The medical field is in continuous demand of personnel, meaning that it is relatively easy to get hired if you have the right qualifications.
Becoming an EKG technician in Indiana, for instance, is one of the easiest ways of entering the healthcare industry and being at the center of caring for patients.
If we’ve got you curious, continue reading this article to find out more!
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EKG Tech Job Description and Duties in Indiana
EKG is short for electrocardiogram, and this is a procedure that reads and records pulses from the heart through a machine.
The readings help physicians determine if and what is wrong with a patient as well as what the best treatment plan is.
Here is a list of things EKG techs do during their shifts:
- 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 Indiana
At the present time, in Indiana, there are no regulations related to this occupation.
According to the state’s laws, these technicians are unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).
This classification allows anyone to get hired for this position.
It is common though for registered nurses or for certified nurse aides to know how the EKG machine works and the correct steps for a successful EKG reading.
When applying for an EKG tech job, though, the situation becomes a bit more complicated.
The majority of employers will look for someone meeting these criteria:
- 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 Indiana
To earn a certification you first need some training.
Training can be done in the following ways:
- An apprenticeship of 1 year
- A training program of around 4 months
According to the laws of Indiana, there are no requirements as far as enrolling goes, though schools have some criteria set.
Here’s a list of the most common requirements:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Over The Age Of 18
- Clean Background Check (No Felonies)
- Negative Hepatitis Test
- Negative TB Test
- Immunization Records
Being under the age of 18 can get you enrolled in some programs, but your parents need to agree to it.
We also found out some of the topics you’ll study:
- Heart anatomy
- Medical disease processes
- Medical terminology
- Electrocardiography
- Echocardiography
- Ethics
- Anatomy of the chest wall for proper lead placement
- Pacemakers
If you want to know which institutions offer such classes, look no further than the next table.
Top 6 Schools in Indiana
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Indiana University School of Medicine | 340 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46202 |
| Indiana School of Phlebotomy | 6919 E 10th St Suite D-6, Indianapolis, IN 46219 |
| Indiana University | 420 University Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46202 |
| Ivy Tech Community College | 345 S High St, Muncie, IN 47305 |
| Lincoln College of Technology | 7225 Winton Dr. Building 128, Indianapolis, IN 46268 |
| Medical Career Academy | 8845 Kennedy Ave Highland, Indiana 46322 |
EKG Technician Certification in Indiana
All training courses end with an exam and those who pass get a diploma.
These are some of the tests you can take, but 1 is enough
- ASPT – Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam
- NHA Certified EKG Technician exam
- ASET
The exams are proctored at most testing centers and signing up for them is mandatory.
You’ll have to present:
- A certificate of completion or school transcripts
- If you completed an apprenticeship, you’ll need a different document from your employer
- Proof of identity
- Proof you completed 10 EKGs
- An application form
- A fee
If you earn the certification, you’re expected to keep it up-to-date through renewal.
This process requires a fee, an application, and possibly the completion of some extra classes.
EKG Technician Employment and Salary in Indiana
You have higher chances of getting hired if you apply here first:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Physician’s offices
- Various other healthcare facilities
The median salary for an EKG technician in Indiana is $38,400 per year, as you can see in this table below.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of EKG Technicians in Indiana
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Indianapolis | $38,200 |
| Fort Wayne | $36,600 |
| Evansville | $37,100 |
| South Bend | $37,000 |
| Carmel | $38,200 |
| Fishers | $36,300 |
| Bloomington | $36,200 |
| Hammond | $39,500 |
| Gary | $39,500 |
| Lafayette | $38,000 |
Regional Salary in Indiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evansville, IN-KY | 80 | $60,760 | $29.21 | $80,560 | $34,320 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | ** | $53,050 | $25.5 | $79,950 | $29,760 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | 520 | $64,730 | $31.12 | $91,870 | $37,020 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | 40 | $63,920 | $30.73 | $81,910 | $33,230 |
| Terre Haute, IN | 30 | $54,990 | $26.44 | $91,590 | $32,140 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Of course, the actual amount you’ll receive will be determined by your experience, the facility you work for, and even the city you’re in.
Additional Information for EKG Technicians in Indiana
Through the American Society of EKG Technicians, you can reap more benefits in the belong run.
For $150 ASET offers:
- Full study guide
- Unlimited practice exams,
- 3 final certification exam attempts
- A professional resume revision
These perks are available online as well.
Becoming a Certified EKG Instructor (CEI)
Furthermore, ASET gives those who are certified by them, the option to become Certified EKG instructors.
To become an instructor you first need to work as an EKG tech for a minimum of 5 years.
It’s also mandatory for you to have the legal right to work in the US and have a spotless criminal record.
Becoming a CEI gives you the option to work for a school or to open a school.
