Many people want to work in the medical field, but not all of them want to spend years in school to earn a degree.
Luckily, becoming an EKG technician in Mississippi is relatively easy!
The demand for these professionals is going strong too, so read on to find out more about this occupation!
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EKG Tech Job Description and Duties in Mississippi
EKG techs operate a machine that connects to the patient’s body and records impulses from the heart.
The reading helps physicians to diagnose and treat their patients.
The activities related to the operation of the machine include:
- 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 Mississippi
In Mississippi, individuals who want to work as EKG technicians don’t have to worry about regulations related to this occupation as there aren’t any.
It’s possible that various jurisdictions have some rules in place or they may have to follow the regulations for other medical occupations if they have more certifications in the field.
It’s the employers in the state that make most of the rules to abide by.
As such, you may have a hard time finding a job without:
- Having a high school diploma or GED
- Being healthy
- Being detail-oriented
- Having good communication skills
- Having an EKG technician certification
EKG Technician Education in Mississippi
If you decided to get certified, you should start thinking about a training program.
Mississippi has a good selection of training programs as you can see from the table below.
Top 4 Schools in Mississippi
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Blue Care Medical Academy | 204 Stateline Rd W, Southaven, MS 38671 |
| Coahoma Community College | 3240 Friars Point Road Clarksdale, MS 38614 |
| Medical2 Career College & Certification Agency | 1830A North Gloster Street Tupelo, MS 38804 |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College | 51 Main St, Perkinston, MS 39573 |
Many programs last for about 4 months.
You can also opt for an apprenticeship, but these take at least 1 year to complete.
In any case, as far as the regulations to enroll in these courses go, you have none to worry about.
As you can expect, it’s the schools that have expectations of their future students.
Some of these expectations are:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Over The Age Of 18
- Clean Background Check (No Felonies)
- Negative Hepatitis Test
- Negative TB Test
- Immunization Records
If you have permission from your parents or legal guardian, you could enroll in some schools even if you’re 16 years old.
This depends on each school though.
Here 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
EKG Technician Certification in Mississippi
In Mississippi, you can choose one of the several certification exams available.
This is a selection of them:
- ASPT – Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam
- NHA Certified EKG Technician exam
- ASET
You’re expected to sign up for the chosen test.
This will involve some paperwork as well as some fees.
The main document you’ll need is proof you completed your training, regardless of the chosen method.
Another important paper is the application form you must fill out.
The remaining documents could depend on the testing center proctoring the exam.
Keep in mind that those who completed the apprenticeship will need to prove they were successful in completing 10 EKGs.
Once you earn your diploma, you’ll need to ensure it is maintained current.
This process involves an application, a fee, and even the completion of extra classes.
One of the best things about the EKG certification is that you can use it in any state across the country.
EKG Technician Employment and Salary in Mississippi
It’s time for you to find a job now that you have the diploma.
These places usually need EKG technicians:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Physician’s offices
- Various other healthcare facilities
If you’re curious to know more about your salary, the first thing you must know is that it varies.
How much you’ll earn will vary on who your employer is, how many shifts you work, the city you work in, and your experience.
Other factors may also weigh in on your paycheck at the end of the month.
Here are the 10 largest cities across Mississippi with the average salaries for EKG technicians.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of EKG Technicians in Mississippi
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Jackson | $35,200 |
| Gulfport | $34,500 |
| Southaven | $36,300 |
| Hattiesburg | $34,300 |
| Biloxi | $34,800 |
| Meridian | $34,800 |
| Tupelo | $33,100 |
| Olive Branch | $36,300 |
| Greenville | $34,900 |
| Horn Lake | $36,300 |
Regional Salary in Mississippi
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | 80 | $53,000 | $25.48 | $64,210 | $29,590 |
| Jackson, MS | 100 | $47,280 | $22.73 | $78,120 | $23,610 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for EKG Technicians in Mississippi
Those who choose the ASET certification will have to pay $150.
This fee covers:
- Full study guide
- Unlimited practice exams,
- 3 final certification exam attempts
- A professional resume revision
All these benefits are accessible online, with the exception of the practice part.
Becoming a Certified EKG Instructor (CEI)
After 5 years of experience as an EKG technician, you can become a Certified EKG instructor.
This new status allows you to open a training school, but for this, you need to pass a background check as well.
