Many people from Pennsylvania want to help others or to working the medical field, but they don’t always have the power to do either.
However, becoming an EKG technician in this state can help those individuals.
Read on to learn more about this occupation!
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EKG Tech Job Description and Duties in Pennsylvania
Of course, EKG techs are in charge of performing electrocardiograms.
To do this, you’ll need to complete these tasks:
- Evaluating a patient and explaining procedures
- Verify patients identity
- Performing the actual EKG
- Point of care testing
- Preparing test results for the doctor
- Maintaining your area and equipment
EKG Tech Job Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania doesn’t have state-wide requirements as far as education and certification for EKG techs go.
With no requirements in place, it means that anyone can apply for such a position.
Most of the requirements come from employers.
Some jurisdictions may also have some regulations in place for these professionals.
Employers usually ask for:
- 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 Pennsylvania
If you want to increase your chances of getting hired and of having a better salary, the certification is a must.
You’ll obtain it once you complete a training course or an apprenticeship.
The training programs are more popular because they only last for a few months whereas the apprenticeship lasts for a year at the very least.
In Pennsylvania, you can find EKG training programs at the following schools.
Top 19 Schools in Pennsylvania
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School | 3300 Chester Avenue Bethlehem, PA 18020 |
| Bucks County Community College | 275 Swamp Rd, Newtown, PA 18940 |
| Delaware County Community College | Whiteland Business Park, 906 Springdale Drive Exton, PA 19341 |
| Heritage Valley Sewickley | 701 Broad Street Sewickley, PA 15143 |
| Keystone Job Corps Center | 235 West Foothills Drive Drums, PA 18222 |
| Lehigh Carbon Community College | 4525 Education Park Dr, Schnecksville, PA 18078 |
| Lincoln Technical Institute | 5151 Tilghman Street Allentown, PA 18104 |
| Lincoln Tech | 9191 Torresdale Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19136 |
| Luzerne County Community College | 521 Trailblazer Drive, Nanticoke, PA 18634 |
| Medical Simulation and Training | 71 N Mount Vernon Ave Uniontown, PA 15401 |
| Monroe Career & Technical Institute | 194 Laurel Lake Road Bartonsville, PA 18321 |
| Philadelphia Job Corps Life Science Institute | 2810 S 20th St #12, Philadelphia, PA 19145 |
| Penn Foster Career School | 925 Oak Street Scranton, PA 18515 |
| Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy | 3600 Laketon Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 |
| Sanford-Brown Institute | 3600 Horizon Boulevard Feasterville-Trevose, PA 19053 |
| South Hills School of Business & Technology | 480 Waupelani Drive State College, PA 16801 |
| Star Career Academy of Philadelphia | 2371 Welsh Road Philadelphia, PA 19114 |
| Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technical Center | 350 Jumper Rd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 |
| York County School of Technology | 2179 South Queen Street York, PA 17403 |
The schools will usually accept people who can present:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Over The Age Of 18
- Clean Background Check (No Felonies)
- Negative Hepatitis Test
- Negative TB Test
- Immunization Records
It is possible to enroll in some of the programs even if you don’t meet the age demand.
Younger candidates only need to present approval from their legal guardians.
You probably wonder what will you study once enrolled, and this next list will satisfy your curiosity:
- Heart anatomy
- Medical disease processes
- Medical terminology
- Electrocardiography
- Echocardiography
- Ethics
- Anatomy of the chest wall for proper lead placement
- Pacemakers
EKG Technician Certification in Pennsylvania
Everyone who completes the training can sit through the certification exam.
In fact, there are more such tests you can take, such as:
- ASPT – Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam
- NHA Certified EKG Technician exam
- ASET
These exams are proctored at the many testing centers across the state.
When signing up for the exam, you’ll have to present proof you completed your training.
The apprenticeship must be completed in the 3 years before the exam.
An application form and a fee are also mandatory for everyone who attempts to pass the exams.
All candidates must also complete 10 EKGs before signing up for the exam.
Those with a passing score will receive their certifications shortly after.
These documents must be maintained current, through renewal.
The renewal may require you to complete some classes of continuing education.
EKG Technician Employment and Salary in Pennsylvania
So, where can you get hired once you’re certified?
These are the major facilities hiring EKG techs in Pennsylvania:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Physician’s offices
- Various other healthcare facilities
You should choose your employer carefully as you may have more demanding shifts in certain facilities.
At the same time, more shifts mean a higher paycheck.
If you want to earn more, you also need more experience and more certifications.
The table below shows the average salaries in the major cities across Pennsylvania.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of EKG Technicians in Pennsylvania
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $42,100 |
| Pittsburgh | $38,700 |
| Allentown | $39,600 |
| Erie | $36,300 |
| Reading | $39,100 |
| Upper Darby | $42,100 |
| Scranton | $36,300 |
| Bensalem | $42,400 |
| Lancaster | $38,500 |
| Abington | $42,000 |
Regional Salary in Pennsylvania
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erie, PA | 90 | $51,340 | $24.68 | $80,280 | $32,820 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | 240 | $60,010 | $28.85 | $87,420 | $38,560 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 1,360 | $69,420 | $33.38 | $101,600 | $42,920 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 650 | $68,770 | $33.06 | $139,690 | $38,540 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA | 80 | $67,690 | $32.54 | $85,880 | $38,340 |
| York-Hanover, PA | 120 | $58,040 | $27.91 | $85,150 | $37,990 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for EKG Technicians in Pennsylvania
It’s best to take advantage of the package offered by the American Society of EKG Technicians.
The package costs $150 and you’ll have access to:
- Full study guide
- Unlimited practice exams,
- 3 final certification exam attempts
- A professional resume revision
One of the best things about this package is that you can access it online.
Becoming a Certified EKG Instructor (CEI)
EKG techs with credentials from ASET can also become Certified EKG Instructors.
You’ll have access to this certification only after at least 5 years of experience.
You’ll want to earn this diploma if you want to teach EKG to others or if you want to open a training school.
Passing the background check is also mandatory for this step.
