Doctors depend heavily on diagnostic exams.
As an EKG technician in Florida, you learn how to use specialized equipment to produce scans on patients’ hearts and lungs.
This makes you a valuable member of the medical industry.
The training does not take as long as you might think, which means that you can get started in this exciting career after meeting a few basic requirements.
Article Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements to Become an EKG Technician in Florida
In order to get licensed as an EKG technician in Florida, you will need to meet some basic requirements to get started.
You must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have either a high school diploma or GED
- Have a negative TB test
- Have a negative HIV test
- Have a clean background check (no felonies)
Once you meet the requirements, you can take a state-approved training program.
If you have already been working in the medical field, you can choose to show one year of on-the-job training in place of a program.
The training program is the most common option.
It provides you with the book knowledge and hands-on training that can help you to be successful.
Some schools will also provide you with test prep for the certification exam.
Once you have completed the training program, you can sit for the certification exam.
The test is 100 questions.
Once you pass and show that you have completed 10 successful EKGs, you can receive your certification.
5 EKG Technician Schools in Florida
There are all sorts of schools in Florida that offer EKG technician training.
Eastern Florida State College
At Eastern Florida State College, you can become a certified EKG technician and complete the NHA’s CET exam at the completion of the course.
The program is 100% online and you can start at any time, allowing you to take the course on your own time.
The program costs $1995 and includes 100-course hours.
Additionally, a voucher is included so the cost of your exam is free.
Florida Health Care Academy
The Florida Health Care Academy offers locations in Orlando and Miami for your convenience.
The EKG Aide program that is available costs a total of $750.
There are two different schedules for you to choose from – Monday through Friday will have you finished in 4 weeks while Saturdays online will have you finished in 9 weeks.
You will be given an HIV certification, a uniform, guidebooks, and lab supplies.
The CET exam is offered at the completion of the program.
Abba Healthcare Training
Abba offers EKG Technician training at its Fort Lauderdale campus.
The cost of the training is $395.
The training will vary based on whether you are looking to get certified for the first time or if you need a refresher course.
The campus also offers other training to help you in healthcare, including phlebotomy and PCT.
Southern Technical Institute
Southern Technical Institute offers campuses in Pinellas, Orlando, and Tavares so you can find a location that works for you.
The EKG technician training provides you with the information you need to not only administer the tests but also to prep for the certification exam.
You will be able to take the NHA-certified EKG technician exam by the time you are done with the course.
You can choose from in-person and online courses, which will determine the cost of the program.
Florida Medical & Aesthetic International School
FLMAIS is based in Miami and is the new name for Florida Medical College.
You can take the EKG Certification Course and become nationally certified.
Courses start every two months, allowing you to decide when you want to get started.
Your textbooks are covered by the cost of tuition.
Class times can vary, but you will close a total of 60 hours in the class.
The tuition can vary but there are payment plans that can be paid weekly.
EKG Technician Schools in Florida – Summary Table
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Eastern Florida State College | 1519 Clearlake Rd, Cocoa, FL 32922 |
Florida Health Care Academy | 5804 Lake Underhill Rd Suite B, Orlando, FL 32807 |
Abba Healthcare Training | 269 N University Dr, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 |
Southern Technical Institute | 3940 North Dean Road Orlando, Florida 32817 |
Florida Medical & Aesthetic International School | 4953 SW 74th Ct, Miami, FL 33155 |
Salary
The median salary for an EKG technician in Florida is $39,300.
Some cities will pay more due to the cost of living – and some employers may pay more or less, too.
You will want to consider that the salary that you earn is based on education, years of experience, performance, and even how many people report directly to you.
Some EKG technicians will have multiple certifications – and some schools will even offer bundles to help you increase your knowledge.
This can also help you to boost your earnings.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Jacksonville | $38,200 |
Miami | $39,300 |
Tampa | $38,400 |
St. Petersburg | $38,400 |
Orlando | $38,400 |
Fort Lauderdale | $39,200 |
Tallahassee | $36,600 |
Hollywood | $39,200 |
Pembroke Pines | $38,900 |
Hialeah | $39,000 |
Regional Salary in Florida
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | 330 | $60,740 | $29.2 | $87,920 | $36,870 |
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | 50 | $64,510 | $31.01 | $81,790 | $37,440 |
Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | 220 | $66,590 | $32.02 | $96,390 | $33,750 |
Gainesville, FL | 140 | $74,300 | $35.72 | $144,970 | $35,780 |
Homosassa Springs, FL | 40 | $57,140 | $27.47 | $76,610 | $29,680 |
Jacksonville, FL | 540 | $65,010 | $31.26 | $93,740 | $36,090 |
Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | 130 | $54,300 | $26.1 | $80,550 | $34,410 |
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | 1,170 | $60,360 | $29.02 | $94,960 | $35,040 |
Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL | 40 | $64,630 | $31.07 | $98,980 | $38,160 |
North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL | 220 | $62,370 | $29.98 | $98,630 | $36,080 |
Ocala, FL | 80 | $58,540 | $28.14 | $77,370 | $34,860 |
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | 680 | $55,910 | $26.88 | $90,980 | $34,120 |
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | 250 | $51,220 | $24.62 | $83,570 | $31,890 |
Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | 140 | $61,660 | $29.65 | $82,960 | $31,010 |
Port St. Lucie, FL | 60 | $67,900 | $32.65 | $97,500 | $37,700 |
Punta Gorda, FL | 50 | $61,640 | $29.64 | $99,510 | $30,850 |
Tallahassee, FL | 160 | $44,360 | $21.33 | $80,340 | $29,670 |
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | 910 | $58,050 | $27.91 | $87,970 | $32,210 |
The Villages, FL | 50 | $57,720 | $27.75 | $80,380 | $29,510 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cities in Florida provide the greatest opportunities for an EKG technician?
The cities where you are likely to find the most opportunities are the most populated ones.
Consider looking for positions in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, or Jacksonville.
You will also want to explore positions with some of the state’s top employers, including the Veterans Administration and WellCare of Florida.
What is the recertification process in Florida?
The recertification process is simple.
Every two years, prove that you have taken all required continuing education credits.
You will also need to complete a recertification exam, which includes paying a small fee.
Are there any special requirements to attend EKG training in Florida?
The requirements to get trained as an EKG technician in Florida are the same as elsewhere since it is a national certification.
You will need to be at least 18 years of age, show proof of a negative Hepatitis and TB test, and have a clean background check with no felonies.
Read the full guide: How to Become an EKG Technician