Sometimes called ECG or cardiovascular technicians, EKG techs are important healthcare professionals.
Using an electrocardiograph machine, they perform diagnostic tests on patients to monitor heart movements and check for irregularities.
Many healthcare workers get their start in the field by starting as an EKG technician.
Key Takeaways
- Educational Requirements:
- A high school diploma or GED is required to begin training as an EKG tech.
- Completion of a state-approved and accredited EKG technician program is essential.
- Certification:
- National certification, such as the CET exam or the CCT credential, is highly recommended and often required by employers.
- Employer Expectations:
- Employers seek candidates skilled in performing diagnostic tests, operating and maintaining equipment, and providing patient-centered care.
- Salary Insights:
- The average annual salary for EKG technicians in Pennsylvania is $66K
How to Become an EKG Technician in Pennsylvania
EKG Tech Classes
The first step to becoming an EKG tech in Pennsylvania is to attend a training course or trade school that’s state approved and accredited.
Course Benefits
The main objective of the online courses above to help you pass an official certification exam from either the AECA or the NHA.
Once you finish your training, you’ll receive a voucher of completion to prove you’ve finished an accredited program. This certification then qualifies you to take the national certification exam so you can become a certified EKG tech.
There is also a clinical component to the course.
Cost & Length of Time
Course pricing is about $2,000 . Estimated timeframe for completions is about 1 year, though you might be able to finish faster since online courses are self paced.
Some clinics and hospitals may even pay to train current employees to become EKG techs.
What Do You Study?
Courses typically cover topics like:
- Anatomy of the heart
- Physiology
- Medical diseases and terminology
- Medical ethics
- Patient care and contact
- Electrocardiography
- Stress testing
- Interpreting rhythm strips
- Operations of the EKG machine
- Analyzing readings and results
- Determining normality of test results
During your time spent learning about the heart and how to perform EKGs, you’ll also learn various important skills and information associated with the job.
Course Requirements
To begin training, you must have either a high school diploma or GED and be 18 years of age or older.
You also need to undergo a background check, have complete immunization records, and test negative for hepatitis and TB.
Average Salary for EKG Techs in PA
As one of the five states with the highest employment level of cardiovascular techs, the average EKG technician salary in PA is $66,430, according to the BLS.
Some EKG techs may also earn hourly pay at a statewide average of about $31.94 an hour.
Urban areas, such as Philadelphia ($69,420) and Pittsburgh ($68,770), offer the highest salaries, reflecting the cost of living and demand for healthcare professionals in metropolitan regions. Areas like Scranton ($67,690) and Northern PA ($62,470) provide mid-to-high-range salaries, suggesting competitive pay in those regions despite being outside major metropolitan areas.
Below is a table with the average EKG technician salary in PA cities for entry-level employees:
| Location | Hourly | Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Erie | $24.68 | $51,340.00 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $28.85 | $60,010.00 |
| Northern PA | $30.03 | $62,470.00 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $33.38 | $69,420.00 |
| Pittsburgh | $33.06 | $68,770.00 |
| Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton | $32.54 | $67,690.00 |
| Southern | $28.39 | $59,060.00 |
| Western PA | $24.01 | $49,940.00 |
| York-Hanover | $27.91 | $58,040.00 |
source: data.bls.gov
Occupation:Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians (SOC Code292031)
Working as an EKG tech in Pennsylvania offers many opportunities and advantages. Because there’s always a chance to grow in the healthcare industry, there are also ways to boost the salary you earn.
Medical assistants and lab techs stand a chance at earning more in their professions with the additional training and certification.
EKG Tech Requirements in Pennsylvania
To become certified as an EKG technician in PA, you must have your high school diploma or GED, complete training at an accredited institution, and finish one year of on-the-job experience within the past three years.
Hands-on training is crucial because students must have 10 successful EKGs completed to take an exam.
Certification
For those new to healthcare, it’s important to gain certification.
As mentioned, the courses above will prep you for one of the following exams:
NHA
The National Healthcareer Association administers the Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam.
AECA
The American Education Certification Association administers the Certified EKG Technician Specialist (CETS) exam.
However, nurse aids and other medical professionals who receive EKG training may not need to take the test to become certified.
You can also access a national exam through third-party endorsers like the National Performance Specialists who work with National Healthcareer Association and administer a CET exam.
EKG techs must renew their certification every two years and complete continuing education credits.
Accredited Schools
When looking for a training program, ensure the institution that provides all the necessary education and hands-on training to become a certified EKG is accredited.
Job Description
EKG technicians work in doctor’s offices, clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.
They typically help physicians in identifying and treating heart problems in patients.
EKG techs can also work various other jobs, such as phlebotomist, nurse, medical assistant, or laboratory technician, if they’ve met that role’s certification or licensing requirements.
A list of job duties for an EKG tech in Pennsylvania include:
- Speaking with patients to verify their identity
- Evaluating patients and explaining diagnostic procedures
- Placing leads on the body to perform the test
- Using the EKG machine to begin test
- Prepping the test results for the physician
- Maintaining your work area, the EKG machine, and other equipment
In Pennsylvania, EKG technicians must complete the proper training courses and become nationally certified to gain employment.
A certified EKG Technician, or CET, has the knowledge, skills, and experience to perform their job duties successfully.
What Pennsylvania Employers Look for in an EKG Tech
Employers in Pennsylvania, such as Temple University Health System, Lehigh Valley Health Network, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), seek EKG technicians who can combine technical expertise, patient care, and multitasking in dynamic healthcare environments. These organizations emphasize diagnostic accuracy, patient-centered communication, and administrative proficiency as critical skills for success.
Key Skills and Responsibilities
- Diagnostic Proficiency: Employers require EKG techs to perform 12-lead ECGs, stress tests, Holter monitor setups, and other cardiac evaluations. For instance, at Temple University’s Chestnut Hill Hospital, techs handle tilt table tests, analyze diagnostic results, and ensure accurate billing and record-keeping.
- Equipment Maintenance: Positions at institutions like Highmark Health stress the importance of maintaining and troubleshooting EKG machines, ensuring they operate effectively for patient diagnostics. Familiarity with systems such as MUSE for managing clinical data is a significant advantage.
- Administrative Duties: Tasks include maintaining logs, reconciling test results, and documenting procedures, as seen at Lehigh Valley Health Network. These administrative functions are crucial for ensuring smooth operations within cardiology departments.
Qualifications and Certifications
- Certification: A Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) credential from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or equivalent certification is often mandatory. Many roles also require Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, with organizations like CHOP highlighting this as a prerequisite.
- Education: A high school diploma or GED is the minimum educational requirement, but completing an EKG technician training program is preferred by employers like Allegheny Health Network. Knowledge of cardiac arrhythmia and coursework in ECG interpretation can set candidates apart.
- Experience: While entry-level positions are available, many employers prefer candidates with at least one year of experience conducting EKGs or related procedures. Hands-on experience with Holter monitoring and cardiac stress testing is a valuable asset.
Crossover into Related Disciplines
Many employers value EKG technicians who can contribute across disciplines. For example:
- Phlebotomy Skills: Some roles, such as those at Temple University, combine EKG and blood-drawing responsibilities.
- Infection Control: Positions at CHOP and Lehigh Valley Health Network require adherence to infection prevention protocols, underscoring the importance of maintaining patient safety.
- Team Collaboration: EKG techs must collaborate with nurses, physicians, and administrative staff to ensure seamless care delivery, as emphasized by organizations like Highmark Health.
Work Environment and Adaptability
- Flexible Scheduling: Many roles, including those at Temple University, require flexibility with shifts, including evenings and weekends. Adaptability to changing patient needs and departmental priorities is essential.
- Patient-Centered Care: Employers such as CHOP prioritize candidates with strong interpersonal skills who can reassure patients during procedures and answer questions to ease anxiety.
Conclusion
In Pennsylvania, EKG technicians must balance technical precision with compassionate care and effective communication. Certification, experience, and the ability to adapt to interdisciplinary tasks are highly valued by top employers like Temple University Health System, Lehigh Valley Health Network, and CHOP. By excelling in both patient interaction and diagnostic responsibilities, EKG techs play a vital role in the state’s healthcare landscape.