Becoming an EKG Technician in North Carolina
Getting the training and education necessary to become an EKG Tech in North Carolina can be a fulfilling and worthwhile decision for those looking to work in the healthcare field.
EKG Technicians play an important part in the care of patients.
These individuals work alongside other medical professionals on a daily basis, using their technical knowledge and refined skillset to monitor a patient’s heart activity.
Education & Training
Aspiring EKG Techs will need to get the proper education and training to qualify for a position in the state of North Carolina. Students can find programs to become an EKG Tech at North Carolina trade schools, community colleges, and vocational schools. These programs prepare students with a combination of classroom learning and hands-on training.
On the Job Training
Some employers may offer on-the-job training to individuals without a degree, though the majority of employers will want a post-secondary education prior to hiring.
Training Program Requirements
In order to attend an EKG training program in NC, individuals must typically meet the following criteria:
- Have a High School Diploma or GED
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Pass a background check
- Have up-to-date immunization records
- Negative Hepatitis test
- Negative TB test
Many programs in the state have a mandatory requirement of 80 in-class hours and 40 clinical hours for a total of 120 hours.
Knowledge Learned
Topics that you will likely cover while obtaining your EKG Tech certification are:
- Anatomy of the Heart
- Medical terminology
- Electrocardiography
- Echocardiography
- Ethics
- Pacemakers
- Medical disease processes
Upon graduation, a student must pass an EKG certification exam, which costs $150. This exam will test a person’s knowledge to ensure they are ready to become a certified EKG Tech.
Earning a Certification
While not required by state law, many employers prefer that an individual has an EKG certification from an accredited program in NC.
Once an individual has their certification, they will need to renew their certification every two years, as well as pay a small fee.
Attending an EKG Tech Program
Attending an EKG Tech program in North Carolina can give you the training and education you need to prepare yourself for the job. During these hands-on programs, individuals will have the opportunity to work with professionals in the field while learning how to properly use and maintain the required equipment as well as patient care.
How Long Does It Take?
Wondering how long it will take to become an EKG Tech? The answer can depend on which program you choose. Some EKG Tech training programs can be finished in as little as three to six months. Though, other programs may take up to two years to complete.
North Carolina EKG Tech Requirements
The state of North Carolina does not have any formal guidelines in terms of training or certification. However, many employers in the state will prefer, and sometimes require, a person to have a high school diploma and a certification from an accredited program to gain employment.
EKG Tech Salaries in NC
Becoming an EKG Tech in North Carolina can be a rewarding and profitable career path. Those looking to join the profession should be aware that an EKG tech salary in North Carolina can vary. Factors like experience, region of the state, and work location may all contribute to your annual salary. Some potential salaries you may be able to earn in the state of North Carolina are:
- Asheville $38,200
- Greensboro $39,700
- Raleigh $40,500
- Charlotte $40,600
- Burlington $39,500
Job Description
EKG technicians work alongside physicians and other healthcare professionals at hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and other healthcare facilities. These workers use EKG machines to monitor a patient’s heart through electrodes attached to various points on the body such as the chest, arms, and legs. EKG techs check the readings to ensure the heart is performing normally and there are no underlying issues.
What Do They Do?
During their day, an EKG can be responsible for the following tasks:
- Recording a patient’s medical history
- Preparing a patient for different cardiovascular tests
- Checking the recorded data
- Report the findings to the physician
- Ensure the equipment is in good working condition
- Assist during certain procedures
Career Outlook
Are you curious about the job outlook for EKG techs in the coming years? Fortunately, like many other jobs in the healthcare field, numbers are on the rise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs for EKG technicians should increase by approximately ten percent from 2021-2031. This is good news for NC residents since this likely means thousands of additional EKG tech jobs in North Carolina.
This increase in jobs is likely to happen for a variety of reasons. As the baby boomer generation continues to get older, the need for workers who can advanced technology to assess and monitor a person’s heart will be vital. Additionally, some current workers in the field will eventually retire, while others may leave the field to find work in other professions.