How to Become an EKG Technician in South Dakota

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the job opportunities for EKG Technicians will rise by about 3.5 % by 2029.

If you are looking for good opportunities in a field with growth potential, this is a good option.

With the number of baby boomers increasing yearly, more people will need to get an EKG and more medical practices will need to hire trained EKG technicians. 

Licensing Requirements to Become an EKG Technician in South Dakota

In order to attend the necessary training program to become an EKG Technician in South Dakota there are some basic criteria that must be met.

According to ASET (American Society of Electrocartiogram Technicians), the absolute basics are:

• A High School Diploma or GED 
• Be 18 years older
• Pass a background check
• Have a negative Hepatitis and Tuberculosis test
• Be able to provide your immunization record

Once you have completed the required hours of the course successfully, you will receive a certificate of completion.

This doesn’t mean you are certified.

To become certified you will need to pass a test.

Some EKG Technician programs will include the necessary certification testing, others won’t.

This is a National Certification and will help you find the type of employment you are looking for. 

In the state of South Dakota, there are no licensing requirements for EKG Technicians. 

5 EKG Technician Schools in South Dakota

University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota offers an e-program through their Health Ed Today program.

The course is held online with some classroom instruction.

This is a good option for working students and those who want to advance their careers in the health field.

The cost of $999 makes it an economical option and affordable for just about everyone.

The course is 230 hours.

Several different options for certification after completion of the program are offered. 

Southwest Technical College

Southeast Technical College offers a two-year degree program that provides an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree.

The cost is $27,795. 

Every year they schedule a Health Careers Fair that gets students and employers together to discuss career opportunities.

In 2022, Southwest Technical College had a 100% job placement for the Invasive Cardiovascular Technology Program.

When you graduate from this program in South Dakota, you need to take an exam administered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International.

They provide the certification for the program. 

Sioux Falls School District Career Training Programs

The EKG Technician has computer requirements since it is online.

• It can be taken on a PC, Chromebook or a Mac
• You will need to have Windows 10 or newer, Mac OS 10.11 or later
• Chrome or Firefox are preferred, but the program will work with Safari or Microsoft Edge
• You need Microsoft Work Online and Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• All these should be installed before you begin the course. 

When you enroll you will get all the materials that you need to take the course.

Access to email and an email address are essential.

The course prepares you for qualification for the NHA CET certification when combined with EKG performed on 10 living people.

The course includes a clinical experience guide which will provide the hands-on experience required. 

The cost of the program is $2490, but discounts are available.

It takes 170 hours to complete. 

Dignity College of Healthcare

The Dignity College of Healthcare course includes training, a review for the exam, and a national certification exam.

The fee for the exam is included in tuition. 

Two types of courses are offered for EKG Technicians.

The Basic EKG Technician course is $2400.

The Full EKG/Monitor Technician course includes the EKG Tech Course and the Medical Administrative Assistant Course for a discount price of $4000.

The basic course lasts two months (8 weeks). 

The full course lasts four months (16 weeks). 

AlliedRx Institute of Healthcare

Allied RX Institute of Healthcare offers a totally online learning experience for those seeking an EKG Technician or Technologist.

The program lasts for 10 weeks. 

They offer an accelerated 5-week program.

The cost is $1350.

The program includes virtual clinical simulation, 3D interactive anatomy simulations, and virtual EKG patient readings.

Materials and prep for your certification test.  

Salary for an EKG Technician in South Dakota

Salaries for EKG technicians depend on experience and education.

The starting salary is around $29,000 and top salaries are at about $50,000. 

The average salary for an EKG Technician in South Dakota is $37,425.   

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Sioux Falls	$38,500
Rapid City	$37,700
Aberdeen	$35,500
Watertown	$37,800
Brookings	$37,800
Mitchell	$37,800
Pierre	$36,100
Yankton	$37,300
Huron	$36,600
Vermillion	$36,800

Regional Salary in South Dakota

* 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

What are the duties of an EKG Technician in South Dakota?

The duties of an EKG Tech in South Dokata include but are not limited to preparing patients, both adults and children for an EKG.

Performing the EKG and documenting the results.

Good interpersonal skills dealing with patients and other medical staff is a big plus.

Who can become a certified EKG technician in South Dakota?

To become a certified EKG technician in South Dakota you need to be at least 18 years of age and to have a high school diploma or a GED.

On-job experience also helps to get the best jobs that are available.

What businesses in South Dakota use EKG technicians?

EKG technicians can find employment with a doctor’s office, a medical laboratory, cardiac rehabilitation center, and hospitals.

An example is Avera Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

EKG Technician Info by State