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The Covid-19 pandemic made the need for frontline healthcare workers more prevalent than ever.
The aging population, new and less expensive technology, and its growing presence in private practice make EKG (Electrocardiogram) Technicians a viable career choice.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that by 2024, job opportunities in the field will increase by over 22%.
With fewer barriers to entry than in other medical jobs, aspiring EKG Technicians in Montana can be trained and certified in no time.
Article Table of Contents
Licensing
The government of the State of Montana has not established rules and regulations around the education and training of EKG Technicians.
This leaves employers free to establish their standards and qualifications for these roles.
That freedom is limited, though. The Montana Board of Nursing has established rules regarding the delegation of routine tasks to unlicensed personnel.
Under these rules, the Chief Nurse in a cardiac unit is required to train and monitor the new Technician.
This includes familiarizing the employee with the working environment, verifying skills, and providing feedback.
The nurse is responsible for always monitoring the unlicensed worker and can only delegate tasks once the following conditions are met:
- Delegation will not put the patient at risk
- Validation of the patient, task, and EKG Technician
- Confirmation of designation of Chief Nurse Officer
- Assessment of Patient Care Needs
- Technician Competencies
- Specific Instructions Provided
- Continuous supervision
- The patient is aware of the delegation
- Tech is experienced in the task
Although there are no requirements set by the State of Montana for working as an EKG Technician, there are a few common qualifications that employers list in job posts.
Ensuring you meet these criteria proactively can make the path to your new career much smoother.
Education & Certification
Most EKG Technician jobs require a high school diploma or GED (General Education Degree).
No college coursework is necessary to start this career.
There are some certifications that most employers require to accept your application:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification – This is usually required upon hire and can be obtained from the following organizations:
- American Heart Association (AHA) – this certification is open to the public
- American Red Cross (ARC) – this certification is for Health Care Providers
- National CPR Association – this certification is open to professionals in Montana
Completion of Certified EKG Technician (CET) Training – This is the most common certification required by employers posting EKG Technician jobs in Montana.
There are several training programs residents can attend to prepare for the certification examination. Once training is complete, trainees can register for the exam:
MedCerts
This is an online CET Training course.
Cost: The price for this program is $2000.00.
Length: This is a 12-week training.
Prerequisites: No prerequisites were identified for this learning platform.
University of Montana Western
This education is hosted online.
Cost: This course is $1299.00 to complete.
Length: 2-4 months
Prerequisites: This program lists no prerequisites.
National Healthcareer Association
This organization provides an online study guide and a practice exam.
Cost: $69.00
Length: Work at your own pace. This program includes 3 practice exams.
Prerequisites: No prerequisites are identified.
Southern Technical Institute
This EKG Technician training will prepare you for the certification exam.
Cost: $349.00
Length: Work at your own pace. There are 9 interactive lessons in this course.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this training.
Certification examination
Once CET training has been completed, the exam can be taken with the following organizations:
National Healthcareer Association
Cost: $117
Eligibility:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of CET training or
- 1 year of supervised work experience in the healthcare field
- Evidence of 10 successful EKGs on live patients
National Performance Specialists
Cost: $150
Eligibility:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of CET training or
- 1 year of supervised work experience in the healthcare field including EKGs on patients
EKG Technician Schools in Montana – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| MedCerts | 13955 Farmington Rd Livonia, MI |
| University of Montana Western | 710 S Atlantic St, Dillon, MT 59725 |
| National Healthcareer Association | |
| Southern Technical Institute | 3940 North Dean Road Orlando, Florida 32817 |
Salary
The median salary for an Electrocardiogram Technician is $36,700.
This varies based on years of experience.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Billings | $38,700 |
| Missoula | $33,400 |
| Great Falls | $35,100 |
| Butte-Silver Bow | $33,400 |
| Bozeman | $33,400 |
| Helena | $34,000 |
| Kalispell | $35,500 |
| Havre | $34,500 |
| Anaconda-Deer Lodge County | $33,400 |
| Miles City | $38,100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a job as an EKG Technician in the State of Montana without training or certification?
While it is possible to obtain employment without credentials, most employers set some requirements for employment.
Because there are no guidelines for the State of Montana, can I learn on my own then take the exam?
Although there are no state-specific guidelines, CET examinations require either work experience or the completion of an accredited training program.
Be sure to check the eligibility rules for each exam to prepare properly.
Are the other training programs available in my state?
There are many options for preparing for the CET examination in Montana.
When selecting the training of your choice, make sure it is accepted by the examination organization that you intend to use.
Performing due diligence on any program you want to enroll in can save you time and money.
Read the full guide: How to Become an EKG Technician
EKG Technician Schools by City
EKG Technician Schools by State