Read this article if you want to enter the medical field by becoming an EKG technician in Kentucky.
The number one reason you’d want to become an EKG technician is that this is one of the easiest jobs to get in the medical industry!
Here’s where you’ll learn more about the requirements of the job, training, and salary for or of these professionals in Kentucky!
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EKG Tech Job Description and Duties in Kentucky
EKG stands for electrocardiogram.
This medical procedure helps physicians discover what ails a person, as well as the best treatment.
Thus, the EKG techs play an important role in our health!
This is what the job is all about:
- 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 Kentucky
Kentucky has yet to determine some laws or requirements for those who want to become EKG technicians in this state.
This allows anyone, regardless of education, to apply for such a position.
Generally, certified nurse aides complete EKGs, but personnel that only completes this task are also seen in the medical field.
When searching for a position, employers might prefer candidates who:
- 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 Kentucky
The certification mentioned earlier is earned by those who got some training.
You can undergo training through:
- An apprenticeship of 1 year
- A training program of around 4 months
Kentucky didn’t set up regulations for enrollment in the training program either.
Most schools will ask for:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Over The Age Of 18
- Clean Background Check (No Felonies)
- Negative Hepatitis Test
- Negative TB Test
- Immunization Records
Individuals who are at least 16 years old can also attempt to sign up with some schools if their parents allow it.
These are some of the study topics:
- Heart anatomy
- Medical disease processes
- Medical terminology
- Electrocardiography
- Echocardiography
- Ethics
- Anatomy of the chest wall for proper lead placement
- Pacemakers
Kentucky has a few schools you can check out, and they’re listed below.
Top 9 Schools in Kentucky
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Ashland Community and Technical College | 1400 College Dr. Ashland, KY 41101 |
| ATA Career Education | 10200 Linn Station Rd #125, Louisville, KY 40223 |
| Bowling Green Technical College | 1845 Loop Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101 |
| Daymar College | 2421 Industrial Dr, Bowling Green, KY 42101 |
| Emergency Medical Training Professionals | 1141 Red Mile Road, Suite 101 Lexington, KY 40504 |
| Health Care Training of Kentucky | 4825 S 3RD ST STE A, Louisville, Kentucky 40214 |
| Kentucky School of Phlebotomy | 1425 Bluegrass Ave. Louisville, KY 40215 |
| KY Healthcare Training | 343 Waller Ave. #309, Lexington, KY 40504 |
| West Kentucky Community & Technical College | 4810 Alben Barkley Dr, Paducah, KY 42001 |
EKG Technician Certification in Kentucky
To get certified you also need to pass an exam.
There are a few exams available, most of them with national recognition, but taking just one is enough:
- ASPT – Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam
- NHA Certified EKG Technician exam
- ASET
It’s mandatory to sign up for the exam you want to attempt to pass.
They’re organized at various testing centers across the state.
To sign up, you’ll need:
- A certificate of completion or school transcripts
- If you chose an apprenticeship, you’ll need a different document from your employer
- Proof of identity
- Proof you completed 10 EKGs
- An application form
- A fee
The certification for an EKG tech usually needs annual renewal.
You’ll be asked for an application form, a fee, and possibly a few continuing education classes.
EKG Technician Employment and Salary in Kentucky
If you’re curious to know where you’ll be working, look no further than this next list:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Physician’s offices
- Various other healthcare facilities
In Kentucky, the average salary for an EKG technician is $37,000 per year.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of EKG Technicians in Kentucky
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Louisville | $37,000 |
| Lexington | $37,000 |
| Bowling Green | $35,600 |
| Owensboro | $36,900 |
| Covington | $38,400 |
| Richmond | $36,600 |
| Georgetown | $37,000 |
| Florence | $38,400 |
| Hopkinsville | $35,300 |
| Nicholasville | $36,900 |
Regional Salary in Kentucky
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 210 | $51,470 | $24.74 | $82,000 | $36,100 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 300 | $56,570 | $27.2 | $90,950 | $34,880 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
You’ll earn more if you have more experience and a diploma, or if you live in a city where the salary is higher by default.
Additional Information for EKG Technicians in Kentucky
Many individuals choose to earn the ASET certification.
ASET stands for the American Society of EKG Technicians.
ASET has a package for $150 that consists of:
- Full study guide
- Unlimited practice exams,
- 3 final certification exam attempts
- A professional resume revision
You can access all these options online as well.
Becoming a Certified EKG Instructor (CEI)
If you want to work for yourself instead of for someone else, you could consider becoming a Certified EKG Instructor.
For this, you’ll need at least 5 years of experience as an EKG technician.
Your diploma has to be from ASET and you also need a clean criminal record.
The instructor status will allow you to open a training school for future EKG technicians.
