How to Become an EKG Technician in Utah

In the 21^st century, no hospital can operate without a variety of specialized technicians. These technicians supply critical supporting services to both doctors and nurses. Among the ranks of the essential personnel are electrocardiogram (EKG) technicians, who operate diagnostic EKG cardiovascular machines.

Healthcare facilities across Utah employ EKG technicians as part of their full-time staffs. These technicians make good incomes, especially once they’ve gain some experience. EKG specialists also tend to benefit from job-rich employment markets. If you see a career as a Utah EKG tech in your future, here are some facts and figures that will help you get the ball rolling.

How Does Utah Regulate EKG Technicians?

Everyone working in a medical facility receives some kind of oversight. This oversight can take a range of forms including licensing, certification programs and on-the-job supervision. In Utah, you don’t need a license to work as an EKG tech. In addition, you don’t need to go through any specific certification process. However, you must be supervised at all times.

Technically, Utah electrocardiogram operators are classified as unlicensed assistive personnel. The state’s Nurse Practice Act gives registered nurses the authority to supervise these personnel. Supervision can be given in a variety of ways. For example, a nurse may help review your job application before you get hired. Once you have a job, a nurse will also direct you in the performance of your tasks. These tasks must be coordinated with the overall goals of effective patient care. For this reason, EKG technicians are always team players and never independent operators.

What Do You Need to Know to Do Your Job?

At work, an EKG tech’s prime responsibility is the safe, accurate use of an electrocardiogram machine. However, these techs must also pick up plenty of background knowledge before they can do their jobs well. Important topics include:

• How the human cardiovascular system works
• Other essential details of human anatomy and physiology
• The effective use of medical terminology
• The basics of interacting with patients

It’s increasingly rare for medical facilities to hire unskilled EKG technicians and train them on the job. Instead, most employers expect you to get educated before you apply for work. This means that training is probably crucial if you hope to get past your first round of job interviews.

Training for Utah EKG Technicians

Unfortunately, Utah does not have a wealth of options for in-state EKG technician training. But no matter where you live, you can still go through online training as long as you have an Internet connection. In-state and online options you may want to consider include:

• EKG Training Center – This organization offers in-person training at facilities located in Salt Lake City. Their EKG tech course focuses strongly on the core skills that allow you to meet common work requirements. That includes hands-on use of an electrocardiogram machine. It takes a total of eight hours to complete your coursework.
• MedCerts – MedCerts also provides online training for EKG techs. It takes a total of 11 weeks to complete the program. MedCerts offers a certificate to graduates. However, before receiving this certificate, you must gain practical experience administering EKG tests.

Earnings Potential for EKG Techs in Utah

In Utah, the average annual salary is $85,730, with the lowest 10% earning $38,980 or less and the highest 10% earning $113,890 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 Utah show variations in wages across different metropolitan areas.

National vs. Local Salaries

Salaries and Percentiles by Region

EKG TechnicianTrends in Utah

In Utah, there were 920 employees in 2020, projected to grow to 1,120 by 2030, representing a 22% increase, with 90 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

Source of data:

• Alaska source: Projections Central 2020-2030 long-term projections.
• United States source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022-2032 employment projections.