There is a strong demand for EKG technicians all across the nation, and especially in Alaska.
If you’re considering a job or a career in the medical field, you might just start with a position as an EKG tech in Alaska.
Here’s where you can learn more about the job itself and what you need to do to become one!
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EKG Tech Job Description and Duties in Alaska
Not everyone knows what the job of an EKG tech is like.
This medical technician plays a very important role, as he helps cardiologists diagnose and treat ailments of the heart and blood vessels.
These are the main tasks and duties an EKG technician will complete:
- Evaluating patients
- Explaining procedures
- Verifying patients identity
- Performing EKG
- Point of care testing
- Preparing test results for the doctor
- Maintaining the area and equipment
- Updating patient records
EKG Tech Job Requirements in Alaska
The State of Alaska has no official regulations for future EKG techs.
This makes it really easy for anyone to get hired and start a career in the medical field.
When applying for a job you may have to meet employer requirements, such as:
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be healthy
- Be detail-oriented
- Have good communication skills
- Have an EKG technician certification
- Be legally allowed to work in the US
- A clean criminal record
EKG Technician Education in Alaska
The EKG tech credential is earned after attending a training course.
Most programs last for 4 months.
Legally, you don’t have to meet any requirements to enroll in such a program.
This cannot be said about the schools offering the programs.
They could ask for:
- High school diploma or GED
- Over the age of 18
- A clean background check (no felonies)
- Negative hepatitis test
- Negative TB test
- Immunization records
It’s possible for some schools to accept candidates as young as 16 as long as they meet most of the other requirements.
The qualification through training is useful when explaining procedures to patients.
Training also helps with keeping the records accurate.
These are some of the classes you’ll attend:
- Heart anatomy
- Medical disease processes
- Medical terminology
- Electrocardiography
- Echocardiography
- Ethics
- Anatomy of the chest wall for proper lead placement
- Pacemakers
All courses need to have a practice aspect included in the curriculum, though the theory can be learned online as well.
Those who attend online classes will need specific equipment to properly access the coursework.
On-the-job training is also acceptable for this position.
Here are some of the schools you could consider for such an EKG tech program.
Top 1 Schools in Alaska
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Greenways Academy of Alaska | 7010 Gibbs Hill Circle Anchorage, AK 99504 US |
EKG Technician Certification in Alaska
For certification, individuals need to pass a test.
These are some of the exams you can consider:
- ASPT – Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam
- NHA Certified EKG Technician exam
- ASET
Most of these exams are recognized at the national level.
You’ll usually need to register to take them, and for this, a series of documents are needed.
The documents will include usually:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Official school transcripts of certificate of completion
- Payment of some fees
- Proof of identity
- Completing 10 EKGs
Those who chose training on the job need to accumulate at least 1 year of experience in the past 3 years.
The exams mentioned above are usually proctored at testing centers.
Once you get certified, you’ll have to maintain your credentials.
In most cases, a renewal application, a renewal fee, and some hours of continuing educations are mandatory.
EKG Technician Employment and Salary in Alaska
There are many institutions employing EKG techs.
Some of the most common settings include:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Physician’s offices
- Various other healthcare facilities
As far as salary goes, the numbers are influenced by a series of factors.
These can be your certification, experience, as well as the type of institution you work for.
Those who work in hospitals could expect night and weekend shifts as well, which positively affects the salary.
Have a look at the table below for an idea of how much EKG techs earn in Alaska’s largest urban settings.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of EKG Technicians in Alaska
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Anchorage | $43,600 |
| Juneau | $43,200 |
| Fairbanks | $43,400 |
| Wasilla | $43,000 |
| Sitka | $42,600 |
| Ketchikan | $42,600 |
| Kenai | $43,000 |
| Palmer | $43,000 |
| Bethel | $43,000 |
| Kodiak | $43,000 |
Regional Salary in Alaska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 60 | $87,440 | $42.04 | $127,180 | $45,710 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for EKG Technicians in Alaska
The American Society of EKG Technicians offers the following for just $150:
- Full study guide
- Unlimited practice exams,
- 3 final certification exam attempts
- A professional resume revision
The ASETcertification process can be completed online.
Certified EKG Instructor (CEI)
Individuals who earned the ASET diploma have the possibility of becoming Certified EKG Instructors (CEIs).
If you’re interested in such a position, you need:
- At least 5 years of work experience as an EKG tech
- The right to work in the USA
- A clean criminal record
This credential offers the possibility of becoming a teacher or opening a training center or a school.
