Certified EKG technicians play a vital role in the health and safety of cardiac patients seeking diagnostic care and support at area healthcare facilities.
Today’s cardiac monitoring technicians are highly skilled at providing hands-on support for doctors, nurses, and patients as crucial members of allied health support teams.
If you live in Montana and you have been thinking about becoming an EKG technician – the guide below is especially for you!
Our guide provides step-by-step instructions on what it takes to become an entry-level EKG technician in Montana.
Read on to learn about entry-level EKG certification requirements, find out what national agency certifies local EKG technicians, and learn about a few online training programs being offered within the state.
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Licensing Requirements to Become an EKG Technician in Montana
Most US states prefer nationally recognized certification or extensive on-the-job experience from prospective EKG technicians.
The state of Montana is no different.
Certified EKG technicians in Montana become eligible to provide diagnostic patient care and EKG support after completing a combination of training, education, and hands-on experience requirements outlined by the NHA, which is the top certification agency.
Take the following steps to begin your career as a Certified EKG Technician in Montana!
Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent
If you’re planning on attending a certification-based EKG training program, having your high school diploma or an equivalent is usually mandatory for new applicants.
Incoming EKG technicians should also be prepared to complete background checks and drug screens prior to acceptance into programs with in-person clinical requirements.
Enroll in EKG School
When you’re ready to take the next steps, it’s time to research and enroll in the best EKG training program that meets your educational needs and budget.
Montana offers limited options for students to earn EKG training, with two programs currently available as web-based training options.
Apply for Certification with the National Healthcareers Association
The NHA is the top certifying agency for allied health workers seeking to begin entry-level EKG careers.
New applicants become eligible to take CET tests upon completing certification-based training programs and 10 EKGs on live patients.
Find Employment as a Certified EKG Tech
Once you’re officially certified, you can take advantage of job placement assistance offered through local colleges, universities, and workforce development centers or find an EKG job through a Google keyword search.
EKG Technician Schools in Montana
Montana offers limited options when it comes to EKG training programs operating within the state.
The programs below represent online certification pathway options for Montana’s students seeking to become EKG technicians.
Montana State University
About the School
MSU offers an intensive online EKG training program where students learn the fundamentals and principles of administering and measuring cardiac monitoring tests.
This comprehensive program teaches the principles of cardiac conduction, lead placement, and rhythm strip interpretation as part of its curriculum.
Students also have the option to participate in a clinical externship opportunity with partnering local healthcare agencies and hospitals.
Courses Offered
- Diagnostic Electrocardiography
- 12-Lead EKG Strip Interpretation
- Cardiac Pharmacology
- Medical Terminology
- EKG Machine Interpretation
Contact Information
- Address: Bozeman, Montana – 59717
- Website: Link
- Phone: 888-574-6218
- Program Costs: $3000.00 includes instruction, books, supplies, and EKG clinical externship.
Helena College
About the School
Helena College partners with the University of Montana and Ed2Go to bring local students easy access to online EKG training.
Their 12-month online program follows the NHA certification track that prepares students to carry out the everyday duties of an EKG technician, including administering diagnostic cardiac tests, interpreting the results of cardiac monitoring tests, and troubleshooting EKG machines and related equipment.
Students who complete this online EKG program will become eligible to apply for national certification upon completion of a clinical externship.
Courses Offered
- CET Test Prep
- Cardiac Monitoring
- Cardiac Conduction
- Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology
- Basic Electrocardiography
Contact Information
- Address: 1115 North Roberts Street, Helena, Montana – 59601
- Website: Link
- Phone: 855-520-6806
- Program Costs: $495.00 – $1995.00.
- This cost includes tuition and an NHA test voucher.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Montana State University | Culbertson Hall, 100, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States |
| Helena College | 1115 N Roberts St #117, Helena, MT 59601, United States |
Montana EKG Technician – Salary
Online salary data reports show that Montana’s certified EKG technicians make an average salary of $30,694.00 on the low end of the salary scale.
This annual salary amount is substantially lower than the national average.
Top-earning cardiac monitoring technicians earn more than the national average at $50,754.00 on the higher end of the scale.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Billings | $41,200 |
| Missoula | $36,200 |
| Great Falls | $37,700 |
| Butte-Silver Bow | $36,200 |
| Bozeman | $36,200 |
| Helena | $36,800 |
| Kalispell | $38,400 |
| Havre | $37,100 |
| Anaconda-Deer Lodge County | $36,200 |
| Miles City | $40,600 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take self-paced students to become an EKG technician in Montana?
Goal-oriented EKG trainees can complete their training programs in as little as a few weeks in self-paced online programs.
Working students and those who need to take classes part-time can complete their training at their own pace in up to twelve months for the web-based EKG training programs listed above.
Which national agency licenses or certifies EKG technicians in Montana?
Montana’s EKG techs aren’t required to have an occupational license.
Local and national healthcare employers prefer to hire new EKG technicians who demonstrate competency through a number of years of hands-on experience or CET certification.
How much do Montana's EKG technicians make each year?
Cardiac monitoring technicians make an average annual salary that is below the national average, earning just over $30,000 a year on the low end.
Higher earners can bring in as much as $50,000.00 each 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
