job openings.
Table of the Data
| Location | Year | Employment | Projected Employment | Growth | Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 2020 | 250 | 290 | 16% | 20 |
| United States | 2022 | 58,900 | 61,100 | 4% | 3,900 |
Source of data:
- North Dakota source: Projections Central 2020-2030 long-term projections.
- United States source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022-2032 employment projections.