In Colorado, the demand for EKG techs is becoming higher and higher.
If you are interested in this industry and have a talent for it, you should consider becoming an EKG tech.
Let’s look at the requirements for this state!
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EKG Tech Job Description and Duties in Colorado
In case you don’t know, an EKG tech works in the medical field.
An EKG technician aids doctors in discovering and treating heart-related conditions.
There are several duties you would have to finish on a daily basis.
Some of these job responsibilities include the following:
- Evaluating a patient and explaining procedures
- Verify patients identity
- Performing EKG
- Point of care testing
- Preparing test results for the doctor
- Maintaining your area and equipment
EKG Tech Job Requirements in Colorado
You may be wondering how you can get a job as an EKG tech.
You should know that in Colorado, there is no specific requirement to start working.
So, this means that you are not required to train or get a certification.
But, you should still consider getting a certification as you will appear more reliable.
The company you work for might ask for the following:
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be healthy
- Be detail-oriented
- Have good communication skills
- Have an EKG technician certification
EKG Technician Education in Colorado
While certification is not required in Colorado, if you have it, you will find a job much easier.
In order to get certified, you will first need to attend a training course for EKG techs.
Several such programs last around 4 months and finish with a diploma.
In this state, there are no specific requirements to enroll in a training program.
But, the schools generally have their own requirements.
These include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Over The Age Of 18
- Clean Background Check (No Felonies)
- Negative Hepatitis Test
- Negative TB Test
- Immunization Records
Some schools may accept students as young as 16, but this has to be checked with each institution.
There are many different job duties you will have as an EKG tech.
So, you will need to take the following classes so you can develop the required knowledge and skills:
- Heart anatomy
- Medical disease processes
- Medical terminology
- Electrocardiography
- Echocardiography
- Ethics
- Anatomy of the chest wall for proper lead placement
- Pacemakers
The programs also have a clinical practice aspect included.
Check out these schools for more information.
Top 12 Schools in Colorado
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| APL MED | 2600 South Parker Rd Bldg 6-300 Aurora CO, 80014 |
| APLMED Academy | 10730 E Bethany Drive, Suite #355, Aurora, Colorado 80014 |
| Centura Health | 9100 E Mineral Cir Centennial, CO 80112 |
| Community College of Aurora | CentreTech Campus 16000 E. CentreTech Pkwy Aurora, CO 80011 |
| Community College of Aurora | Lowry Campus 710 Alton Way Denver, CO 80230 |
| Denver Health Paramedics | 601 Broadway St, 5th Floor Denver, Colorado 80203 |
| EdCor Medical Education and Training | 195 S Union Blvd Suite 200 Lakewood CO 80228 |
| EdCor Medical Education and Training | 3519 N. Carefree Circle Colorado Springs, CO 80917 |
| Front Range Community College | 4616 S. Shields Street Fort Collins, CO 80526 |
| Front Range Community College | 3645 West 112th Avenue Westminster, CO 80031 |
| Front Range Community College | 800 S Taft Ave, Loveland, CO 80537 |
| Northwest Phlebotomy School | 1314 Elati St, Denver, CO 80204, |
EKG Technician Certification in Colorado
In order to get your certification after the program, you have to take an exam.
The exam should be scheduled in advance, as you have to submit some papers and fees.
One of the required documents is the diploma from the school you went to.
You can also submit the official school transcripts.
If you don’t have that, you need to have at least 1 year of work experience as an EKG tech within the past 3 years.
You also need to complete 10 EKGs.
In this state, you have to pass 3 or more exams to become a certified EKG tech.
These exams include:
- ASPT – Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam
- NHA Certified EKG Technician exam
- ASET
If you pass the exams, you will get national certification.
In order to be able to keep working, you will need to renew your certification from time to time.
For that, you have to take a certain number of additional training classes.
EKG Technician Employment and Salary in Colorado
After you get your national certification, you can get a job in many medical facilities.
Some of these are:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Physician’s offices
- Various other healthcare facilities
Schedules will differ between facilities, affecting your salary.
Keep in mind that the job can be demanding, and you will have to work at night and on weekends sometimes.
The salary you will make all depends on where you live and how much experience you have.
Have a look at the median salaries for EKG techs in the 10 largest areas of Colorado.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of EKG Technicians in Colorado
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Denver | $39,700 |
| Colorado Springs | $39,100 |
| Aurora | $39,700 |
| Fort Collins | $38,200 |
| Thornton | $39,700 |
| Arvada | $39,700 |
| Westminster | $39,700 |
| Pueblo | $36,400 |
| Boulder | $40,200 |
| Greeley | $38,400 |
Regional Salary in Colorado
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | 50 | $87,390 | $42.02 | $106,310 | $47,440 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 60 | $77,910 | $37.46 | $103,670 | $38,790 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | 380 | $81,090 | $38.99 | $107,800 | $39,320 |
| Fort Collins, CO | 40 | $60,670 | $29.17 | $90,020 | $30,960 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for EKG Technicians in Colorado
You will need to pay $150 for the ASET certification.
This fee includes:
- Full study guide
- Unlimited practice exams,
- 3 final certification exam attempts
- A professional resume revision
You can complete this process online, however, you might still need to figure out the hands-on training aspect needed for this job.
Certified EKG Instructor (CEI)
If you want to become a Certified EKG Instructors (CEIs), you need to apply through the American Society of EKG Technicians.
You need to have 5 years of experience in the industry to get this certification.
You will also need to provide a criminal record.
If you have this certification, you can have your own school or become an EKG teacher.
