How to Become an EKG Technician in Washington

Certified cardiographic or EKG technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare system.

They are responsible for assisting doctors and medical professionals in diagnosing patients’ cardiovascular health.

You’ll be responsible for prepping, performing, and reading the patient’s results as an EKG.

If you’re interested in how to become an EKG technician in Washington, we can show you.

Licensing Requirements to Become

Those interested in becoming an EKG technician must meet specific requirements before applying.

These requirements are set by academic institutions and at the federal and state levels.

Here are the requirements that applicants must meet before training:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 18 Years of Age
• Clean Background Check
• Negative Hepatitis Test
• Negative TB Test
• Immunization Records

Once potential students have passed the minimum requirements, they must apply to an EKG training program.

The course can be either at the certificate or degree level.

EKG technician programs can last anywhere from 60 to 80 hours, and students will need to attend online or in person.

After completing an EKG training program, students must sit for the National Healthcareer Association’s (NHA) CET exam.

This exam will test students’ ability to master core concepts.

Once passed, students will become verified in their state and can start applying for work.

EKG technicians will then need to renew their certification every two years.

5 EKG Technician Schools in Washington

Edmonds College

Edmonds College is in Lynnwood, WA, and features an EKG training program.

The length of the program spans three months and students will need to complete a total of six credits.

Students will also gain clinical experience under the guidance of experienced professionals.

The course costs a total of $119.13 for Washington residents.

However, additional budgeting is required for exam fees, materials, etc.

There is also a $96 charge for immunization and a criminal background check.

Green River College

Green River College is in Auburn, WA, and includes an EKG training program.

Students must complete four courses, ranging from cardiac rhythm recognition and interpretation to safety, basic life support, and infection control. 

Professional Workforce Development

Professional Workforce Development is partnered with Washington Adventist University and offers online EKG training programs.

The program length is 12 weeks, and students are expected to complete three courses: professionalism in Allied Health, introduction to Human Anatomy and medical terminology, and electrocardiography.

The course cost is estimated at $4,000, and students have the option for payment plans, financial aid, or employer reimbursement.

All courses are delivered online, including 3D animations, immersive environments, and interactive activities. So students won’t be missing out on labs.

Clover Park Technical College

Clover Park Technical College has partnered with Ed2Go, an online training website.

Here, students can take their fully online EKG training program.

The course is self-paced, and students can register whenever they want.

This allows them to start any time of the year and learn at their own pace.

That being said, the course must be completed in 12 months.

There are 170 course hours, so students must plan accordingly.

The cost of tuition is $2,490, but students can pay through Affirm if approved.

This can lower monthly costs to as little as $97.

Students who attend can expect to learn the following:

• Concepts of cardiac anatomy and physiology, infection control, and standard precautions appropriate to the role of an EKG Technician
• Proper machine protocols and maintenance
• Electrocardiography interpretation of various types of EKGs
• Proper communication methods within clinical scenarios

Community Colleges of Spokane

The Community Colleges of Spokane is in Spokane, WA, and provides an online EKG training program.

The course is delivered online at the student’s pace, requiring no meet-up time.

That being said, students must complete the course by the end date.

The tuition for the course is $2,695 and covers a wide variety of EKG technician concepts.

The program is designed to prepare students to pass the Certified EKG Technician Specialist (CETS) certification exam.

Students will have a voucher to sit for the CETS exam by paying for this course.

Salary

The average EKG Technician salary in the United States is $42,00, with the low-end making $33,530 and the high-end making $55,500.

The average salary of an EKG technician in Washington is $45,800.

The low-end makes around $36,057, while the high-end makes $59,555.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Seattle	$47,300
Spokane	$42,200
Tacoma	$46,100
Vancouver	$44,500
Bellevue	$47,300
Everett	$46,400
Federal Way	$46,100
Kent	$46,000
Yakima	$43,200
Bellingham	$44,000

Regional Salary in Washington

* 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

Do you need certification to work as an EKG technician in Washington?

While the state of Washington doesn’t require that you have certification to work as an EKG technician, most institutions like CETS.

If you don’t attend a training program, you’ll likely receive on-the-job training, compensating for the certificate hours.

That being said, becoming certified is the best way to ensure you can work as an EKG technician.

What is the most you can make as an EKG technician in Washington?

The top percent of earners make nearly $60,000 or more per year.

Of course, this is only for the top earners and is often for private institutions.

Higher education and degree programs will allow you to apply to advanced roles that pay more.

Is there a need for EKG technicians in Washington?

The Washington State Employment Security Department projects that there will be an average annual growth rate of 1.9% for EKG technician positions from the year 2020 through 2030.

So, there is a need for new EKG technicians throughout the years

EKG Technician Info by State