How to Become an EKG Technician in Utah
In the 21st 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
Half of all EKG techs working in Utah make less than about $36,600 a year. In addition, half of all the state’s technicians make more than this amount. Salaries for new EKG techs will likely be somewhere below $30,000. Top pay in Utah for this field exceeds $47,600 annually.
Will You Find Future Work Opportunities?
What does the future job market look like for electrocardiogram technicians? Compared to most sectors of U.S. labor, it looks promising indeed. Through 2029, job openings for EKG techs and specialists in related fields are expected to increase by a solid 12 percent. It’s not often that you’ll find an industry with such a rosy future forecast.