Becoming an EKG Technician in New Jersey
EKG technicians specialize in providing diagnostic testing to those with suspected or known cardiac problems. The career is not only an excellent choice for stability; it also leads to a great deal of career satisfaction for those who enjoy providing care in a clinical setting. With an estimated 805,000 Americans suffering from heart attacks yearly, EKG technicians are highly valued members of the healthcare team.
An EKG test uses electrodes to sense the heart’s conduction of electricity, thus creating a tracing to represent how the patient’s heart is beating. Based on this tracing, doctors and other healthcare providers can quickly visualize the efficiency of a patient’s heartbeat. An EKG helps providers promptly identify potential problems such as a heart attack or arrhythmia, allowing for timely medical intervention.
EKG technicians also provide testing in less emergent situations, such as pre-operative tests or ongoing testing, to follow a specific problem. Along with resting EKGs, technicians often perform specialized tests such as stress testing and Holter monitoring. With some additional education and certifications, EKG technicians can qualify for promotions into certain specialty areas including positions in echocardiogram, continuous cardiac monitoring and the cardiac catheterization lab.
Licensing in New Jersey
You will not need to acquire a license to work as an EKG technician in New Jersey, and there is no specific statewide oversight for the career. However, you will need to work under the license of another professional, usually a medical doctor or registered nurse. It is important to remember that healthcare is a heavily regulated industry, with stringent guidelines for practice.
New Jersey Training for EKG Technicians
Although EKG technicians were traditionally trained on the job, it has become increasingly common to seek training through a reputable program prior to beginning work in the field. In either case, a high school diploma or equivalent is a required prerequisite. A few of the available training programs in New Jersey include:
- Eastern International College, with campuses in Jersey City and Belleville, offers an Associate of Applied Science in Cardiovascular Technology. Hands-on learning will be combined with classroom instruction to prepare students for a career in the cardiovascular field.
- AIMS Education, with campuses in Piscataway and Edison, offers a 30-month Cardiovascular Technologist program. The program has clinical affiliations with numerous facilities throughout the state.
- Eastwick Education, with campuses in Ramsey, Nutley, Hackensack and Paterson, offers a Diploma Program in Medical Assisting. Students in the program learn EKG testing along with the skills needed to work as an assistant in a medical office.
Potential for Additional Certifications
EKG technicians can seek certification through various accrediting agencies. Although certification is not required to work in the field, acquiring credentialing is a great way to maximize your career potential. Additionally, many employers seek to hire candidates with specific credentials.
Salaries and Growth Expectations in New Jersey
In New Jersey, the average annual salary is $82,190, with the lowest 10% earning $45,760 or less and the highest 10% earning $101,760 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 that New Jersey’s average hourly wage is higher 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 |
| New Jersey | $82,190 | $45,760 | $101,760 |
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 |
| New Jersey | $45,760 | $58,470 | $82,190 | $95,300 | $101,760 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $49,730 | $61,340 | $82,050 | $95,410 | $101,330 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $48,940 | $60,580 | $83,200 | $101,620 | $116,930 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $42,920 | $46,750 | $64,600 | $85,630 | $101,600 |
EKG TechnicianTrends in Alaska
In New Jersey, there were 930 employees in 2020, projected to grow to 1,000 by 2030, representing an 8% increase, with 70 annual job openings. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 2020 | 930 | 1,000 | 8% | 70 |
| United States | 2022 | 58,900 | 61,100 | 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.