There are many ways in which you can become an EKG tech in Iowa.
If you want to pursue this career, read on to find out more info!
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EKG Tech Job Description and Duties in Iowa
EKG techs are personnel pertaining to the healthcare sector.
They are helping physicians to treat heart diseases and give the right diagnosis.
There are numerous job tasks that you will have to successfully finish daily.
Some of these duties 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 Iowa
If you would like to know how to get hired, read on for some steps.
In Iowa, you don’t need a certification to find an EKG tech position.
But, most employers do require national EKG certification.
Getting a certification will also help you with your future career opportunities.
There are some documents you have to submit before you apply for an EKG tech job.
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 Iowa
First, you need to choose an EKG training program in your area.
These programs are offered by various schools and have a duration of about 4 months, which is quite short.
You will get a diploma when the program finishes.
Iowa doesn’t have a set of requirements for joining a program, but schools have some requirements.
Some of these 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 individuals can enroll even if they’re under 18, but they need parental approval.
In order to complete your daily duties, you must develop the needed skills.
To do that, you will be attending classes 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 take theory classes but also lab practice.
Have a look below at a list of schools that provide EKG programs in Iowa:
Top 6 Schools in Iowa
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Des Moines Area Community College Continuing Education | 1111 East Army Post Road Suite 2004, Des Moines, IA 50315 |
| Eastern Iowa Community College District | 101 W 3rd St, Davenport, IA 52801 |
| Iowa Central Community College | 1 Triton Cir, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 |
| Kirkwood Center for Lifelong Learning | 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW | Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 |
| Mercy College of Health Sciences | 928 6th Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309 |
| Northeast Iowa Community College | 1625 Hwy 150 South Calmar, IA. 52132 |
EKG Technician Certification in Iowa
So you can get an EKG tech certification, you need to pass one of 3 available exams.
to be able to attend the exam, you have to submit some information.
You will also have to send the diploma issued by your school.
You can also send official school transcripts.
Those who did not complete a program can apply if having one year of work experience over the past 36 months.
You will also have to take 10 EKGs.
The certification exams you can choose from are:
- ASPT – Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam
- NHA Certified EKG Technician exam
- ASET
After taking the test and getting your results, you will receive an EKG tech certification.
You have to renew the certification periodically.
This requires taking a number of extra hours of schooling.
EKG Technician Employment and Salary in Iowa
Once you get your EKG certification, you can work for a facility like:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Physician’s offices
- Various other healthcare facilities
You might have a heavy schedule if you choose to work in a hospital.
You may have to take night shifts and work on Saturdays and Sundays.
The salaries for EKG techs in Iowa depend on the experience you have and the area you live in.
Have a look at the median salaries for EKG techs in the 10 largest areas of Iowa.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of EKG Technicians in Iowa
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Des Moines | $37,900 |
| Cedar Rapids | $37,300 |
| Davenport | $37,400 |
| Sioux City | $33,400 |
| Iowa City | $37,000 |
| Waterloo | $35,600 |
| Ames | $37,600 |
| West Des Moines | $37,900 |
| Council Bluffs | $37,100 |
| Ankeny | $37,900 |
Regional Salary in Iowa
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 40 | $65,540 | $31.51 | $108,710 | $38,740 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | 50 | $66,570 | $32.01 | $95,790 | $38,750 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 180 | $59,480 | $28.6 | $82,820 | $37,120 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | 40 | $66,970 | $32.2 | $83,100 | $50,760 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for EKG Technicians in Iowa
The ASET certification costs $150.
This fee includes:
- Full study guide
- Unlimited practice exams,
- 3 final certification exam attempts
- A professional resume revision
Part of the process can be completed online, except for the practical training that will be done physically.
Becoming a Certified EKG Instructor (CEI)
You can also become a Certified EKG Instructor (CEIs) through the American Society of EKG Technicians.
You need 5 years of experience in the field to apply for this certification.
The application can be fully done online.
Along with your application, you also have to submit a background check.
