How to Become an EKG Technician in Kentucky

Cardiographic technicians, better known as EKG techs, are vital to the medical system and help diagnose cardiovascular health.

EKG techs work alongside doctors and other health professionals to help prep, test and diagnose patients’ cardiovascular health.

If you want to become an EKG technician in Kentucky, don’t worry.

Below, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know and places you can attend for certification. 

Licensing Requirements to Become

You must meet standard requirements as an EKG technician before applying for a training program.

Trade schools, colleges, universities, and more offer training programs.

These institutions have minimum requirements set by the federal government, which must be met.

Here are the general requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 18 Years of Age
• Clean Background Check
• Negative Hepatitis Test
• Negative TB Test
• Immunization Records

Once these requirements are met, potential students must apply to an EKG training program.

This can either be a certificate program or a degree.

Those holding a certificate will be able to work as entry-level EKG technicians, while those holding a degree will be able to work in more advanced settings.

5 EKG Technician Schools in Kentucky

Kentucky School of Phlebotomy

The Kentucky School of Phlebotomy is located in Louisville, KY, and offers a beginner’s course on EKG equipment.

The program runs six weeks, and the class is held in person.

Students who register will get the start dates as they change yearly. 

Tuition can be broken down into a total of $800 for attending.

The breakdown of costs includes a $50 registration fee, $500 tuition, $150 laboratory fee, and supplies fee of $100.

There are three types of payment plans available for students to choose from.

However, all tuition is due by the end of the course.

Students can expect to learn the following:

• Cardiac Anatomy
• Cardiac Physiology
• Electrical Conduction in the Heart
• 12-Lead EKG Administration
• Identification and Interpretation of EKG Tracings
• Holter and Telemetry Monitoring
• Patient Care and Advising

KY Healthcare Training

The KY Healthcare Training provides a hybrid 65-hour EKG training program in Lexington, KY.

While no clinical requirements are available, the course is often combined with other certificates or degrees.

So, students will need to contact the administration for more information.

Tuition costs for an EKG technician (CET) degree is $795.

Students can opt for a payment plan if they don’t want to pay full costs upfront. 

Attending students will learn the following:

• Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system
• Medical terminology related to EKG
• Phases of the cardiac cycle
• EKG interpretations, normal and abnormal EKG’s
• Different ECG equipment
• Setting up equipment
• And more.

Emergency Medical Training Professionals, LLC

The Emergency Medical Training Professionals offers multiple programs for their Lexington location.

Students can choose from day classes, night classes, and online classes.

The day class takes place Monday through Thursday from 9 am until 5 pm.

The night class is on Monday through Wednesday from 6 pm to 10 pm, while the online class is a hybrid with fully online lectures and three required campus lab days.

The day program features 40-hour weeks for 2.5 weeks until certification.

On the other hand, the night program spans 12 hours a week for seven weeks.

Lastly, the online program ranges in length, as it is a blended course.

Students will need to contact EMTP for more information about tuition.

Ashland Community & Technical College

The Ashland Community and Technical College is in Ashland, KY, and provides an eight-week EKG training program.

Students will learn about heart anatomy, physiology, conduction pathways, and the circulatory system.

In addition, they will learn mechanical functions and medical terminology.

Lastly, students will learn pathophysiology related to cardiac crises and 12-lead interpretation skills.

Students must contact the college for information about tuition and program dates.

Eastern Kentucky University

The Eastern Kentucky University is in Richmond, KY, and has partnered with Ed2Go to provide students with a fully online EKG program.

The course spans 12 months and is self-paced.

Students will need to complete 170 course hours on various topics. 

Tuition costs are $2,490 for the course, but you can pay through Affirm.

If approved, students can pay as little as $97 a month.

However, the program also goes on sale occasionally, which can help cut costs.

Students can expect to learn the following:

• Concepts of cardiac anatomy and physiology, infection control, and standard precautions appropriate to the role of an EKG Technician
• Proper machine protocols and maintenance
• Electrocardiography interpretation of various types of EKGs
• Proper communication methods within clinical scenarios

Salary

The average EKG Technician salary in the United States is $42,00, with the low-end making $33,530 and the high-end making $55,500.

The average salary of an EKG technician in Kentucky is $40,200.

However, the low-end makes $31,603, while the high-end makes $52,2366. 

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Lexington-Fayette	$40,200
Louisville	$40,700
Owensboro	$40,200
Bowling Green	$38,800
Covington	$41,900
Hopkinsville	$38,600
Frankfort	$39,200
Henderson	$40,500
Richmond	$39,800
Auxier	$37,900

Regional Salary in Kentucky

* 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

Is Becoming an EKG Technician in Kentucky Difficult?

Becoming an EKG technician isn’t difficult, but it does take work.

Anyone looking to become an EKG tech should be willing to study through a certificate and pay close attention when on the job.

In addition, getting hands-on experience is crucial for a successful career.

Do You Need Schooling to Become an EKG Tech in Kentucky?

There are no legal requirements to become an EKG technician in Kentucky.

However, having a certificate can help boost your chances of a job.

If you don’t opt for a certificate program, you can gain on-the-job experience and training.

What is the Job Outlook for EKG Technicians in Kentucky?

Between 2020 and 2030, there is an expected 8% growth for all cardiovascular technologists and technicians.

That includes the need for EKG techs.

So, there is a small need for more EKG techs in the future.

EKG Technician Info by State