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?
On average, the annual salary for an EKG tech working in Ohio is about$38,600. While sizable, this amount of income does not meet the nationwide average for people who operate electrocardiogram machines. When first starting out, you may only make an income in the low-$20,000s. However, your earnings will typically increase with experience. The state’s top-earning EKG specialists make more than $63,000 a year.
Job Prospects for America’s EKG Techs
Given the ups and downs of the labor market, you may wonder about the level of employment stability enjoyed by EKG technicians. If so, you’ll be happy to know that job prospects for at least the next decade are exceptional. During that time, EKG techs and other cardiovascular technicians are expected to witness an industry-wide growth rate of roughly 12 percent.