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Becoming an EKG technician is a way to help you get into the medical field without actually spending 12+ years in college.
You can go to trade school to learn how to operate high-end equipment so that you can conduct tests that will tell vital information about the heart and lungs of a patient.
The career can pay well, so it is important to know what it takes to become an EKG Technician in the state of Arkansas.
Licensing Requirements to Become an EKG Technician
In order to be considered for a position as an EKG technician, you will need to be certified by the state of Arkansas.
You will need to complete a certification exam with a state-approved agency.
Before you can sit for the exam, you will need to prove that you have met some basic requirements.
You will need to have either a high school diploma or a GED.
You will also need to complete an EKG training program or show that you have at least one year of on-the-job experience completing EKGs.
Further, you will have to show that you have completed 10 successful EKGs.
The certification exam is from the American Society of Electrocardiogram Technicians (ASET).
The exam is offered through various agencies and will cost between $80 and $100.
Some will charge slightly more but will provide you with a study guide.
Additionally, some schools will include a voucher so that there is no added cost for sitting for the certification exam.
5 EKG Technician Schools in Arkansas
It is important to know about the various EKG technician schools available across Arkansas.
It will ensure you can get the necessary education so that you can sit for your certification exam – and become one step closer to working as an EKG technician.
Some of the questions you should ask when enrolling in a program are whether it is approved by the state and where the clinical hours are completed.
This way, you can be sure that you have met all of the requirements to get certified in Arkansas.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Located in Pine Bluff, this location of the University of Arkansas offers noncredit programs.
The certification program is a total of 50 hours and can be completed online.
At the end of the program, a Certificate of Proficiency is offered.
The cost of the program is $1299.
Petra Allied Health
This program is available on two campuses in Arkansas – Fort Smith and Springdale.
You will get your education and get the hands-on training needed so that you can sit for national certification.
The program is 48 credit hours and typically takes two years to complete.
The cost is $1015 and includes the textbook and registration fee.
Arkansas College of Health Careers
The Arkansas College of Health Careers provides training so that you can become an EKG technician and provide other services, including Phlebotomy and Spirometry.
The 10-week course can help you get certified as a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician.
The cost can vary but there are scholarships and other forms of financial aid to assist in the fees.
University of Arkansas Fort Smith
The University of Arkansas in Fort Smith offers a Certified EKG Technician training program.
The cost is $1999 and consists of 100-course hours, which can be completed in the span of six months.
You will also receive a voucher to take the certification exam so that the cost is already paid for.
University of Arkansas Community College
Located in Batesville, the UACCB offers a Certified EKG technician program, complete with a voucher so that the cost of your certification exam is covered.
The cost of the program is $1999.
The course is completed online over six months.
At the end of the 100-course hours, you will receive a certificate of completion.
EKG Technician Schools in Arkansas – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | 1200 University Dr, Pine Bluff, AR 71601 |
| Petra Allied Health | 3889 Willowood Ave. Springdale, AR 72762 |
| Arkansas College of Health Careers | 9714 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205 |
| University of Arkansas Fort Smith | 5210 Grand Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72904 |
| University of Arkansas Community College | 2005 White Dr, Batesville, AR 72501 |
Salary
The median salary for an EKG technician in Arkansas is $37,200.
While there are some jobs that will pay higher, it will depend heavily on the years of experience that you have, the education that you have, direct reports under you, as well as your overall performance reviews.
Arkansas pays similarly to many other states across the country.
Depending on how in-demand the position is for a particular employer, it is not uncommon to see hiring bonuses of up to $1,000 being offered.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Little Rock | $37,300 |
| Fort Smith | $35,200 |
| North Little Rock | $37,300 |
| Fayetteville | $36,700 |
| Jonesboro | $37,100 |
| Pine Bluff | $36,100 |
| Springdale | $36,700 |
| Conway | $37,000 |
| Rogers | $36,500 |
| Hot Springs | $37,000 |
Regional Salary in Arkansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | 90 | $70,530 | $33.91 | $98,660 | $38,330 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | 50 | $68,680 | $33.02 | $100,730 | $33,650 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 40 | $68,910 | $33.13 | $104,000 | $37,310 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 140 | $64,400 | $30.96 | $91,570 | $34,440 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does an EKG technician need to recertify in Arkansas?
You will need to renew your CET certification every two years, which includes showing that you have completed your continuing education credits.
A renewal assessment will also need to be completed to remain certified as an EKG technician.
What cities in Arkansas pay the highest?
Cities where you can expect the highest pay are those that have the greatest demand for medical care.
Cities include Fayetteville, Fort Smith, and Little Rock.
Are there any unique requirements for becoming an EKG technician in the state of Arkansas?
The state does not require anything above and beyond any other state in order to become certified as an EKG technician.
You will need to complete a state-approved program and complete a certification test.
Further, you will need to submit a clean background check and show proof that you are negative for TB and HIV.
Read the full guide: How to Become an EKG Technician
EKG Technician Schools by City
EKG Technician Schools by State