How to Become an EKG Technician in Arizona

With Arizona’s unemployment rate at a historic 3.3 percent in March 2022, job hunters have all the advantages they need to find a job or switch careers.

Healthcare and social assistance jobs, such as EKG technicians, fall into the second-most in-demand fields in Arizona.

With an average hourly wage of $23.48 and an 8.1 percent job growth projection for health technologists and technicians around the state, becoming an EKG technician constitutes a rational, sensible career choice.

Job Description

The Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies EKG technicians and technologists as medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists.

Also known as cardiographic technicians, these medical specialists attach electrodes to specific spots on the pectoral area and the upper and lower limbs to monitor how effectively the heart pumps blood to itself and the rest of the body.

Since these tests occur both at rest and while exercising, EKG technicians must spend time face to face, talking with patients before, during, and after their procedures.

In addition, these technicians must work as a team with fellow diagnosticians, clinical specialists, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.

Arizona EKG Industry Information

You must be 18 or older to become an EKG Technician in Arizona.

Of the 173,790 healthcare practitioners and technical occupation employees as of May 2021, only 990 practiced as cardiovascular technologists and technicians.

Arizona Contributing Factors to the Importance of EKG Technicians

Arizona’s heat and low humidity combine to stress the body, exacerbating heart attack symptoms.

As a result, EKG technicians play a vital role in the Arizona cardiac arrest chain of survival: the steps that ensure that a cardiac event does not result in death or ongoing disability.

Eighteen percent of Arizona’s 7.27 million residents are 65 years old or older, while 46 percent are aged 19 through 64.

In addition, Arizona’s deaths from heart disease stand at approximately 134 deaths per 100,000, a reduction of nearly 100 deaths per thousand since 2010.

As a result, EKG technicians play a vital role in declining heart-related deaths in the state.

Licensing Requirements

Arizona treats EKG technicians as unlicensed nursing assistants.

Nevertheless, these healthcare workers must complete a certified training program and work under the supervision of a registered nurse.

The state does not currently license EKG technicians.

Education Requirements

Thanks to Arizona’s concurrent and dual enrollment systems, any 18-year-old high school juniors and seniors may meet the requirements for certification as EKG technicians by the time they graduate from high school.

As a result, these students become eligible for employment upon program completion after passing their certification exams.

In addition, since some programs require only 300 hours to complete, these students may receive what might otherwise cost up to $25,000 for little to no cost.

In place of completing and passing an approved training program, obtaining a passing grade in a professional certification program qualifies anyone who wishes to work as an EKG technician in Arizona.

Five EKG Training Programs in Arizona

Maricopa Community College

• Certificate of Competency in ECG Technician
• 300 clock hours
• Must pass a background check.
• Includes Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and CPR certification through the American Heart Association
• Includes Certified ECG Technician (CET) exam by the National Health Career Association (NHA)
• 80 hours of clinical practicum

Catalina Foothills School District

• EKG Technician Program
• 100 hours over six months
• Instructor experts who work in the field
• Externship Starter Kit
• Two certification exam options

Yavapai College

• Certified EKG Technician
• Transparent program costs on their website landing page
• 100 hours over six months
• Includes exam voucher for CET or CETS
• No clinical hours provided

Arizona Medical Training Institute

• CCT Certified Cardiographic Technician
• Evening or weekend class options
• 80 total classroom hours
• Must pass a drug test and a criminal background check
• $200 tuition reduction for paying in full by the first day of class

Accord Institute

• Electrocardiograph Technician
• 80 clock hours over five weeks
• Certificate of completion at program end
• The total cost is $1430, which includes a drug test, TB skin test, scrubs, tuition, registration, and lab fee.

EKG Technician Schools in Arizona – Summary Table

Experience Requirements and Salary Expectations in Arizona

Most training programs offer at least 300 hours of in-class work.

After that, job applicants must perform at least ten procedures on live patients with 100 percent success.

In addition, completing 2000 supervised employment hours under the same nurse, military medical training from any United States Armed Forces branch, or continuous employment since February 2, 2000, following a training program also qualifies someone to work as an EKG technician in Arizona.

After meeting these requirements, EKG technicians in Arizona can expect a median salary of $60,570, with the least experienced earning under $30,000 and the top 10 percent of all workers earning slightly more than $98,000 per year.

Regional Salary in Arizona

EKG Technician Schools by City

EKG Technician Schools by State