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Becoming a licensed EKG technician in Iowa can be a great way to make a difference.
The medical community needs talented people who can perform the necessary EKG tests and monitoring.
It can help doctors to diagnose patients – and you can get started quickly.
Discover the steps it takes to become educated in cardio health and pass the licensing exam.
In no time at all, you can partake in a great career.
Article Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements to Become an EKG Technician in Iowa
Becoming a licensed EKG technician in Iowa requires a few basic steps for you to complete.
First, meet all of the standard requirements to get accepted into a school:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Be current on vaccinations
- Have a clean criminal background (no felonies)
Next, provide either a year of experience in the healthcare industry or take a state-approved EKG technician program.
The latter is the most common and ensures that you have the necessary education to pass the certification exam.
Finally, sign up to take the certification exam, which is offered by the NHA.
You will need to pass the Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam, which is 100 questions.
In many instances, the cost of the test is covered by the tuition you pay to your school.
Otherwise, there are many test providers that charge around $250 to administer the test and provide you with test study materials.
Once you pass the exam, you have become a licensed EKG technician.
5 EKG Technician Schools in Iowa
You can choose from a number of EKG technician programs in Iowa.
Many schools offer courses online and in person.
Take the time to compare the offerings so that you can get the education you need.
Eastern Iowa Community College
Eastern Iowa Community College offers campuses in Scott, Clinton, and Muscatine.
You can enroll in the EKG Technician Program, which is offered online and face-to-face.
You can choose to take EKG as well as phlebotomy, CNA, and other programs, so the cost of tuition can vary.
Kirkwood Community College
At Kirkwood Community College, you can attend the EKG Technician Training Program.
It is a hybrid program where there are classroom lectures as well as online learning and in-class labs.
Additionally, there will be a one-day clinical experience.
A total of 19 to 22 classes will need to be taken.
There are various schedule options to choose from.
The tuition is $899 and includes the cost of the national certification exam.
The cost of the textbook is in addition to tuition costs.
Des Moines Area Community College
Des Moines Area Community College offers the EKG Tech program through Ed2Go.
It is a chance to take the courses online at a time that is convenient to you.
A total of 100-course hours must be taken.
The cost of the tuition is $1995 and provides you with a voucher for your CET exam.
Northeast Iowa Community College
At Northeast, you can take the EKG Technician program on campus or online.
You will have the opportunity to learn about everything from heart anatomy to medical ethics.
The cost of tuition can vary based on how you bundle your courses.
The school does offer grants and scholarships as a way to reduce the cost that you pay.
Additionally, financial aid is available.
Black Hawk College
Black Hawk College offers a variety of health career programs for you to choose from.
You can obtain a certification in EKG Technician at the Quad-Cities Campus in Moline, IL.
The classes are taken on Saturdays, providing you with a combination of lectures and labs so that you can learn about anatomy and obtain hands-on experience.
Tuition can vary based on whether you want to obtain a certification or focus on a full medical degree.
Either way, there are discounts for veterans and financial aid for all students.
EKG Technician Schools in Iowa – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Eastern Iowa Community College | 101 W 3rd St, Davenport, IA 52801 |
| Kirkwood Community College | 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 |
| Des Moines Area Community College | 100 7th St, Des Moines, IA 50314 |
| Northeast Iowa Community College | 1625 Highway 150 South Calmar, Iowa 52132 |
| Black Hawk College | 6600 34th Ave, Moline, IL 61265 |
Salary of an EKG Technician
The salary that you earn as an EKG technician in Iowa can vary dramatically based on education, experience, and other skills that you hold.
If you have direct reports, it can also put you into a supervisory role, entitling you to more money.
On average, an EKG tech in Cedar Falls will earn a salary of $36,300.
Those in the 90th percentile can even earn as high as $47,190.
Take the time to compare salaries from different employers to ensure that you are properly compensated for your skills.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Des Moines | $39,000 |
| Cedar Rapids | $38,300 |
| Davenport | $38,400 |
| Sioux City | $34,300 |
| Waterloo | $36,600 |
| Iowa City | $38,000 |
| Council Bluffs | $38,100 |
| Dubuque | $38,000 |
| Ames | $38,600 |
| West Des Moines | $39,000 |
Regional Salary in Iowa
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 40 | $65,540 | $31.51 | $108,710 | $38,740 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | 50 | $66,570 | $32.01 | $95,790 | $38,750 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 180 | $59,480 | $28.6 | $82,820 | $37,120 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | 40 | $66,970 | $32.2 | $83,100 | $50,760 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cities provide the most opportunities for EKG technicians in Iowa?
The most populated cities will generally hold the most opportunities, so when you are searching for an EKG technician position in Iowa, consider looking in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City.
What is the process to get recertified in Iowa?
Getting recertified in Iowa involves taking continuing education credits and passing a recertification exam.
This process needs to be completed every two years to maintain a license.
Who are the top healthcare employers in Iowa?
Some of the top healthcare employers in Iowa that may want to hire an EKG technician include CVS Health, UnityPoint Health, LabCorp, Sevita, and UnitedHealth Group.
Read the full guide: How to Become an EKG Technician
EKG Technician Schools by City
EKG Technician Schools by State