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An EKG technician can also be known as an EKG technologist or a cardiovascular technician.
An EKG, or an electrocardiogram, is a test that records the electronic signal that comes from the heart.
It checks for any problems in the heart, and it is the main test that doctors use to determine any heart problems or failures.
Because this test is so important, EKG technicians are a crucial part of the cardiologist team.
EKG technicians must be intelligent, responsible, and pay close attention to detail.
The demand for EKG technicians, like most healthcare professions, is rising constantly.
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Licensing Requirements to Become an EKG Technician in Alabama
To become an EKG Technician in the state of Alabama, you must have a formal postsecondary education.
There are programs that can give you an EKG technician certificate in one year, but most employers prefer an EKG technician with an associate’s degree or higher.
There are no licensing requirements for an EKG technician in the state of Alabama, but individual employers will look at your education and clinical experience.
Becoming certified can mean better job opportunities and higher pay.
You can become certified by taking any one of these three exams that are accepted in Alabama: ASET, ASPT – Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam, or the NHA Certified Technician exam.
In addition, most employers will prefer that you have a degree and certificate from a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Five EKG Technician Schools in Alabama
Calhoun Community College
Calhoun Community College is located in Decatur, Alabama, and has two program options for EKG technicians.
Both options for the EKG technician program are certification programs.
They are both 50 credit hours and cost $1,299.
One of the options is an in-person class option, where you will have classes on campus with live teaching.
Classes are intimate with less than 20 people at a time.
The other option is a self-paced online model, and you will have six months to complete the program.
Both of these options will result in an EKG technician certificate.
Central Alabama Veteran’s Healthcare System
In partnership with the Montgomery Job Corps Center, the Central Alabama Veteran’s Health Care System offers training for certain medical jobs.
Their four-week program specializes in cardiopulmonary instruction.
This training will not result in a certificate but will prepare you for an EKG technician exam.
Northeast Alabama Community College
In Rainsville, Alabama sits Northeast Alabama Community College.
Here, there is a skills division that is dedicated to providing certificates for certain skills-based jobs all around Alabama.
One of their certificate programs is for an EKG technician.
This specific certification is for “Diversified Health Occupations” and prepares you for exams to be an EKG technician, phlebotomy technician, and pharmacy technician.
The course is six weeks long, and the price is under $800.
If you are looking for something affordable and fast, this may be a great option for you.
Trenholm State Community College
Trenholm State Community College also offers a certification program for EKG technicians in Alabama.
This 50-hour program is just $999, with textbooks included in the price.
The certification program will enable you to have all the knowledge you need to qualify for and take any of the EKG technician exams.
You will also get experience with EKG equipment and be ready for your job in the field.
National Training Institute for Healthcare Technicians, LLC
In Birmingham, Alabama, you can take a course for EKG technicians.
This highly interactive course will take you through medical terminology and equipment and so much more.
The course runs for about three months and is $1,700.
You can also register for a payment plan, so becoming an EKG technician is more affordable.
EKG Technician Schools in Alabama – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Calhoun Community College | 6250 US-31, Tanner, AL 35671 |
| Central Alabama Veteran's Healthcare System | 215 Perry Hill Rd, Montgomery, AL 36109 |
| Northeast Alabama Community College | 138 AL-35, Rainsville, AL 35986 |
| Trenholm State Community College | 1225 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36108 |
| National Training Institute for Healthcare Technicians, LLC | 616 Gadsden Hwy ste A, Birmingham, AL 35235 |
Salary Expectations for an EKG Technician in Alabama
Entry-level EKG technicians will make less than the average EKG technician until they gain experience.
The lowest average an EKG technician will make in Alabama is around $35,000.
The average salary of an experienced EKG technician is around $40,000, and the higher end for EKG technician salaries in Alabama is around $52,000.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Birmingham | $38,200 |
| Montgomery | $36,200 |
| Mobile | $37,400 |
| Huntsville | $38,200 |
| Tuscaloosa | $37,800 |
| Ariton | $35,300 |
| Dothan | $35,700 |
| Decatur | $37,000 |
| Auburn | $36,400 |
| Gadsden | $37,900 |
Regional Salary in Alabama
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | 270 | $52,610 | $25.29 | $79,110 | $29,170 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | 70 | $51,110 | $24.57 | $72,740 | $28,290 |
| Dothan, AL | 60 | $46,660 | $22.43 | $73,590 | $23,680 |
| Huntsville, AL | 220 | $49,730 | $23.91 | $80,940 | $28,940 |
| Mobile, AL | 190 | $47,120 | $22.66 | $74,020 | $24,950 |
| Montgomery, AL | 80 | $53,220 | $25.59 | $82,540 | $29,160 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 60 | $39,250 | $18.87 | $62,270 | $30,310 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Sources
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ekg/about/pac-20384983
- https://www.salary.com/research/salary/alternate/ekg-technician-salary
- https://www.nhanow.com/certification/nha-certifications/certified-ekg-technician-(cet)
- https://www.va.gov/central-alabama-health-care/
- https://www.nacc.edu/programs-of-study/skills-training
- https://www.trenholmstate.edu/uploads/files/2018_EKG_Information.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to renew my license to be an EKG technician in Alabama?
There are no licensing requirements for EKG technicians in Alabama.
However, you receive better job offers and higher salaries by being certified.
The certificates that the state of Alabama accepts are ASET, ASPT – Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam, and the NHA Certified Technician exam.
These all do require renewal every two years.
How much does a license cost in Alabama?
You do not need a certificate to be a practicing EKG technician in Alabama.
However, certificates can give you better job opportunities and higher pay.
These certificates require a fee for the exam and renewal.
The exam fee is about $170.
Are there any continuing education classes I will need to take to stay licensed in Alabama?
To keep your certificate, you will need to take ten hours of continuing education classes every two years before you renew.
Read the full guide: How to Become an EKG Technician
EKG Technician Schools by City
EKG Technician Schools by State