How To Become An EKG Technician In New York
An electrocardiogram, or EKG test, measures the electrical signals that your heart gives off and is a painless and noninvasive way of measuring heart health. The frequently used test is administered by EKG technicians. This allied healthcare role is a valuable, skilled and well compensated profession in a growth field. As an EKG technician you’ll prepare people for and run their tests, conduct similar exams such as stress tests and Holter monitoring, transcribe physician comments and keep equipment in good working order.
Requirements for Becoming an EKG Technician in New York
While there is no official requirement or certification for EKG technicians at a state level, most employers will require that you have passed a training course, and have undertaken and passed an exam with one of the national private certifying organizations. Training courses require applicants to have a high school diploma or general equivalency, to pay a tuition fee and to attend several weeks of classes. Some training courses—and most EKG positions—require applicants to be reasonably physically fit and to undergo a background check.
Training Courses and Educational Programs in New York
A sampling of training programs for EKG techs within the state of New York include the following:
- Based in Manhattan and Jackson Heights, the Royal Learning Institute EKG Technician program comprises 60 hours of learning over four weeks. The program includes books and one uniform, issues a diploma upon completion and prepares you to take a certification exam from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Medical Career Assessments or the National Center for Competency Testing. The program also arranges work experience and helps with career placement.
- Available in Albany, Buffalo, Syracuse and Rochester, Bryant and Stratton’s EKG technician program combines classroom work with internship-based training in a clinical setting. The course prepares students to take the NHA exam and issues a certificate of completion to successful students. Financial aid is offered at federal and state levels, and the program also has payment plans available.
- City College of New York offers a combined EKG and phlebotomy program. With fifteen three-hour sessions, the program prepares you to take the NHA certification exam. The course sessions take place in the evening, which is ideal for people who are working during the day. Assistance with finding work experience and job placement is available.
Certification for Becoming an EKG Technician in New York
While New York does not license or certify EKG technicians, the three programs listed above offer certifications after completing their exams, which take place either at your training course premises or at another local educational institution. These will help you find work. Exams carry a small fee, and supplementary study materials are also available to purchase.
The NHA certification is the most broadly accepted one, and to take this exam you must have completed a training course within the past five years, or have one year of work experience within the past three years. You’ll also need to have performed ten EKG tests on live individuals.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
In New York, the average annual salary is $81,960, with the lowest 10% earning $47,590 or less and the highest 10% earning $112,830 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 New York 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 |
| New York | $81,960 | $47,590 | $112,830 |
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 York | $47,590 | $58,590 | $81,960 | $101,310 | $112,830 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $39,710 | $40,060 | $64,420 | $84,390 | $92,190 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY | $44,300 | $57,810 | $79,430 | $90,190 | $99,630 |
| Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area | $35,300 | $40,240 | $49,920 | $78,860 | $88,930 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $48,940 | $60,580 | $83,200 | $101,620 | $116,930 |
| Rochester, NY | $47,810 | $56,020 | $68,220 | $86,360 | $105,390 |
| Syracuse, NY | $53,820 | $79,960 | $93,980 | $102,780 | $102,780 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | $42,240 | $60,200 | $80,410 | $88,470 | $115,350 |
EKG TechnicianTrends in New York
In New York, there were 3,760 employees in 2020, projected to grow to 4,340 by 2030, representing a 15% increase, with 340 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 York | 2020 | 3,760 | 4,340 | 15% | 340 |
| 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.
Working as an EKG Technician in New York
Hospitals and doctors’ offices employ the vast majority of EKG technicians, but any large institution that has in-house medical staff, such as nursing homes or prisons, may have occasional openings. Staffing agencies, state and national government websites and job sites like Indeed.com and Monster.com are good starting places to find a position.