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If you already work in health care, you can always find new ways to add to your skill repertoire.
Maybe the next step for you is to learn how to become an EKG Technician in Massachusetts.
Article Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements to Become in Massachusetts
The state does not require a license to become an EKG specialist in Massachusetts for individual workers.
However, medical institutions do recognize standards set by the National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
You also could receive certification through the National Performance Specialists (NPS), which merged with the American Society of EKG Technicians.
The certifications by the NWCA, NHA, or the NPS are available to you if you are at least 18 and have a high school diploma or GED.
NWCA Certification
The NWCA offers Certified Electrocardiograph Technician Exam (CEKG) training.
You also could receive a variety of other certifications, such as the Certified Phlebotomy Technician or Certified Medical Assistant credentials.
The information received while working toward an EKG Technician certificate equips you to identify normal versus normal readings and make reports to physicians.
NHA Certification
You can receive the Certified Electrocardiograph Technician Exam (CEKG) through NHA.
This includes learning Holter and ambulatory monitoring preparation procedures.
This association also provides phlebotomy, pharmacy technician, and patient care certificates.
NPS Certification
The American Society of EKG Technicians has merged with NPS, which provides the chance to earn Certified Electrocardiograph Technician (CET) credentials.
5 EKG Technician Schools in Massachusetts
It is best to decide what association’s certification you want to take before you decide on a training program.
You are not necessarily limited to your immediate geographical location, however.
North Shore Community College
North Short Community College offers you the chance to expand your skills with its EKG Technician Certification Training curriculum.
This will prepare you to pass the CET exam through NHA or the CEKG offered by NWCA.
Massasoit Community College
The 50-hour EKG Technician Certification Program Provided by Massasoit teaches students how to function as Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technicians.
Students will learn about physiology, anatomy, and the cardiovascular system.
This includes becoming proficient in medical terminology pertaining to this position.
In addition, they will become aware of how to perform electrocardiograms and stress tests.
Your classes will also introduce you to medical disease processes, health care ethics, and patient contact legalities.
Quinsigamond Community College
This school offers a combination of EKG Specialist and Phlebotomy training, two skill sets that usually complement one another.
You will learn the medical terminology, vein puncturing, quality assurance, heart monitoring, and machine reading.
Health and Home Care Training of New England
Students enrolled in the Health and Home Care Training of New England how to perform EKG readings in hospitals, physician’s offices, laboratories, and more.
Learn how electrical impulses transmitted by the heart translate into machine readings and become cardiac anatomy and physiology.
The successful graduate will receive a certificate from the school and may sit for National Certification.
National Performance Specialists (NPS)
If you cannot find a school near you, it is best to seek online training directly through a professional association or schooling approved by one.
The NPS offers training programs for people who want to complete their EKG specialist coursework online.
Receiving your certification this way offers you the chance to seek an education that almost assures you the chance to get a job.
EKG Technician Schools in Massachusetts – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| North Shore Community College | 1 Ferncroft Rd, Danvers, MA 01923 |
| Massasoit Community College | 1 Massasoit Blvd, Brockton, MA 02302 |
| Quinsigamond Community College | 670 W Boylston St, Worcester, MA 01606 |
| Health and Home Care Training of New England | 591 North Ave, Wakefield, MA 01880 |
| National Performance Specialists (NPS) | 1717 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Suite 1025, Washington, DC 20006 |
Salary
An EKG Technician in Boston, MA makes an average salary of $45,000 per year as of March 29, 2022.
This figure represents what you could make after finishing your training and having worked in the field for at least a couple of years.
Besides Boston, cities, where you can find jobs, include Milton, Hyannis, Concord, and Lowell.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Boston | $45,500 |
| Worcester | $42,500 |
| Springfield | $41,900 |
| Lowell | $44,000 |
| Cambridge | $45,500 |
| Brockton | $43,700 |
| New Bedford | $42,500 |
| Fall River | $42,500 |
| Lynn | $45,500 |
| Quincy | $45,500 |
Regional Salary in Massachusetts
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 930 | $108,200 | $52.02 | $184,200 | $48,010 |
| New Bedford, MA | 30 | $84,880 | $40.81 | $187,190 | $39,320 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 120 | $86,620 | $41.64 | $171,430 | $37,490 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 70 | $92,100 | $44.28 | $172,380 | $36,860 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an EKG technician usually do?
They are responsible for monitoring and diagnosing heart-related illnesses and diseases.
They also provide guidance to patients on how to manage their condition, either by themselves or with the help of a physician.
What skills must an EKG technician have?
If you work as an EKG technician, you must have compassion when dealing with people and know how to keep them calm.
In addition, you must know anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology fundamentals.
You also need to become accustomed to performing routine laboratory tests.
This position also requires that you become confident in performing vital signs readings and patient monitoring services.
How long does EKG technician training take?
The EKG technician training could take about six months, which includes clinical practice and classroom instruction.
Some people finish it in about three months.
This does not include the time required for additional certification training or time spend on-site at a medical institution to gain experience.
Where do EKG technicians usually work?
EKG technicians usually work in settings where they use equipment that monitors heart activity.
For instance, they would work in a hospital, doctor’s office, or nursing home.
Any assisted living facility or school that has trained medical staff might also hire EKG technicians.
Is an EKG Technician the same thing as an EMT?
An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) might perform many of the same duties as an EKG Technician if they have the certifications for it.
EMTs also provide emergency care and can perform tasks such as CPR and other life-saving procedures.
An EMT will usually drive an ambulance too.
An EKG technician will most likely ride in the back along with other people on the paramedic team.
Both types of medical professionals assist with emergency response in their own ways and work together.
Read the full guide: How to Become an EKG Technician
EKG Technician Schools by City
EKG Technician Schools by State