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As an EKG Technician, you would use an electrocardiogram to test the heart’s electrical activity.
You can achieve several certifications to broaden your skillset if you pursue this medical career track.
Licensing Requirements to Become an EKG Technician
According to the National Phlebotomy Credentialing Excellence (NPCE), the state of Delaware does not require a license to practice as an EKG specialist.
However, most hospitals, medical clinics, blood banks, or any other public or private practice require at least completion of one certificate before you start working.
Before certification, you may assist a certified technician before you take your exams.
You also have choices of certifications from at least four different associations.
NHA Certifications
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offers several certifications.
Three commonly sought-after ones include the CET, CCMA, and CPT certificates.
CET
The Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam eligibility requires that you have completed high school or acquired your GED.
Then, you must have already completed an EKG training program within the past five years or worked for one year under supervision.
If you choose to work as an EKG Technician Assistant, you must have completed that requirement no more than three years ago.
After this, you will take heart readings using an EKG machine and perform stress tests.
You might also transcribe physician’s notes and prepare patients for EMT delivery.
CCMA
Acquiring your Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification through NHA requires a high school diploma or GED.
In addition, you need to work for one of the past three years supervised by a certified CCMA.
If you already fulfilled the work and educational requirements, you must have completed those requirements in the past five years.
In this role, you would perform patient duties, such as taking vital signs, administering medicines or injections, and performing EKG and lab tests.
CPT
A Certified Phlebotomy Technician certificate (CPT) received through the NHA National Healthcareer Association prepares you to draw blood from donors and patients.
This includes making blood draw recipients comfortable and answering questions.
You might also take urine, blood, and glucose tests and will work with needles.
This role may also require you to work with vials and test tubes.
CCI Certifications
Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) offers a multitude of cardio and medical technician certification options.
For instance, you could take a CCT or CRAT exam.
ASET
The American Society of EKG Technicians also provides referrals to qualified EKG certifications.
You can earn a CET for entry-level work and a CEI for instructor roles.
They are now merged with NPS.
ACA Certifications
American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals offers ECG Technician training, one of which performs similar duties as an EKG Technician.
This requires six months of ECG experience, during which time taking relevant training would help.
Additional certification categories include one in phlebotomy, patient care, or instructor and certificate transfers.
ASPT
The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT) offers more than just the Phlebotomy Technician certificate.
You can also qualify for the EKG Technician certification after at least six to 12 months of full-time on-the-job experience.
Otherwise, you must complete at least 25 successful venous needle punctures and five-finger pricks.
ASPT also provides drug collection, medical assistance, patient care, and other certification categories.
5 EKG Technician Schools in Delaware
Five primary offerings include certificate courses that usually take between about six to eight weeks.
However, you may find a diploma program that lasts approximately nine months more helpful.
You also can enroll in an associate or bachelor’s degree in the medical field.
Completing your first certificate will help you work while still in college if that’s what you prefer.
Dawn Career Institute
A 36-week Medical Assistant diploma program will prepare you to perform EKG, Phlebotomy, X-Ray lab tests, and other duties.
You will spend up to 160 hours onsite at a medical facility.
Your courses will also make you ready to take the CCMA, CPT, or CET exams.
Delaware Community College
You can prepare to become an EKG Technician in about 50 hours by enrolling in a certificate program that requires about two evenings per week.
Additional certificate coursework would also train you to perform phlebotomy duties, and you’ll also take an anatomy class.
This learning experience comes with hands-on training and lab experience.
Unitech Training Academy
Unitech Training Academy provides and funds each student to earn two certificates.
You can enroll in the dual EKG/Phlebotomy certificate track.
New classes start every Monday, so you do not have to wait too long to start.
PolyTech
This continuing education center provides a six-hour NHA certification prep.
They also provide certificate programs in Phlebotomy, Medical Assistant, and other concentrations.
National Performance Specialists (NPS)
ASET just announced a merger with NPS, which supplies EKG Technician certifications.
You can use this online certificate training to prepare you for your exam, and it also helps to update your training once a year to stay current.
EKG Technician Schools in Delaware – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Dawn Career Institute | 252 Chapman Rd, Newark, DE 19702 |
| Delaware Community College | 901 Media Line Rd, Media, PA 19063 |
| Unitech Training Academy | 3253 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy, Lafayette, LA 70506 |
| PolyTech | 823 Walnut Shade Rd. P.O. Box 102 Woodside, DE 19980 |
| National Performance Specialists (NPS) | 1717 Pennsylvania Avenue Suite 1025 Washington D.C. 20006 |
Salary
EKG Technicians in Delaware earn an average of $42,400 per year as of March 29, 2022.
As an assistant, you may earn less.
Then, you can move into management and probably earn $50,000 or more.
You can start your job search in Dover, Lewes, Milford, or Middletown.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wilmington | $43,000 |
| Dover | $42,900 |
| Newark | $43,000 |
| Milford | $43,000 |
| Seaford | $42,200 |
| Middletown | $42,900 |
| Delmar | $42,200 |
| Smyrna | $42,900 |
| New Castle | $43,000 |
| Georgetown | $43,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect when working as an EKG Technicians?
EKG Technicians usually spend most of their days assessing the heart rhythms of patients.
You will need to feel confident when using the equipment to diagnose heart conditions.
Where would I work?
EKG Specialists might work in hospitals, clinics, or physician offices.
Others may work as independent contractors providing services to a variety of locations, or they might work at blood banks and non-profit stations.
Who would I work with?
EKG Specialists typically work with nurses, physicians, CNAs, Medical Assistants, Phlebotomists, and other EKG technicians.
How long does training take?
The length of training depends on the employer’s requirements and may range from a few weeks to a few years.
You can start out with an initial CET to help you gain credibility.
Then, work from there toward additional medical treatment goals.
Read the full guide: How to Become an EKG Technician
EKG Technician Schools by City
EKG Technician Schools by State