EKG Technician Schools in New York

Electrocardiogram technicians, also known as EKG technicians, are experienced professionals who use ECG/EKG equipment to both monitor, record and test cardiovascular performance to be analyzed by a physician. According to the National Healthcareers Association, the broad responsibilities of an EKG technician may include the following:

• Set up ECG/EKG equipment to administer EKGs and stress tests
• Take patient histories
• Prepare patients for testing, including Holter tests
• Schedule patient appointments

EKG technicians work across a range of organizations, from laboratories to hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers to private clinics.

EKG technician education and training requirements in New York

Although the state of New York does not have formal licensing requirements for EKG Technicians, formal certificate, diploma and certification programs are available. Typically speaking, most EKG diploma and certificate programs only require a high school diploma (or equivalent) for enrollment. However, to remain competitive in the marketplace, prospective EKG technicians may want to earn an associate degree, as well as complete an EKG certificate or diploma program.

Depending on the particular school or program, the number of hours and credits to complete a certificate or diploma program vary. These programs can be found at both the university and community college level. Below is a list of three program examples from universities, colleges and career institutes in New York:

Franklin Career Institute. The Franklin Career Institute offers a 30-hour EKG Technician program that includes the following courses: Introduction to EKG, Electrophysiology, EKG Machine, Equipment and Operation, and Rhythms: Sinus, Atrial, Ventricular.

SUNY-Ulster. SUNY-Ulster offers an EKG Technician course that covers everything from the cardiovascular and respiratory system to the principles of electrocardiography. Students also receive clinical instruction that provides training in using EKG equipment, such as the 12-lead electrocardiogram.

Bryant and Stratton College. Bryant and Stratton College offers a Certified EKG Technician program that includes 85 hours of classroom and lab instruction, as well as a 40 hour internship. Courses include medical terminology, EKG theory and practice, medical law and ethics and more.

While this information was accurate at the time of publication, it's important for those interested in these programs to contact the schools directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Electrocardiogram technician certification

Upon completing a diploma or certificate program, graduates may want to pursue professional certification. There are several avenues to certification within the EKG industry, including the National Center for Competency Testing. The National Center for Competency Testing offers an examination that qualifies EKG professionals in New York to become a National Certified ECG Technician.

Other EKG certifications include the Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) and the Certified EKG Technician (CET).

Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT). Sponsored by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International, the CCT certification offers several requirement paths, including work experience, graduation from an approved EKG program and more.

Certified EKG Technician (CET). The CET is available from several organizations, which each have their own examination requirements:

• American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians
• American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals
• National Healthcareer Association

New York EKG technician salary and career overview

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov), EKG Technicians fall under a broader employment group of cardiovascular technologists and technicians. In 2013, the national average salary for this group of occupations was $53,990. In New York, cardiovascular technologists and technicians outpaced the national average salary, earning an average annual wage of $56,140 in 2013.

Earnings vary throughout the state, with three metropolitan areas in New York offering average EKG technician salaries above $60,000 in 2013.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013 Metropolitan Occupational and Wage Estimates - New York

On the employment front, EKG technicians are part of one of the fastest growing categories, not only in New York, but nationally. In New York, job openings are projected to increase by more than 24 percent between 2012 and 2022, according to data from Projections Central.

Sources:

New York Institute of Medical Careers, EKG Technician Certificate, http://www.nyimc.com/EKG-TECHNICIAN.html

Lehman College, Electrocardiography Technician, http://www.lehman.edu/academics/continuing-education/allied-health.php#electro

National Healthcareer Association, EKG Technicians, http://www.nhanow.com/ekg-technician.aspx

California State University - Long Beach, EKG Technician Program, http://www.ccpe.csulb.edu/continuinged/course_listing/programdescription.aspx?Course_Id=26453&course_version=1

Houston Community College, EKG Technician Program, http://www.hccs.edu/finder/programs/ekg-technician -- -certificate/

City College of San Francisco, EKT Technician Program, https://www.ccsf.edu/en/educational-programs/career-and-technical-education/student-resources/ProgramFAQs/ekg_technician.html

York College, EKG Certificate Program, https://www.york.cuny.edu/conted/certprograms/ekg-electrocardiogram-technician

SUNY-Ulster, EKG Technician, http://apps.sunyulster.edu/courses/DCB,352

Bryant and Stratton College, Certified EKG Technician, http://www.bryantstratton.edu/psc/programs/healthcare/ekg

Franklin Career Institute, EKG Technician Program, http://franklincareer.edu/programs/ekgt.html

American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals, EKG Technician, http://www.acacert.com/

Cardiovascular Credentialing International, EKG Technician, http://www.cci-online.org/content/certified-cardiographic-technician-cct

American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, EKG Technician, http://aspt.org/ekg.html

National Center for Competency Testing, ECG Technician, https://www.ncctinc.com/Certifications/ECG.aspx

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292031.htm

Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2013 Occupational and Wage Estimates - New York, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ny.htm