EKG technicians are healthcare workers who perform EKG (electrocardiogram) tests on patients.
An EKG’s main duties include ensuring that EKG machines are correctly set up and operated.
They are responsible for attaching the electrodes to the patient’s body.
They also have to ensure that the readings are accurate.
These results will then be communicated to the doctor.
If you’re thinking about becoming an EKG technician, you should be aware of everything that’s involved in the process of earning your license or certificate.
This guide will provide you with the information you need, including schooling options, to jump-start your career.
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements to Become an EKG Technician
The licensing requirements for an EKG technician vary from state to state.
Here are the several basic requirements that you must meet before you can get your license in Florida:
- At least 18 years of age
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Test negative for TB
- Test negative for Hepatitis
- Pass a criminal background check (zero felonies)
If you meet these basic requirements, you’ll be able to proceed with the basic training you need.
Here are other steps you must follow in order to receive your license as an EKG technician in Florida:
Undergo a Training Program
If you meet the basic requirements, you will then need to find a training program to receive the necessary education you need.
You will have several options for undergoing this training.
You can receive training from a community college, an online program, or a vocational school.
However, the school you choose must be accredited and specifically offer EKG training programs.
Acquire the Necessary Experience
During the time you are completing your training program, you will need to acquire practical experience along the way.
This ensures that you are comfortable providing EKG procedures to patients.
There are various opportunities you can take advantage of to receive this experience.
You can practice under the supervision of an EKG technician working in a healthcare setting, whether it’s through volunteer work, clinical work, or internships.
Take & Pass the Certification Exam
Before you take the certification exam to receive your license as an EKG technician, make sure that you give yourself the necessary time to prepare.
The CET exam is distributed by the NHA.
There are various multiple-choice questions you will need to answer, covering various topics including patient care, equipment usage, and more.
If you pass the exam, you will receive your EKG technician license or certificate.
Renew your Certification
Once you’ve received your certification, you must maintain it by meeting the renewal requirements.
Continuing education may also be required to maintain your EKG technician license.
5 EKG Technician Schools in Florida
Here are five schools in Florida that offer EKG technician programs:
Eastern Florida State College
1519 Clearlake Rd l Cocoa, FL 32922
The EKG technician program offered at Eastern Florida State College is an online program.
There is no set time to start the program, allowing you to move at your own pace.
The cost of the program is $1,995.00.
You will earn 100-course hours once you’ve completed the program.
In addition, the school will provide you with a voucher to take your exam, meaning you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket.
Abba Healthcare Training
269 N University Dr l Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
This school offers in-person classes to help you earn the education you need to become an EKG technician.
It is located on the Fort Lauderdale campus.
Students who are interested must pay $395 to receive the necessary training.
The training you receive will vary.
For example, if this is your first time becoming certified, your training will differ from those needing a refresher.
Florida Health Care Academy
5804 Lake Underhill Rd Suite B l Florida Health Care AcademyOrlando, FL 32807
The EKG technician program offered at Florida Health Care Academy costs a total of $750.
The classes are offered in-person and online, and you’ll have a couple of different locations you can choose from, including Miami and Orlando.
There are also a couple of different schedules to choose from.
If you choose Monday through Friday, you will be able to complete the program in just four weeks.
If you choose to take online classes on Saturdays, you will finish in 9 weeks.
Southern Technical Institute
3940 North Dean Rd l Orlando, FL 32817
Campuses are located in Orlando, Tavares, and Pinellas for this school.
You can find the location that is most convenient for you.
You can choose from online courses or in-person classes, which will determine the cost you pay.
For instance, in-person classes for a total of four weeks will cost $649.
This program covers a lot of topics, including the care and safety of patients and medical terminology related to electrocardiography.
Florida Medical & Aesthetic International School
4953 SW 47th Ct l Miami, FL 33155
The EKG technician program offered at FLMAIS allows you to become nationally certified.
Courses begin every two months.
This allows you to control when you would like to start.
The entire course is 60 hours in person.
The cost of tuition can vary, and payment plans are offered, which can be paid on a weekly basis.
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Eastern Florida State College | 1519 Clearlake Rd l Cocoa, FL 32922 |
Abba Healthcare Training | 269 N University Dr l Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 |
Florida Health Care Academy | 5804 Lake Underhill Rd Suite B l Orlando, FL 32807 |
Southern Technical Institute | 3940 North Dean Rd l Orlando, FL 32817 |
Florida Medical & Aesthetic International School | 4953 SW 47th Ct l Miami, FL 33155 |
Salary
The average EKG technician salary in Florida is $39,300.
However, this salary can range between $36,000 and $47,000.
It will depend on various factors, such as additional skills, experience, certifications, and education.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Jacksonville | $40,700 |
Miami | $41,600 |
Tampa | $40,800 |
St. Petersburg | $40,800 |
Hialeah | $41,400 |
Orlando | $40,700 |
Fort Lauderdale | $41,600 |
Tallahassee | $38,600 |
Hollywood | $41,600 |
Pembroke Pines | $41,300 |
Regional Salary in Florida
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | 330 | $60,740 | $29.2 | $87,920 | $36,870 |
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | 50 | $64,510 | $31.01 | $81,790 | $37,440 |
Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | 220 | $66,590 | $32.02 | $96,390 | $33,750 |
Gainesville, FL | 140 | $74,300 | $35.72 | $144,970 | $35,780 |
Homosassa Springs, FL | 40 | $57,140 | $27.47 | $76,610 | $29,680 |
Jacksonville, FL | 540 | $65,010 | $31.26 | $93,740 | $36,090 |
Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | 130 | $54,300 | $26.1 | $80,550 | $34,410 |
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | 1,170 | $60,360 | $29.02 | $94,960 | $35,040 |
Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL | 40 | $64,630 | $31.07 | $98,980 | $38,160 |
North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL | 220 | $62,370 | $29.98 | $98,630 | $36,080 |
Ocala, FL | 80 | $58,540 | $28.14 | $77,370 | $34,860 |
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | 680 | $55,910 | $26.88 | $90,980 | $34,120 |
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | 250 | $51,220 | $24.62 | $83,570 | $31,890 |
Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | 140 | $61,660 | $29.65 | $82,960 | $31,010 |
Port St. Lucie, FL | 60 | $67,900 | $32.65 | $97,500 | $37,700 |
Punta Gorda, FL | 50 | $61,640 | $29.64 | $99,510 | $30,850 |
Tallahassee, FL | 160 | $44,360 | $21.33 | $80,340 | $29,670 |
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | 910 | $58,050 | $27.91 | $87,970 | $32,210 |
The Villages, FL | 50 | $57,720 | $27.75 | $80,380 | $29,510 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the re-certification process like in Florida for EKG technicians?
Florida has a simple re-certification process.
You must re-certify every two years.
This proves that you have kept up with the continuing education credits you need.
A re-certification exam is also required, for which you will need to pay a fee.
Does Florida require anything special to enroll in an EKG training program?
Florida is no different from any other state when it comes to the requirements needed to enroll in an EKG technician program.
This is because it is considered a national certification.
However, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and test negative for TB and hepatitis.
Are there any cities in Florida that provide more of an opportunity to work as an EGK technician?
You are more likely to find open positions as an EKG tech in the most populated cities, including Tampa, Miami, Orlando, and Jacksonville.
EKG Technician Info by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming