Read this article will show you just how easy it is to start a medical career as an EKG technician in Arkansas!
Grab a tea and read on to find out the requirements for this position and the possible salary!
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EKG Tech Job Description and Duties in Arkansas
So, what are the duties and tasks an EKG technician usually receives?
EKG techs usually complete the following tasks:
- 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
These are procedures that help physicians to detect and treat affections of the heart and blood vessels.
EKG Tech Job Requirements in Arkansas
In Arkansas, the profession of EKG technician is not regulated.
This means almost anyone can legally apply for such a position without having to meet any requirements.
All this means that you also don’t need a license or certification to get employed.
However, getting certified will definitely help you find a job much faster.
When applying for an EKG tech position, you could be asked for the following:
- 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 Arkansas
You probably wonder how does one get a certificate for an EKG tech position?
All you have to do is to find a training program near you.
If no school or training center near your home offers such a program, you can also look online.
At the state level there no rules regarding enrollment into these courses.
However, schools usually have a set of requirements, like these:
- High school diploma or GED
- Over the age of 18
- A clean background check (no felonies)
- Negative hepatitis test
- Negative TB test
- Immunization records
While most schools ask for the minimum age to be 18, it is possible to be accepted by some schools even if you’re 16 years old.
Checking out the requirements and even asking about them is always a good idea.
Through training, you’ll learn the best ways to complete the tasks described earlier.
Through most EKG tech courses you’ll learn:
- Heart anatomy
- Medical disease processes
- Medical terminology
- Electrocardiography
- Echocardiography
- Ethics
- Anatomy of the chest wall for proper lead placement
- Pacemakers
Once the theory part is out of the way, you also have to put into practice what you learned.
The practice period is generally done at the end of the program, but this can vary.
You can start by having a look at the programs offered by these schools.
Top 3 Schools in Arkansas
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Arkansas College of Health Careers | 9714 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR |
| Petra Allied Health Schools | 3889 Willowood Ave. Springdale, AR 72762 |
| Petra Allied Health Schools | 4300 Rogers Ave, Suite 42 Ft. Smith, AR 72903 |
If you think the tuition is too high, you can also opt for an apprentice position.
This route is longer than the training program though.
EKG Technician Certification in Arkansas
The training also prepares you to take the certification exam.
In fact, there are a few such tests you can take:
- ASPT – Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam
- NHA Certified EKG Technician exam
- ASET
To take any of the exams you have to contact a proctoring center near you and sign up.
These exams usually have national recognition.
To sign up, you might need these documents:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Official school transcripts of certificate of completion
- Payment of some fees
- Proof of identity
- Completing 10 EKGs
If you chose the apprenticeship option, you’ll need at least one year of experience before you can take the exam.
The proof of accumulated experience will replace the school transcripts.
Once you get certified you’ll have to keep the document up-to-date through renewals.
The renewal process usually requires:
- A renewal application form
- A renewal fee
- Proof you continued your education
EKG Technician Employment and Salary in Arkansas
Now with the EKG tech certification in hand is time you found a job.
You can start by applying for a position with these facilities:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Physician’s offices
- Various other healthcare facilities
Before you get employed you may wonder what the salary is like.
You can earn more if you have some experience, diploma, work night and weekend shifts.
More shifts will mean less free time and being more tired, though.
Have a look at the table below for the median salaries across 10 cities in Arkansas.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of EKG Technicians in Arkansas
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Little Rock | $36,300 |
| Fort Smith | $34,300 |
| Fayetteville | $35,700 |
| Springdale | $35,700 |
| Jonesboro | $36,100 |
| North Little Rock | $36,300 |
| Conway | $36,000 |
| Rogers | $35,500 |
| Bentonville | $35,500 |
| Pine Bluff | $35,200 |
Regional Salary in Arkansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | 70 | $66,300 | $31.88 | $92,800 | $36,050 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 120 | $53,920 | $25.92 | $79,400 | $29,710 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for EKG Technicians in Arkansas
The American Society of EKG Technicians offers a very attractive package for $150 that includes:
- Full study guide
- Unlimited practice exams,
- 3 final certification exam attempts
- A professional resume revision
This is a process that can be completed online as well.
Certified EKG Instructor (CEI)
Once you have 5 years of experience under your belt as an EKG tech, you can become a Certified EKG Instructor (CEI).
Through this certification, you can tech EKG for a training school or even open one.
Future CEIs, also need:
- The right to work in the USA
- A clean criminal record
