EKG Tech Training, Certification and Salary in Pennsylvania

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Many people from Pennsylvania want to help others or to working the medical field, but they don’t always have the power to do either.

However, becoming an EKG technician in this state can help those individuals.

Read on to learn more about this occupation!

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Get information on EKG Technician programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

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EKG Tech Job Description and Duties in Pennsylvania

Of course, EKG techs are in charge of performing electrocardiograms.

To do this, you’ll need to complete these tasks:

  • Evaluating a patient and explaining procedures
  • Verify patients identity
  • Performing the actual EKG
  • Point of care testing
  • Preparing test results for the doctor
  • Maintaining your area and equipment

EKG Tech Job Requirements in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania doesn’t have state-wide requirements as far as education and certification for EKG techs go.

With no requirements in place, it means that anyone can apply for such a position.

Most of the requirements come from employers.

Some jurisdictions may also have some regulations in place for these professionals.

Employers usually 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 Pennsylvania

If you want to increase your chances of getting hired and of having a better salary, the certification is a must.

You’ll obtain it once you complete a training course or an apprenticeship.

The training programs are more popular because they only last for a few months whereas the apprenticeship lasts for a year at the very least.

In Pennsylvania, you can find EKG training programs at the following schools.

Top 19 Schools in Pennsylvania

School NameAddress
Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School3300 Chester Avenue Bethlehem, PA 18020
Bucks County Community College275 Swamp Rd, Newtown, PA 18940
Delaware County Community CollegeWhiteland Business Park, 906 Springdale Drive Exton, PA 19341
Heritage Valley Sewickley701 Broad Street Sewickley, PA 15143
Keystone Job Corps Center235 West Foothills Drive Drums, PA 18222
Lehigh Carbon Community College4525 Education Park Dr, Schnecksville, PA 18078
Lincoln Technical Institute5151 Tilghman Street Allentown, PA 18104
Lincoln Tech9191 Torresdale Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19136
Luzerne County Community College521 Trailblazer Drive, Nanticoke, PA 18634
Medical Simulation and Training71 N Mount Vernon Ave Uniontown, PA 15401
Monroe Career & Technical Institute194 Laurel Lake Road Bartonsville, PA 18321
Philadelphia Job Corps Life Science Institute2810 S 20th St #12, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Penn Foster Career School925 Oak Street Scranton, PA 18515
Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy3600 Laketon Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15235
Sanford-Brown Institute3600 Horizon Boulevard Feasterville-Trevose, PA 19053
South Hills School of Business & Technology480 Waupelani Drive State College, PA 16801
Star Career Academy of Philadelphia2371 Welsh Road Philadelphia, PA 19114
Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technical Center350 Jumper Rd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
York County School of Technology2179 South Queen Street York, PA 17403

The schools will usually accept people who can present:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Over The Age Of 18
  • Clean Background Check (No Felonies)
  • Negative Hepatitis Test
  • Negative TB Test
  • Immunization Records

It is possible to enroll in some of the programs even if you don’t meet the age demand.

Younger candidates only need to present approval from their legal guardians.

You probably wonder what will you study once enrolled, and this next list will satisfy your curiosity:

  • Heart anatomy
  • Medical disease processes
  • Medical terminology
  • Electrocardiography
  • Echocardiography
  • Ethics
  • Anatomy of the chest wall for proper lead placement
  • Pacemakers

EKG Technician Certification in Pennsylvania

Everyone who completes the training can sit through the certification exam.

In fact, there are more such tests you can take, such as:

  • ASPT – Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam
  • NHA Certified EKG Technician exam
  • ASET

These exams are proctored at the many testing centers across the state.

When signing up for the exam, you’ll have to present proof you completed your training.

The apprenticeship must be completed in the 3 years before the exam.

An application form and a fee are also mandatory for everyone who attempts to pass the exams.

All candidates must also complete 10 EKGs before signing up for the exam.

Those with a passing score will receive their certifications shortly after.

These documents must be maintained current, through renewal.

The renewal may require you to complete some classes of continuing education.

EKG Technician Employment and Salary in Pennsylvania

So, where can you get hired once you’re certified?

These are the major facilities hiring EKG techs in Pennsylvania:

  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Physician’s offices
  • Various other healthcare facilities

You should choose your employer carefully as you may have more demanding shifts in certain facilities.

At the same time, more shifts mean a higher paycheck.

If you want to earn more, you also need more experience and more certifications.

The table below shows the average salaries in the major cities across Pennsylvania.

Annual Salary Range:
$30K
$39K
$50K

Average Salary of EKG Technicians in Pennsylvania

City NameSalary
Philadelphia$42,100
Pittsburgh$38,700
Allentown$39,600
Erie$36,300
Reading$39,100
Upper Darby$42,100
Scranton$36,300
Bensalem$42,400
Lancaster$38,500
Abington$42,000
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Pennsylvania

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ290$64,930$31.22$93,950$38,400
Altoona, PA40$60,530$29.1$96,710$37,580
Erie, PA90$48,750$23.44$75,520$30,870
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA250$57,240$27.52$82,230$35,920
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD1,340$62,970$30.28$95,640$38,420
Pittsburgh, PA800$67,750$32.57$131,400$36,230
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA110$68,400$32.89$127,930$35,610
York-Hanover, PA120$62,460$30.03$128,320$36,680
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, OCC Code 29-2031, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Additional Information for EKG Technicians in Pennsylvania

It’s best to take advantage of the package offered by the American Society of EKG Technicians.

The package costs $150 and you’ll have access to:

  • Full study guide
  • Unlimited practice exams,
  • 3 final certification exam attempts
  • A professional resume revision

One of the best things about this package is that you can access it online.

Becoming a Certified EKG Instructor (CEI)

EKG techs with credentials from ASET can also become Certified EKG Instructors.

You’ll have access to this certification only after at least 5 years of experience.

You’ll want to earn this diploma if you want to teach EKG to others or if you want to open a training school.

Passing the background check is also mandatory for this step.

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