Becoming an EKG Technician in Nevada
To monitor the function of their patients’ hearts, doctors commonly call on the use of a device called an electrocardiograph, or EKG, machine. However, these busy professionals don’t perform EKG tests themselves. Instead, they leave this task to supporting personnel on medical staffs. These personnel go by names that include EKG technician, cardiovascular and monitor technician.
Regardless of their precise titles, EKG technicians are a key part of medical facilities throughout Nevada. Like many people looking for rewarding, stable employment, you may be considering joining the ranks of these technicians. If so, here’s a quick guide to the EKG tech profession in Nevada.
What Are the State Licensing Rules?
Like the vast majority of states, Nevada has a two-tier regulatory system for healthcare professionals. Members of the first tier, such as doctors and nurses, must obtain and renew state-issued licenses to work legally. However, members of the second tier are allowed to work without a license. EKG technicians belong to this second tier of healthcare providers.
Why is this split arrangement used? Every day, doctors and nurses make autonomous decisions that directly affect patient health. Licensing helps ensure that only qualified people take on this high degree of responsibility. In contrast, EKG techs do not make autonomous decisions. Instead, they only take on the tasks that are assigned to them by nurses working under a doctor’s authority. Combined with ongoing supervision, this lower level of responsibility makes licensing unnecessary.
Nevada Training Standards
It might be a relief to know that Nevada doesn’t require licenses for EKG technicians. However, you shouldn’t assume that this approach eliminates the need for you to develop your professional skills. If you’re lucky, you may find a hospital or other facility that will hire first and train later. But, more and more often prospective employers expect applicants to have some previous exposure to a healthcare-related work environment.
How can you get this exposure? One option is to take on a less specialized job at a medical facility. Or, like many others in your situation, you may seek out training that focuses on the skills needed by electrocardiograph providers.
In-State EKG Technician Training
Nevada residents have multiple options for EKG technician training within state boundaries. A short list of organizations you may want to consider includes:
- Las Vegas College – Las Vegas College offers combined training in electrocardiography, phlebotomy (blood-drawing) and lab assisting. Graduates of this mixed program can work in any of the three included areas. They also get the chance to earn multiple national healthcare certifications.
- College of Southern Nevada – CSN offers a beginner-level course in EKG interpretation. You can use this course as a starting point for more extensive professional training.
- Medical Skills for Life Institute – This organization offers a four-day course for aspiring EKG techs. The course focuses on two main skills: using an EKG machine and detecting heartbeat irregularities. Several other related subjects are also covered.
What’s the Income Range for EKG Technicians in Nevada?
In Nevada, the average annual salary is $59,380, with the lowest 10% earning $37,990 or less and the highest 10% earning $116,520 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. Regional data within Nevada show variations in wages across different metropolitan areas.
National vs. Local Salaries
| Location | Average Salary | 10% Earn Less Than | 10% Earn More Than |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $66,170 | $36,620 | $105,140 |
| Nevada | $59,380 | $37,990 | $116,520 |
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 |
| Nevada | $37,990 | $45,560 | $59,380 | $100,970 | $116,520 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV | $38,340 | $46,140 | $80,200 | $107,630 | $116,520 |
| Reno, NV | $37,410 | $40,940 | $46,160 | $88,930 | $102,980 |
EKG TechnicianTrends in Nevada
In Nevada, there were 280 employees in 2020, projected to grow to 340 by 2030, representing a 21% increase, with 30 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | 2020 | 280 | 340 | 21% | 30 |
| United States | 2022 | 58,900 | 61,100 | 4% | 3,900 |
Source of data:
- Nevada source: Projections Central 2020-2030 long-term projections.
- United States source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022-2032 employment projections.