Everyone can see the increased demand for EKG technicians in New Mexico.
This could make it rather easy for someone to find a job by becoming an EKG tech, or is it?
Read on to find out more!
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EKG Tech Job Description and Duties in New Mexico
One of the first things to know about EKG techs is what their job is all about.
EKG technicians are in charge of completing these tasks:
- 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 New Mexico
If the job description sounds interesting enough, you’ll become even more curious about this occupation knowing there are no legal requirements to get hired in this state.
With no requirements in place, it means anyone can apply for a job, regardless of their education.
It’s usually the employers who decide on this aspect.
Most commonly, employers ask for:
- 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 New Mexico
It goes without saying that you’ll have better chances of getting chosen if you have an EKG certification.
For this, you’ll need to join a training program or an apprenticeship.
The first option lasts for about 4months and the latter one takes at least 1 year to complete.
Pay attention to the practice period of the program, as it should have a considerable percentage.
You can have a look at the courses offered by the schools below.
Top 7 Schools in New Mexico
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Central New Mexico Community College | 900 University Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 |
| Doña Ana Community College | 3400 Espina St, Las Cruces, NM 88003 |
| Doña Ana Community College | 2800 Sonoma Ranch Blvd, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88011 |
| New Mexico State University | 1780 E University Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88003 |
| New Mexico State University | 2400 N Scenic Dr, Alamogordo, NM 88310 |
| The University of New Mexico Division of Continuing Education | 1634 University Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87102 |
| Universal Healthcare Training Institute | 2617 Juan Tabo Blvd. Suite A Albuquerque, NM 87112 |
When looking at the tuition for these courses, you’ll see that it varies greatly between schools
You should know that there are requirements to meet upon signing up for the classes.
Here are some of the requests:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Over The Age Of 18
- Clean Background Check (No Felonies)
- Negative Hepatitis Test
- Negative TB Test
- Immunization Records
Some of the schools may accept younger candidates if their legal guardians also agree to it.
Once enrolled, you’ll attend classes like these:
- Heart anatomy
- Medical disease processes
- Medical terminology
- Electrocardiography
- Echocardiography
- Ethics
- Anatomy of the chest wall for proper lead placement
- Pacemakers
EKG Technician Certification in New Mexico
When the time for certification comes, you need to pass one of these exams:
- ASPT – Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam
- NHA Certified EKG Technician exam
- ASET
Most testing centers proctor these exams.
This involves signing up first, and for this, you’ll need a few papers and to pay some fees.
The documents you’ll need are:
- Application form
- Proof you completed your training
- Proof you were successful in completing 10 EKGs
- An ID form
The EKG technician certificate is recognized all across the US.
It also needs to be renewed from time to time.
For the renewal process you’ll submit another application form and a fee.
EKG Technician Employment and Salary in New Mexico
If you are a certified EKG technician you can search for an open position at various:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Physician’s offices
- Various other healthcare facilities
Depending on where you work, you could have a more demanding schedule than your peers.
Once you accumulate more experience, you’ll also earn more.
In the next table, you can see the average salary in several urban settings in New Mexico.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of EKG Technicians in New Mexico
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $36,800 |
| Las Cruces | $33,400 |
| Rio Rancho | $36,700 |
| Santa Fe | $37,100 |
| Roswell | $34,400 |
| Farmington | $36,400 |
| Clovis | $35,400 |
| Hobbs | $35,100 |
| Alamogordo | $35,000 |
| Carlsbad | $34,400 |
Additional Information for EKG Technicians in New Mexico
Not everyone knows about the package ASET offers and that includes:
- Full study guide
- Unlimited practice exams,
- 3 final certification exam attempts
- A professional resume revision
This package costs $150 and the practice exams can easily be taken online.
Becoming a Certified EKG Instructor (CEI)
Perhaps you don’t want to work as an EKG technician for the rest of your life.
This is normal, and after 5 years you can opt to become a Certified EKG Instructor.
With this new qualification, you can open a training school or center or work for one
Make sure your criminal record is spotless though, or else you’ll be disqualified for this certification.
