How to Become an EKG Technician in Mississippi

Licensing Requirements to Become an EKG Technician in Mississippi

What are the licensing requirements in Mississippi to become an EKG technician, you ask?

Mississippi is one of several states that do not require EKG technicians to possess a license.

But this doesn’t mean you should let your guard down just yet.

Mississippi does require EKG technicians to work under the supervision of a nurse. This is a state requirement prior to earning your certificate.

So what about EKG technician certificates?

There are several options out there for you to choose from.

These credentialing options will prepare you to work in doctor’s offices, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and assisted living facilities.

While conducting research, you may come across the “ECG” abbreviation.

But there’s no need to worry, because this abbreviation means the exact same thing as an EKG technician.

So, with that being said, you can acquire your ECG or EKG tech certificate through the NCCT, or National Center for Competency Testing.

This is, of course, if you’re already enrolled in a training program that this association approves.

Are you looking for some additional available certificates?

Here are several others to consider:

The Certified EKG Technician Certificate offered via the National Healthcare Association
The Certified Electrocardiograph Technician Certificate offered via the National Performance Specialists

Moreover, certifications are readily available through Cardiovascular Credentialing International and the National Workforce Career Association.

5 EKG Technician Schools in Mississippi

Are you in Mississippi and looking for schools that offer EKG technician programs?

Check out the following schools:

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

If you’re on the hunt for continuing education courses and have some learning experience in the field, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is the perfect choice.

They offer both in-person and online training programs that teach students how to accurately interpret EKG machine readings.

The program is 48 hours long.

This program will prepare students to take the NCCT ECG Technician exam.

The cost for this program is $560.

Mississippi State University Extension

Does learning at your own pace sound like something that you’d be interested in?

The Mississippi State University Extension School offers an EKG technician program that provides students with 375 hours of in-person instruction.

In addition, students will gain 20 hours of clinical experience.

Students will be able to complete the program in as little as 12 months, depending on how much time they put into it.

This is a self-paced program.

The cost is $2,799.

SuperiorCare Medical Academy

Another option for those looking for EKG technician programs in Mississippi is SuperiorCare Medical Academy.

They offer a program that includes six weeks of training.

The training provided is equivalent to 48 hours of classroom work.

Students will learn all about heart rhythms and meanings.

The best part about this program is that it prepares students to take the NHA CET exam.

The program costs $1200, along with a $45 application fee.

Coahoma Community College

Are you looking to earn a certificate that prepares you to take an exam offered by CCI?

Coahoma Community College is perfect.

They offer students the opportunity to earn an electrocardiography certificate.

The program takes eight weeks to complete.

So, what’s included? 34 hours of classroom learning, 15 hours of clinical experience, and 15 hours of lab experience are all included in the program.

Tuition costs $1650.

Northwest Mississippi Community College

If you’re looking to acquire a cardiovascular certification, Northwest Mississippi Community College offers a cardiovascular technology program.

Following the program, students will earn an associate applied science degree.

This program lasts four semesters.

Upon completion, students will be prepared to take the RCIS exam.

School Name	Address
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College	51 Main St, Perkinston, MS 39573, United States
Mississippi State University Extension	75 B. S. Hood Rd, Mississippi State, MS 39762, United States
SuperiorCare Medical Academy	1223 Main St, Southaven, MS 38671, United States
Coahoma Community College	3240 Friars Point Rd, Clarksdale, MS 38614, United States
Northwest Mississippi Community College	4975 US-51, Senatobia, MS 38668, United States

Salary

EKG technicians, on average, make a yearly salary of $38,300 in Mississippi.

But the range can fall anywhere between $33,900 and $44,300.

Ranges generally vary depending on a person’s certification, education, skills, and experience.

Annual Salary Range:

$33K

$38K

$44K

10%

50%

90%

Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Jackson	$38,300
Gulfport	$37,700
Biloxi	$38,000
Hattiesburg	$37,400
Greenville	$38,100
Meridian	$38,000
Tupelo	$36,100
Southaven	$39,600
Olive Branch	$39,500
Pascagoula	$37,800

Regional Salary in Mississippi

Region	Employed	Avg. Annual Salary	Avg. Hourly Pay	Top 10% Annual Salary	Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS	70	$53,920	$25.92	$74,730	$29,570
Jackson, MS	150	$51,020	$24.53	$78,960	$29,410

* 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

Does Mississippi have any strict requirements to become an EKG technician?

Mississippi doesn’t have any “strict” requirements to earn an EKG technician certificate.

The requirements are pretty simple.

If you’re serious about becoming an EKG technician, you must at least possess a high school diploma or GED.

Post-secondary training, in addition to clinical experience, is also a requirement.

You may be wondering where you can acquire hands-on training.

The answer to this is also simple.

You’ll receive plenty of hands-on training during the time you are employed at a clinic or hospital.

During this time, you will be assisting a certified EKG technician until you’ve earned your own certificate.

Does Mississippi have a good career outlook for EKG technicians?

The job outlook for EKG technicians in Mississippi is pretty average.

It’s predicted that job growth within this field is expected to reach 14% by the year 2030.

This could mean some excellent news for those who are currently undergoing training, as 12,000 new positions each year are expected to open.

Keep in mind that some of these positions will require EKG testing experience.

About how long does EKG technician training take to complete in Mississippi?

EKG technician training programs generally only take six weeks to complete.

Moreover, your experience will play a huge role in the timing.

What about those who are looking for advanced EKG training?

It can take anywhere from four months to two years to complete.

Here is something to keep in mind: Advanced EKG training usually means that you want to acquire more than just your EKG tech certification.

Perhaps you’re thinking about becoming a cardiology assistant or medical assistant.