There’s a strong demand for EKG technicians in Massachusetts.
If you’re interested in getting a job in the healthcare industry, this could be your chance!
Read on to learn more about this occupation, including the salary!
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EKG Tech Job Description and Duties in Massachusetts
EKG technicians are vital in discovering what is wrong with a patient’s heart.
However, doing this involves a set of tasks and skills.
These are some of the tasks you must complete:
- 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 Massachusetts
You’ll be hard-pressed to find regulations in Massachusetts regarding EKG technicians.
In this state, it’s usually nurses or other medical personnel who complete the EKG procedures, however, dedicated EKG techs do exist.
While you don’t need to be certified to get hired as an EKG technician, having a diploma will only benefit you.
When searching for EKG positions, employers will usually ask for:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Be healthy
- Be detail-oriented
- Have good communication skills
- Have an EKG technician certification
EKG Technician Education in Massachusetts
So, you probably decided to earn a diploma.
You’ll fit have to find a suitable training program.
These are available at various training centers, high schools, or even community colleges.
The duration is of up to 4 months, meaning you can start work quite fast.
You also have the option to join an apprenticeship, but this one lasts at least 1 year.
When choosing a training course through a school, you might need to present:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Over The Age Of 18
- Clean Background Check (No Felonies)
- Negative Hepatitis Test
- Negative TB Test
- Immunization Records
With parental approval, you could enroll in a course even if you’re under 18, but this varies between schools.
Make sure there are practice hours included in the program as well.
Once you start your classes, you’ll learn:
- Heart anatomy
- Medical disease processes
- Medical terminology
- Electrocardiography
- Echocardiography
- Ethics
- Anatomy of the chest wall for proper lead placement
- Pacemakers
This is a list of schools in Massachusetts that offer EKG training courses.
Top 7 Schools in Massachusetts
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| BayRidge Hospital | 60 Granite Street Lynn, MA 01904 |
| Coastal Career Academy | 288 Plymouth Avenue # 14 Fall River, MA 02721 |
| Health Care Training Services Inc | 657 Quarry Street UNIT 12 Fall River, MA 02723 |
| Massasoit Community College | 1 Massasoit Blvd. Brockton, MA 02302 |
| MTTI | 1241 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA 02771 |
| North Shore Community College | 1 Ferncroft Road Danvers, MA 01923 |
| The Fieldstone School | 90 Madison Street 2nd floor Worcester, MA 01608 |
EKG Technician Certification in Massachusetts
Those who graduate from the training program can choose one of the several certification exams available in this state.
These are some of the tests you can choose from:
- ASPT – Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam
- NHA Certified EKG Technician exam
- ASET
The exams are usually proctored at most testing centers in the state.
When signing up for the exam you might be asked for proof you completed your training as well as an application form.
If you completed the apprenticeship you need a document from your employer as well as 10 successful EKGs.
A fee for the exam and for the diploma are also needed.
The certification can be used across the nation should you need to move out of state.
Like most certifications, this one also needs to be periodically renewed.
You’ll need to send an application form, a fee, and proof you continued your education.
EKG Technician Employment and Salary in Massachusetts
As soon as you are a certified EKG technician, you can start searching for a job.
You can start with these types of facilities:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Physician’s offices
- Various other healthcare facilities
Your working hours will be different from one place to the other, and this will affect how much you earn.
If you have more certifications related to the medical field, you could also earn a higher salary.
Below you can see the average salaries in the larger cities across Massachusetts, as promised.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of EKG Technicians in Massachusetts
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Boston | $44,200 |
| Worcester | $41,400 |
| Springfield | $40,700 |
| Cambridge | $44,200 |
| Lowell | $42,800 |
| Brockton | $42,500 |
| New Bedford | $41,400 |
| Quincy | $44,200 |
| Lynn | $44,200 |
| Fall River | $41,400 |
Regional Salary in Massachusetts
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 930 | $108,200 | $52.02 | $184,200 | $48,010 |
| New Bedford, MA | 30 | $84,880 | $40.81 | $187,190 | $39,320 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 120 | $86,620 | $41.64 | $171,430 | $37,490 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 70 | $92,100 | $44.28 | $172,380 | $36,860 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for EKG Technicians in Massachusetts
If you choose your certification through ASET, short for the American Society of EKG Technicians, you will receive some benefits.
One of the first benefits is the e$150 package containing:
- Full study guide
- Unlimited practice exams,
- 3 final certification exam attempts
- A professional resume revision
This package can be accessed online.
Becoming a Certified EKG Instructor (CEI)
The second benefit is that you have the possibility to become a certified EKG instructor or CEI.
This allows you to teach others how to perform EKG readings, either in a training center or in your own school.
You’ll need to have at least 5 years of experience as an EKG technician first.
You’ll then have to pass a criminal background check.
