How to Become an Ohio EKG Technician
If you’ve spent time around a hospital, you’ve probably seen someone using an EKG (electrocardiogram) machine. These machines help determine how well a person’s heart is functioning by reading electrical impulses. The people conducting electrocardiogram procedures are known as EKG technicians.
These technicians are typically in demand in Ohio and other states across the country. That’s good news for anyone just entering the job market or looking to change careers. Just as importantly, EKG technicians can earn good money once they gain some experience in their profession. Here’s a brief rundown of what the profession looks like in Ohio.
Ohio’s Rules for EKG Technicians
You don’t need to get a state-issued license to work as an EKG tech in Ohio. Like most states, Ohio views the profession as a form of unlicensed healthcare assistance. Still, unlicensed does not mean unmonitored. In Ohio, registered nurses supervise EKG technicians. That’s possible because nurses can delegate some of their common tasks to healthcare personnel working without licenses. Such tasks include the use of electrocardiogram machines.
EKG technicians don’t make any independent medical judgments. Instead, they follow a set routine of procedures for each patient. It’s up to licensed medical providers to interpret the results of EKG exams.
Getting Trained as an EKG Tech
The lack of a licensing requirement makes it easier to work as an Ohio EKG technician. However, it does not alter the need for solid training. You can gain the skills employers look for by either:
- Going through on-the-job training after a medical facility hires you
- Taking EKG-related coursework before you start your job search
Be aware that not every facility provides on-the-job training. You should also know that any given Ohio employer may have additional requirements for applicants. These requirements may include such things as:
- Completion of a national certification program for EKG technicians
- Attainment of a two-year degree in a healthcare-related field
- Multiple years of previous work experience in a healthcare-related field
Sources of EKG Technician Training in Ohio
Ohio is one of many states that offer a range of training programs for people hoping to work as EKG techs. Potential sources of training include:
- The Ohio School of Phlebotomy – This Columbus-based school offers a beginner-level program for EKG technicians. The program includes six weeks of classroom lectures as well as practical skills training in a laboratory. In addition, participants go through periodic tests and reviews.
- Great Oaks Career Campuses – This organization offers an EKG technician program at its Scarlet Oaks campus in Cincinnati. The program provides 50 hours of coursework over a period of seven weeks. Once you graduate, you can take the National Healthcareer Association certification exam.
- Larock Healthcare Academy – Larock offers EKG tech training in Canton/Akron, Columbus, Cleveland/Parma Heights and Florence/Cincinnati. Programs in these locations last anywhere from five to 7.5 weeks. If you like, you can get your EKG-related training while enrolled in Larock’s Medical Assistant program.
What Is the Income Range for Ohio EKG Technicians?
In Ohio, the average annual salary is $74,260, with the lowest 10% earning $37,660 or less and the highest 10% earning $93,820 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 Ohio 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 |
| Ohio | $74,260 | $37,660 | $93,820 |
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 |
| Ohio | $37,660 | $46,530 | $74,260 | $81,160 | $93,820 |
| Akron, OH | $37,660 | $39,210 | $66,820 | $78,570 | $80,400 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $38,760 | $45,790 | $76,700 | $81,130 | $94,110 |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | $41,800 | $51,480 | $78,760 | $93,040 | $93,820 |
| Columbus, OH | $41,850 | $50,950 | $77,760 | $81,800 | $96,890 |
| Dayton, OH | $35,410 | $38,480 | $77,880 | $85,890 | $94,650 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $32,120 | $34,260 | $40,240 | $67,030 | $84,950 |
| Lima, OH | $34,670 | $45,520 | $76,810 | $81,020 | $81,020 |
| North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) | $37,640 | $49,140 | $65,030 | $76,740 | $84,950 |
| Southern Ohio nonmetropolitan area | $29,150 | $58,230 | $66,510 | $81,660 | $81,660 |
| Toledo, OH | $40,350 | $64,830 | $74,260 | $74,260 | $81,140 |
| West Northwestern Ohio nonmetropolitan area | $38,120 | $50,260 | $68,920 | $86,420 | $86,700 |
| Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA | $34,150 | $34,850 | $44,630 | $76,660 | $77,310 |
EKG TechnicianTrends in Ohio
In Ohio, there were 2,000 employees in 2020, projected to grow to 2,130 by 2030, representing a 7% increase, with 160 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 2020 | 2,000 | 2,130 | 7% | 160 |
| United States | 2022 | 58,900 | 61,100 | 4% | 3,900 |
Source of data:
- Ohio source: Projections Central 2020-2030 long-term projections.
- United States source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022-2032 employment projections.