Everyone knows that the healthcare industry is understaffed, and as such, there is a high demand for personnel in many medical fields.
In Wisconsin, one such demand is for EKG technicians which is, as this guide will show you, an entry-level position.
Read on if you like helping others or consider a medical career!
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EKG Tech Job Description and Duties in Wisconsin
The work EKG techs do is helpful for patients and physicians alike.
Physicians, especially cardiologists, diagnose and treat easier if they have EKG readings provided to them.
This is what a day at work looks like for an EKG technician:
- 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 Wisconsin
Like most other states, Wisconsin doesn’t have laws as far as EKG technicians go.
This aspect allows people of all ages and education levels to apply for this position.
Even if this is a good thing, employers don’t easily accept just about anyone.
The places hiring EKG techs usually prefer candidates that can meet these criteria:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Be healthy
- Be detail-oriented
- Have good communication skills
- Have an EKG technician certification
EKG Technician Education in Wisconsin
If you decided to get a certification to increase your chances of getting hired, then you first have to get some education.
In fact, you only need to enroll in a training course or an apprenticeship.
The majority of those who want to become EKG techs choose the training because it only lasts for some 4 months.
The apprenticeship has a duration of at least 1 year.
Signing up for a course is relatively easy, but you might be asked for:
- 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 for some schools to accept teens as young as 16 if they have permission from their parents.
Wisconsin only has 2 such schools to consider for training.
Top 2 Schools in Wisconsin
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Fort Memorial Hospital | 611 Sherman Avenue East Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 |
| Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College | 1900 College Drive Rice Lake, WI 54868 |
If these schools are not what you’re looking for, you can also look into online programs.
This is a list of most 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
Attending clinical practice hours is expected for those studying anything related to the medical field.
EKG Technician Certification in Wisconsin
The certification is awarded to those who pass the exam.
There are several tests to choose from and some are recognized across the country.
These are just 3 of the exams you can sign up for:
- ASPT – Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam
- NHA Certified EKG Technician exam
- ASET exam
These tests are proctored at most testing centers.
To sign up for any of these exams you’ll usually need:
- To fill out an application
- Proof you completed your training
- To complete at least 10 EKGs
- To pay some fees
- One for the exam itself
- One to apply for the exam
- Proof of identity
The apprenticeship can’t be older than 3 years if you chose that training path.
Like most certifications, you must also renew this one periodically.
the renewal process generally involves continuing your education and filling out another application.
EKG Technician Employment and Salary in Wisconsin
So, where will you be working once you are a certified EKG technician in Wisconsin?
The answer is pretty easy as here are the main locations where you can apply for a job:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Physician’s offices
- Other healthcare facilities
How much you work and your actual duties may differ from one facility to the next, however.
Salaries are higher in larger cities, like Milwaukee, Madison, or Kenosha, though accumulated experience and other diplomas can also help you in this regard.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of EKG Technicians in Wisconsin
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $38,900 |
| Madison | $38,500 |
| Green Bay | $37,700 |
| Kenosha | $38,600 |
| Racine | $38,600 |
| Appleton | $37,700 |
| Waukesha | $38,700 |
| Eau Claire | $36,600 |
| Oshkosh | $37,400 |
| Janesville | $38,300 |
Regional Salary in Wisconsin
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appleton, WI | 40 | $76,370 | $36.72 | $177,490 | $38,360 |
| Green Bay, WI | 60 | $79,870 | $38.4 | $174,990 | $40,380 |
| Madison, WI | 60 | $71,230 | $34.25 | $97,840 | $36,440 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI | 300 | $76,610 | $36.83 | $103,860 | $40,030 |
| Wausau, WI | 50 | $89,550 | $43.05 | $173,820 | $64,020 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for EKG Technicians in Wisconsin
Here is why many individuals choose the certification through ASET (the American Society of EKG Technicians):
- Full study guide
- Unlimited practice exams,
- 3 final certification exam attempts
- A professional resume revision
This is a package that costs only $150 and is available online.
Becoming a Certified EKG Instructor (CEI)
The above package is not all, for, after 5 years of experience you can become a Certified EKG Instructor.
With this new certification in hand, you can work either for a training center or you can even open such a center of your own.
