How to Become an EKG Technician in Connecticut

EKG Technicians are allied healthcare professionals who measure patients’ heart activity utilizing specialized equipment.

Medical professionals use this data to diagnose a patient’s cardiac health then issue the proper treatment plan.

To take an EKG, technicians must attach electrodes to the correct sections of a patient’s legs, arms, and chest to ensure proper results.

All information is reported back to a physician for review.

Working as an EKG Technician requires less education than most other medical professions.

This makes it a low barrier of entry to start your career quickly.

Keep reading to learn more about the licensing requirements to become an EKG Technician in Connecticut!

Licensing Requirements to Become an EKG Technician

EKG Technician certification is not required in Connecticut.

However, it will help you land the best and highest paying job.

Certification demonstrates your authority, knowledge, and commitment to the medical field.

The EKG Technician certification steps include:

Study for the Exam

The first step is to pass the CET (Certified EKG Technician) examination offered by the NHA (National Healthcareer Association).

The exam includes medical terminology, patient care, cardiac anatomy, and EKG interpretation.

Enrolling in an EKG Technician training program prepares you for the exam by providing all knowledge and procedures to pass.

Take the Exam

Once you’re prepared to take the exam, you can register for the test on the NHA website.

The examination is entirely only and comprises multiple-choice questions.

Once passing the exam, you will receive the Certified EKG Technician designation.

Maintain Your Certification

Continuing education is a critical aspect of maintaining your certification to ensure you remain updated on the latest equipment and techniques.

The requirements include continuing education credits that can be earned through professional development activities, courses, and seminars.

The best way to find continuing education opportunities is through the NHA and other professional organizations.

Courses cover various topics to help improve your job skills, so it’s crucial to have access to the necessary resources.

Another route is to gain additional certifications.

This will help with continuing education requirements and potentially lead to a higher salary.

For instance, being certified to manage Holters or telemetry will help advance your career.

Furthermore, many EKG Techs use the position as a stepping stone to earn other medical degrees and advance within the field.

5 EKG Technician Schools

Academy of Medical Training

The two-day intensive 16-hour EKG training program from the Academy of Medical Training prepares students for the certification examination.

The curriculum comprises two parts: EKG monitoring and patient care.

Tuition costs $300 with a $200 registration fee totaling $500.

American Society of Electrocardiogram Technicians

The American Society of Electrocardiogram Technicians EKG training program is an in-person course to give students hands-on training with live patients.

With a location in East Hartford, the program prepares students to take the certification examination.

CT State Community College

CT State Community College has multiple locations around the state, all of which have EKG Programs.

The 40-hour course includes topics like heart physiology and anatomy, medical ethics, terminology, disease processes, the Holter monitor, and patient contact legal aspects.

Also, students will practice with EKG equipment and conduct hands-on clinical labs.

The program cost is $1,000 including all materials and fees.

Dorsey College Training Direct

With locations in Danbury and Bridgeport, Training Direct is a local EKG school giving students the knowledge necessary to be successful.

In just a few short weeks, students will have the proper information to start their healthcare careers.

The program covers basic topics like medical terminology, patient care, EKG monitoring and record, equipment maintenance and care, and ethics.

Northeast Medical Institute

Northeast Medical Institute’s three-day EKG Technician Training program consists of 24 lecture hours.

Students will learn the basics of being an EKG Technician in theory and competency skills.

This includes a firsthand component that gives students real-world experience with actual patients.

Program tuition, including all materials, is $250.

Salary

The median annual U.S. EKG Technician salary is $42,700 with pay ranging from $37,900 to $49,400.

In comparison, the median yearly Connecticut EKG Technician income is much higher at $49,200 with pay ranging from $38,500 to $63,900.

Pay varies between states and locations within states based on the local cost of living and proximity to major cities.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Bridgeport	$48,700
New Haven	$46,400
Hartford	$46,400
Stamford	$48,700
Waterbury	$46,200
Norwalk	$49,300
Danbury	$47,500
New Britain	$46,300
West Hartford	$46,400
Greenwich	$49,300

Regional Salary in Connecticut

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, OCC Code 29-2031, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the required skills to become an EKG Technician in Connecticut?

In addition to the skills and knowledge required to operate the equipment, the most successful EKG techs utilize several other skills, including the following:

• Ability to collaborate and work in a team setting.
• Excellent comprehension of medical terminology
• Exceptional communication skills for interacting with other medical professionals and patients.
• High attention to detail to accurately record heart rhythms and attach electrodes.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for equipment or software issues.

What are the main drivers of EKG Technician salaries in Connecticut?

While Connecticut is a small state, the salaries differ greatly based on the location.

The primary salary drivers include the location, years of experience in the field, education level, certification status, and number of modalities you can perform.

For instance, technicians who are qualified to work with telemetry or Holter monitors make more money.

What are the daily responsibilities of a Connecticut EKG Technician?

The daily responsibilities vary based on the facility, but most EKG Technicians must position and prepare patients for procedures, monitor heart rhythms during the procedures, and clean and maintain the equipment.

Other duties include attaching electrodes, operating EKG hardware and software, and working with physicians to analyze test results.

EKG Technician Info by State