Are you interested in becoming an EKG tech in Illinois?
If so, all you need to do is read on for some tips and info on how to get your first job.
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EKG Tech Job Description and Duties in Illinois
EKG techs work in the healthcare sector.
They are aiding physicians in diagnosing and treating heart diseases.
There are many job tasks you will have to complete daily.
Some of these tasks are:
- Evaluating a patient and explaining procedures
- Verify patients identity
- Performing EKG
- Point of care testing
- Preparing test results for the doctor
- Maintaining your area and equipment
EKG Tech Job Requirements in Illinois
If you want to know how to get your first job, you should know it is not difficult.
In this state, you will not need any kind of certification to work as an EKG tech.
Even so, many hiring companies do require national EKG certification.
Having a certification will also increase your career opportunities.
There are a few documents you are required to submit when applying for your first position.
These include:
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be healthy
- Be detail-oriented
- Have good communication skills
- Have an EKG technician certification
EKG Technician Education in Illinois
First, you have to choose a training program for EKG techs in your region.
The training programs for EKG techs generally last for 4 months.
You will be issued a diploma upon the completion of the program.
While Illinois has no requirements for attending a program, schools have their own.
Some of these requirements include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Over The Age Of 18
- Clean Background Check (No Felonies)
- Negative Hepatitis Test
- Negative TB Test
- Immunization Records
Some schools may accept students that are under 18 if they can show their parents’ approval.
In order to do your daily tasks, you need to have some specific skills.
To develop those, you will be joining courses such as:
- Heart anatomy
- Medical disease processes
- Medical terminology
- Electrocardiography
- Echocardiography
- Ethics
- Anatomy of the chest wall for proper lead placement
- Pacemakers
In the program, you will attend theory classes but also hands-on practice.
Here is a list of schools that provide EKG programs in this state:
Top 12 Schools in Illinois
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Aquarius Institute | 1011 E Touhy Ave Ste 335, Des Plaines, IL 60018 |
| Career Options Inc | 2644 E Dempster Street, Suite 116 Park Ridge, Illinois 60068 |
| Chicago School of Phlebotomy | 932 N. Wright St., Suite 168 Naperville, IL 60563 |
| International Career Institute ICI | 6425 Hamlin Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712 |
| Jethro Healthcare School, LLC | 650 W Algonquin Rd., 2nd Floor Des Plaines, IL 60016 |
| New Lake College | 1300 Greenbrook Blvd., Suite 102 Hanover Park, IL 60133 |
| Oakton Community College | 1600 E. Golf Road Des Plaines, IL 60016 |
| Oakton Community College | 7701 N. Lincoln Avenue Skokie, IL 60077 |
| Triton College | 2000 Fifth Ave River Grove, IL 60171 |
| Tukiendorf Training Institute, Inc. | 5310 N. Harlem Ave., Suite 209, Chicago, IL 60656 |
| Tukiendorf Training Institute, Inc. | 7667 W. 95th St., Suite 302, Hickory Hills, IL 60457 |
| Tukiendorf Training Institute, Inc. | 5000 West Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL 60644 |
EKG Technician Certification in Illinois
Before you get an EKG tech certification, you have to pass a test.
In order to be eligible for the exams, you need to mail some paperwork.
The documents need to include the training program diploma you got.
You can also mail official school transcripts.
Those candidates who did not finish a program can prove they have a year of work experience over the past 3 years.
You will also need to take 10 EKGs.
The certification exams are the following:
- ASPT – Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam
- NHA Certified EKG Technician exam
- ASET
After you pass these exams, you will get a national EKG tech certification in a few weeks.
You will also have to renew this license in order to be allowed to keep working.
This usually requires a certain number of extra hours of class.
EKG Technician Employment and Salary in Illinois
Once you have your national EKG certification, you can easily apply to any of the next facilities:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Physician’s offices
- Various other healthcare facilities
You should be ready for a heavy schedule as an EKG tech in a hospital.
You should also be prepared to take night shifts and work on weekends.
The wages for EKG techs in Illinois depend on how long you’ve worked in the field.
Your early salary will also depend on where you live.
If you work in a larger city, you will get paid better than in a smaller one.
Here you can see the average salaries for EKG techs in the 10 largest areas of this state.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of EKG Technicians in Illinois
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Chicago | $41,700 |
| Aurora | $41,300 |
| Joliet | $40,600 |
| Rockford | $38,700 |
| Naperville | $40,900 |
| Springfield | $36,300 |
| Peoria | $37,900 |
| Elgin | $41,000 |
| Waukegan | $39,300 |
| Champaign | $36,900 |
Regional Salary in Illinois
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 60 | $61,520 | $29.58 | $95,520 | $37,390 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 1,120 | $69,850 | $33.58 | $100,880 | $40,390 |
| Kankakee, IL | 30 | $68,220 | $32.8 | $97,590 | $39,780 |
| Peoria, IL | 150 | $61,140 | $29.4 | $105,530 | $37,150 |
| Rockford, IL | 40 | $74,340 | $35.74 | $100,190 | $36,790 |
| Springfield, IL | 30 | $57,370 | $27.58 | $88,460 | $45,790 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for EKG Technicians in Illinois
The ASET certification has a fee of $150.
For this, you will get:
- Full study guide
- Unlimited practice exams,
- 3 final certification exam attempts
- A professional resume revision
You can do this online, but the hands-on training has to be done in person.
Becoming a Certified EKG Instructor (CEI)
If you want, you can become a Certified EKG Instructor (CEIs) through the American Society of EKG Technicians.
If you decide to apply for this license, you need 5 years of experience.
The application can be completed online.
Remember you will also have to get a background check.
