EKG technicians have an important job.
They perform Electrocardiograms, or EKGs, which check the function of a patient’s heart.
Doctors will use the results of the EKG to make diagnoses for patients.
If you are interested in working in the medical field but don’t want to spend years in school, you should consider becoming an EKG tech.
To become an EKG technician in South Carolina, you’ll need to complete a training program and get a nationally recognized certification.
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements to Become an EKG Technician in South Carolina
Surprisingly, you aren’t required to become licensed or certified to become an EKG technician in South Carolina.
However, you’ll find it very difficult to find an employer willing to hire you without completing an EKG technician training program and becoming certified.
Basic Prerequisites
Before you begin the process of becoming an EKG technician in South Carolina, you should be sure you meet the prerequisites.
You’ll need to be at least 18 years old, and have a high school diploma or GED.
Most programs require you to be up to date on your vaccinations, and to have a negative Tuberculosis, or TB, and Hepatitis B test before starting the program.
Lastly, you’ll need to have a clear record.
Misdemeanors may be accepted, but felony convictions will be problematic.
It’s important to be a kind and caring person who enjoys working with people.
In addition to performing EKG’s you’ll need the ability to put patients at ease.
You’ll also need strong analytical skills to perform your job correctly.
If you meet all these requirements, you can attend an EKG tech training program.
EKG Technician Training Programs
South Carolina offers many EKG technician training programs.
You’ll find them at vocational schools, community colleges, and technical schools.
Most programs are 6 weeks to 1 year long.
You’ll learn about the anatomy and physiology of the heart, how to perform EKG tests, and medical terminology.
Some programs will also teach you how to read EKG test results.
A reputable training program will prepare you to take a national certification exam.
Get a National Certification
Once you’ve completed a training program, you are ready to sit for a national certification exam.
There are a few certification options you can choose from.
The ASET is the most popular.
You’ll pay a fee of $200 and register online.
Once you are registered, you have access to the study materials and unlimited practice tests.
You’ll also have three attempts to pass the exam.
The exam is given online by a remote proctor who supervises your test.
Once you pass, you’ll work with an academic advisor who can help you with your resume and job placement.
Every two years, you’ll need to renew your certification.
5 EKG Technician Schools in South Carolina
Midlands Technical College 
Midlands Technical College offers an EKG Technician program.
Before taking the EKG course, you’ll need to complete a course in medical terminology.
You can choose to attend class in person, online, or a combination of the two.
When choosing the online format, you can take live online classes via Zoom, or self-paced classes that allow you to complete the course on your own time.
The EKG course features 75 class hours and 45 lab hours.
After completing the program, you can take your national certification exam.
You can combine the phlebotomy, EKG technician, and certified nursing assistant programs.
After completing all courses, you’ll receive your Patient Care Technician certificate.
South Carolina School of Phlebotomy
The South Carolina School of Phlebotomy offers an EKG technician program.
The program is 6 weeks long, and you’ll need to attend classes on campus.
Once you’ve completed the program, you are ready to get your national certification.
All Heart Allied Education Center
All Heart Allied Education Center offers an EKG technician program.
The program is online.
Students will learn how to administer and interpret EKG results.
Florence-Darlington Technical College
Florence-Darlington Technical College offers an EKG technician training program.
Students will spend one day online and one day on campus each week.
The last 16 hours of the program will be completed in a clinical setting for hands-on training.
Once you’ve completed the course, you are ready to take a national certification exam.
University of South Carolina Aiken
The University of South Carolina Aiken offers an EKG technician program.
The program is online only.
The course includes a voucher for the certified EKG Technician (CET) certification exam.
This means the cost of the exam is included in the cost of the course.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Midlands Technical College | 151 Powell Rd, Columbia, SC 29203, United States |
| South Carolina School of Phlebotomy | 119 Stone Village Dr, Fort Mill, SC 29708, United States |
| All Heart Allied Education Center | 2139 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201, United States |
| Florence-Darlington Technical College | 2715 W Lucas St, Florence, SC 29501, United States |
| University of South Carolina Aiken | 471 University Pkwy, Aiken, SC 29801, United States |
Salary
The average salary for an EKG technician in South Carolina is $40,299.
Salaries typically range from $35,745 to $46,626.
How much you earn will depend on the setting you work in, your education, experience, and other skills you may have.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Columbia | $39,700 |
| Charleston | $40,700 |
| North Charleston | $40,700 |
| Greenville | $40,500 |
| Rock Hill | $42,200 |
| Mount Pleasant | $40,700 |
| Spartanburg | $40,300 |
| Sumter | $38,300 |
| Hilton Head Island | $40,000 |
| Florence | $38,600 |
Regional Salary in South Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | 160 | $67,410 | $32.41 | $94,210 | $38,030 |
| Columbia, SC | 90 | $56,550 | $27.19 | $80,730 | $31,450 |
| Florence, SC | 110 | $52,230 | $25.11 | $81,140 | $27,470 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC | 150 | $61,790 | $29.71 | $88,540 | $32,760 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC | 40 | $71,850 | $34.54 | $91,810 | $38,790 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are EKG technicians in demand in South Carolina?
Yes.
There’s a strong demand for EKG technicians in South Carolina.
As the population continues to age, the field will continue to grow.
Nationwide, the demand is expected to increase by 22% in the next decade, which is much higher than average.
Where can I work as an EKG technician in South Carolina?
You can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and cardiac care centers.
Do I need to renew my certification in South Carolina?
Yes.
You’ll need to renew your certification every 2 years.
You’ll pay $200 and take the certification exam each time you recertify.
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
