Electrocardiograph (EKG) technicians perform diagnostic tests that check the function of a patient’s heart.
The doctor will review these test results, and make a diagnosis and treatment plan.
If you are interested in the medical field but don’t want to spend years in school, you should consider becoming an EKG technician in North Carolina.
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Licensing Requirements to Become an EKG Technician in North Carolina
Surprisingly, there are no formal licensing or training requirements to be an EKG technician in North Carolina.
However, an employer is unlikely to hire you unless they feel you are qualified.
Usually, this means completing an EKG training program and getting your national certification.
EKG Training Programs
You’ll need to meet some basic requirements to be admitted into an EKG training program.
You’ll need to be up to date on your immunizations.
You’ll also need a negative Hepatitis B and TB, or tuberculosis, test.
A high school diploma or GED, and a clean background are typically required as well.
You’ll learn medical terminology, anatomy with a focus on the heart and circulatory system, and how cardiac diseases and disorders affect the body.
Of course, you’ll also learn how to perform EKGs, and how to understand the results.
EKG Certification
Once you’ve completed an EKG training program, you can take the national certification exam.
The American Society of Electrocardiogram Technicians, or ASET, provides the certification.
You’ll need to provide proof you’ve completed a training program and 10 successful EKGs on live people to sit for the exam.
You’ll complete an online application and pay a $200 fee.
This fee covers study materials, practice tests, and 3 attempts to take the certification exam.
You won’t be completing the process alone, however.
Once you register, you are paired with an academic advisor.
They will monitor your progress as you complete the e-learning study before taking the exam.
They will give you the results of your exam.
Once you’ve passed, they will help you create a resume and assist with job placement.
The exam is remotely proctored online.
This means you’ll take the test in your own home, while supervised by the test administrator.
5 EKG Technician Schools in North Carolina
Wake Tech
Wake Tech offers an EKG technician training program.
The program requires 120 hours, and it can be completed in 3 months or less.
You’ll learn about the heart’s physiology and anatomy, including the electrical conduction system, and how it affects the heart’s function.
You’ll also learn about the cardiac cycle and medical terminology.
You will learn how to perform an EKG, including how to prepare patients, place leads, and run an EKG strip properly.
Once you’ve completed the program, you will be prepared to take the Certified EKG Technician Exam through the National Healthcareer Association.
North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina A&T State University offers an online EKG technician training program.
The program focuses on teaching you how to perform and interpret EKG test results.
After you’ve completed the program, you’ll be prepared to take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified EKG Technician (CET).
You can complete this program in 2-4 months at your own pace.
An externship is also part of this program, although it’s not required.
The externship will pair you with a local facility, so you can get hands-on experience.
This can help you find a job after you get your certification.
Carolina School of Phlebotomy
The Carolina School of Phlebotomy offers an EKG training program that was created by a doctor.
The rigorous course takes 6 weeks, and you’ll attend class on-site.
You’ll learn about cardiac anatomy and physiology and electrical conduction of the heart.
You’ll learn how to perform a 12-lead EKG, and how to identify and interpret EKG tracings.
You’ll learn how to interact with patients and ethics as well.
Guilford Technical Community College 
The Guilford Technical Community College provides an EKG training program that lasts about 2 months, including 96 clock hours.
You’ll learn about heart disease, pacemakers, and medical terminology in addition to the anatomy of the heart.
You will also learn how to use and maintain EKG equipment, and how to understand EKG strips.
University of North Carolina Pembroke
The University of North Carolina Pembroke paired with Ed2go to offer an online EKG training program.
Once you’ve completed the program, you are eligible for an externship to gain real-world experience.
Completing the program will allow you to sit for a national certification exam.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Wake Tech | 9101 Fayetteville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603, United States |
| North Carolina A&T State University | 1601 East Market Street, 380 Proctor Hall, Greensboro, NC 274011, United States |
| Carolina School of Phlebotomy | 322 Lamar Ave Suite 301, Charlotte, NC 28204, United States |
| Guilford Technical Community College | 601 E Main St, Jamestown, NC 27282, United States |
| University of North Carolina Pembroke | 1 University Drive, Pembroke, NC 28372, United States |
Salary
The average salary for an EKG technician in North Carolina is $40,977.
Salaries typically range between $36,347 to $47,411.
Your salary will vary based on the type of facility you work in, your experience, education, and any other skills you have.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Charlotte | $41,800 |
| Raleigh | $41,800 |
| Greensboro | $40,900 |
| Durham | $41,500 |
| Winston-Salem | $41,100 |
| Fayetteville | $39,300 |
| Cary | $41,800 |
| High Point | $41,200 |
| Wilmington | $39,500 |
| Asheville | $39,400 |
Regional Salary in North Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | 60 | $53,220 | $25.59 | $98,160 | $38,080 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | 310 | $64,320 | $30.93 | $100,250 | $33,580 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | 110 | $71,760 | $34.5 | $107,720 | $37,760 |
| Greenville, NC | 80 | $71,930 | $34.58 | $87,770 | $37,220 |
| Raleigh, NC | 150 | $68,440 | $32.9 | $100,610 | $41,310 |
| Wilmington, NC | 60 | $66,970 | $32.2 | $97,750 | $37,040 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 190 | $73,600 | $35.38 | $102,620 | $35,540 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an EKG technician in North Carolina?
How long it takes will depend on the type of program you choose.
Associate degree programs typically take 2 years to complete.
However, certificate programs can be completed in 3-6 months.
Do I need to renew my certification in North Carolina?
Yes.
You’ll need to renew your certification every 2 years.
You’ll need to pay $200 and complete the certification exam each time you renew.
Where can I work as an EKG technician in North Carolina?
EKG technicians can work in several settings.
You can work in a hospital, doctor’s office, cardiac rehabilitation center, or a medical laboratory.
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
