If you have ever imagined yourself working in a highly charged healthcare setting using life-saving diagnostic equipment, becoming an EKG technician could be the career for you!
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Licensing Requirements to Become an EKG Technician in Iowa
Aspiring EKG technicians don’t need an occupational license to work in Iowa.
The caveat is that most local healthcare employers prefer to hire CET or CCT-certified techs.
Certification credentials show local employers that potential candidates have the required knowledge and skills to work n the field.
Iowa students should be prepared to complete an NHA or CCI-focused certification program and pass the national exams.
Students should note that most healthcare employers will require that they are at least 18 years old with a clean criminal background and drug screen.
Iowa’s Top EKG Certifications Include the Following:
Certified EKG Technician – This certification is issued by the National Healthcareers Association and validates the education and experience of entry-level technicians nationwide.
Certified Cardiographic Technician – The CCT certification is another top industry credential that demonstrates the certification holder’s experience with EKG processes, procedures, technology, and patient engagement.
EKG Technician Schools in Iowa
Iowa EKG schools teach local students the practical skills needed to administer and analyze diagnostic EKG tests.
The programs highlighted below are offered by local colleges, universities, and vocational centers that follow the certification tracks laid out by the NHA or the CCI.
Iowa Western Community College 
About the School
Iowa’s students seeking to get EKG training online can take web-based training at Iowa Western.
IW partners with online education providers to deliver comprehensive coursework and training that prepares EKG students to pass the national CET exam.
This comprehensive course is delivered as a self-paced option which gives students up to twelve months to complete the required coursework and optional externship in preparation for certification testing.
Iowa Western’s online EKG program accepts students on an open enrollment basis, allowing students to enroll at any time.
Courses Offered
- NHA Certification Prep
- Performing Rapid Response Procedures
- Electrocardiography Interpretation
- EKG Theory
- Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology
Contact Information
- Address: 2700 College Road, Council Bluffs, Iowa – 51503
- Website: Link
- Phone: 855-520-6806
- Program Costs: $495.00 – $1,995.00 with NHA test voucher included.
St. Ambrose University
About the School
The Workforce Development department at St. Ambrose University trains local students to work as certified EKG technicians in its online program.
Their online EKG program requires a time commitment of around 15-20 hours to complete all requirements in 12 months or less.
St. Ambrose’s online EKG program follows the CET certification track.
Knowledgeable instructors train students on the latest technology, equipment, and best practices needed for working as entry-level EKG techs in area healthcare facilities.
Courses Offered
- EKG Administration
- Holter Monitoring
- Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Patient Education
Contact Information
- Address: 518 West Locust Street, Davenport, Iowa – 52803
- Website: Link
- Phone: 877-462-0521
- Program Costs: $2,000.00 plus related supplies and fees.
Des Moines Area Community College
About the School
Students seeking to make a quick entry into the Iowa health care system as certified EKG techs can train online with Des Moines Area Community College.
The Continuing Education department at DMACC operates an online EKG training program delivered by online education provider Ed2Go.
Their web-based EKG program prepares students to take the CET exam and includes a test voucher upon completion.
Most students can complete this program within the allotted 12-month period.
Courses Offered
- CET Exam Prep
- Medical Terminology for Health Professionals
- EKG Administration
- Analyzing EKG Results
Contact Information
- Address: 1111 East Army Post Road, Des Moines, Iowa – 50315
- Website: Link
- Phone: 855-520-6806
- Program Costs: $495.00 – $2,490.00 with monthly payment plans available and test voucher.
Kirkwood Community College
About the School
Kirkwood College operates a fast-track career certificate program.
Their hybrid learning program is delivered via a combination of classroom lectures, online assignments, and hands-on labs.
This 60-credit-hour program teaches students 12-lead EKG, rhythm strip interpretation, heart rate measurement, and how to legally engage with patients to remain in compliance with healthcare rules and regulations.
Kirkwood students will learn how to use and properly maintain EKG machines and related equipment.
Courses Offered
- Medical Terminology
- Hands-on EKG Administration
- EKG Equipment
- Medical and Legal Ethics for Patient Care
Contact Information
- Address: 6301 Kirkwood Boulevard SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa – 52404
- Website: Link
- Phone: 319-398-1022
- Program Costs: Please contact the program directly for current program costs.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Iowa Western Community College | 2700 College Rd, Council Bluffs, IA 51503, United States |
| St. Ambrose University | 518 W Locust St, Davenport, IA 52803, United States |
| Des Moines Area Community College | 1144 7th St, Des Moines, IA 50314, United States |
| Kirkwood Community College | 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, United States |
Iowa EKG Technician – Salary
If you’re wondering how much Iowa cardiographs make, online reports show that Iowa EKG techs make an average annual salary of around $40,900.00.
Techs with credentials and more years of experience make as much as $47,300.00 annually.
Reports on the lower end of the salary scale show annual earnings of $36,300.00.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Des Moines | $41,400 |
| Cedar Rapids | $41,000 |
| Davenport | $40,700 |
| Sioux City | $37,200 |
| Waterloo | $39,000 |
| Iowa City | $40,700 |
| Council Bluffs | $40,500 |
| Dubuque | $40,400 |
| Ames | $41,000 |
| West Des Moines | $41,400 |
Regional Salary in Iowa
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 40 | $65,540 | $31.51 | $108,710 | $38,740 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | 50 | $66,570 | $32.01 | $95,790 | $38,750 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 180 | $59,480 | $28.6 | $82,820 | $37,120 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | 40 | $66,970 | $32.2 | $83,100 | $50,760 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an EKG technician in Iowa?
Iowa EKG technicians typically complete their education and training within two months to one year of starting a certification program.
Who licenses or certifies EKG technicians in Iowa?
Iowa doesn’t officially require its EKG techs to carry an occupational license.
Local healthcare employers give preference to technicians with CET or NHA certification or on-the-job experience.
How much do Iowa EKG technicians make?
Iowa EKG technicians make an average salary of just over $40,900.00 per year.
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
