The demand for EKG technicians in West Virginia is pretty strong.
This is an occupation fit for those who want to work in the healthcare field or want to help others.
If this is something that interests you, then continue reading this article!
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EKG Tech Job Description and Duties in West Virginia
EKG technicians help physicians discover and treat illnesses related to the heart, and in turn, this helps patients.
These professionals need to complete these tasks in order to help:
- 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 West Virginia
In West Virginia, there are no regulations related to the job of an EKG tech.
This allows anyone to apply for this position, even if they don’t know anything about the field.
When seeking new personnel, employers commonly 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 West Virginia
At this point, you probably decided to get a diploma, however, you need to undergo some training first.
West Virginia has many training programs to choose from organized at either training centers or as apprenticeships.
There’s a major difference between these options, and this is the duration of the course.
A training program doesn’t last for more than 4 months unless you choose to earn a degree where EKG is also taught.
The apprenticeship will last for at least a year to complete.
According to the law, you don’t have to meet any prerequisites when signing up for these classes, however, the schools may say otherwise.
Future EKG students are generally asked for:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Over The Age Of 18
- Clean Background Check (No Felonies)
- Negative Hepatitis Test
- Negative TB Test
- Immunization Records
In some cases, teenagers as young as 16 can also enroll if their parents allow it.
Here are the main schools in West Virginia offering EKG training.
Top 6 Schools in West Virginia
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Ben Franklin Career Center | 500 28th Street Dunbar, WV 25064 |
| Everest Institute | 5514 Big Tyler Road Cross Lanes, WV 25313 |
| Med Care Training Center | 1109 Holden Road Logan, WV 25601 |
| Triad Tech Inc | 431 5th Avenue Huntington, WV 25701 |
| Valley College | 120 New River Drive # C Beckley, WV 25801 |
| Wyoming County Career and Technical Center | 1207 Gulf Fork-Bear Hole Road Pineville, WV 24874 |
These are the most important classes you’ll attend:
- Heart anatomy
- Medical disease processes
- Medical terminology
- Electrocardiography
- Echocardiography
- Ethics
- Anatomy of the chest wall for proper lead placement
- Pacemakers
Most of these classes also have a practice aspect, in a clinical setting.
EKG Technician Certification in West Virginia
To get certified you’ll need to sign up for the exam.
Many certifications have national recognition.
Below is a brief list of the exams you can take in West Virginia:
- ASPT – Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam
- NHA Certified EKG Technician exam
- ASET
Most testing centers proctor these exams.
It goes without saying that proof of completing your training is mandatory to take the test.
Furthermore, you must also show proof you were successful in completing 10 EKGs.
The testing centers may also request an application, proof of identity, and some fees to be paid.
After you get your certificate you must renew it periodically.
For this is common to have to submit an application and proof you completed some hours of continued education.
EKG Technician Employment and Salary in West Virginia
Once you’re ready to find a job, you can start applying at these places:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Physician’s offices
- Other healthcare facilities
Each medical facility has different operating hours, and this affects the schedule of the employees.
Some of these clinics might assign more tasks to their personnel compared to others, so this is also good to keep in mind.
While in Martinsburg the average salary is higher than the rest of the state, the average salary is also competitive in other cities.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of EKG Technicians in West Virginia
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $35,800 |
| Huntington | $35,100 |
| Morgantown | $38,400 |
| Parkersburg | $34,900 |
| Wheeling | $38,400 |
| Weirton | $38,300 |
| Fairmont | $38,400 |
| Martinsburg | $43,500 |
| Beckley | $35,500 |
| Clarksburg | $34,600 |
Regional Salary in West Virginia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | 130 | $51,130 | $24.58 | $84,950 | $32,120 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for EKG Technicians in West Virginia
Below you have the main reasons for which you should get certified through ASET (the American Society of EKG Technicians):
- Full study guide
- Unlimited practice exams,
- 3 final certification exam attempts
- A professional resume revision
All these benefits are accessible online for just $150.
Becoming a Certified EKG Instructor (CEI)
Those who got their diploma through ASET can further their careers if they choose to become Certified EKG Instructors.
You’ll need to accumulate at least 5 years of experience for this and to pass a criminal background check.
