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When it comes to medical professionals, almost every position in the field is a pretty safe bet career-wise.
That bumps up a notch when the medical profession has to do with the heart.
That is exactly the job security that an EKG technician has.
An EKG is a piece of equipment that looks at what is going on with the heart.
The EKG tech uses the machine to monitor and measure the traces of action going on inside the heart.
This information is vital for doctors to diagnose issues.
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Licensing Requirements to Become an EKG Technician in South Dakota
If you have an interest in a profession such as an EKG tech and have not gone to college, you are in luck.
You do not have to have a four-year degree to get started.
While it is common to have an associate’s degree or another form of education, it is not a requirement in South Dakota to get hired.
Along with no specific education requirements, there is no licensing or registration with the state.
However, after working for a year as an EKG technician, you will be eligible to become a certified EKG tech (CET).
The National Healthcare Association created and conducts the test.
This could be a great way for someone interested in an advancing career in medicine, as well.
5 EKG Technician Schools in South Dakota
While having a certificate right off the bat is not a requirement, it does give you a leg up in the field to have some education behind you when applying for jobs.
University of South Dakota
If you want serious knowledge before you start a new position, this might be your best bet in South Dakota.
The EKG Technician Program is $999 and is designed to prepare you for work in a variety of settings with the EKG.
Taking this course before starting your new career would fast-track you to being able to take the CET exam.
Lake Area Technical Institute
This technical college is based out of Watertown, SD, and has a variety of medical certificates and training all the way up to degree level.
For $150, you can put a deposit to hold your spot in the EKG Program.
You can get started at any time on this 100-hour course, which should take no longer than six months.
American Society of Electrocardiogram Technicians
For $150, you can register for enrollment in the Certified EKG Technician program.
Included are all study materials, as many practice exams as you need, and three attempts at the final exam.
Everything is done online and can even be accessed through your smart device in the form of an app.
The course is at your own pace, so there is no rush to finish.
Once completed, you will get job placement assistance.
To take the course, you must have experience with EKGs.
National Healthcareer Association
You can do this course entirely online or using printed materials for $69.
For that cost, you get a study guide, three practice tests, and a comprehensive review before taking the certification exam.
This is a concentrated, emersion program that you can do at your own pace.
Dignity College of Healthcare
If you want a serious, hands-on approach to learning everything you could possibly know about being an EKG technician, this course has the most extensive program around.
Fees to take the certification exam are included in the $2,400 tuition.
Also, part of the class is an instructor who can work with you one-on-one.
Once you register, you will have your materials to start the online class within five days.
EKG Technician Schools in South Dakota – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of South Dakota | 414 E Clark St, Vermillion, SD 57069 |
| Lake Area Technical Institute | 1201 Arrow Ave NE, Watertown, SD 57201 |
| American Society of Electrocardiogram Technicians | 1717 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Suite 1025, Washington, DC 20006 |
| National Healthcareer Association | 11161 Overbrook Road Leawood, KS 66211 |
| Dignity College of Healthcare | 6700 Indiana Ave Ste 255, Riverside, CA 92506 |
Salary
The average annual salary for an EKG technician in the state of South Dakota is $34,700.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $36,400 |
| Rapid City | $35,200 |
| Aberdeen | $33,100 |
| Watertown | $35,800 |
| Brookings | $35,800 |
| Mitchell | $35,800 |
| Pierre | $33,700 |
| Yankton | $35,000 |
| Huron | $34,400 |
| Vermillion | $34,200 |
Regional Salary in South Dakota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD | 80 | $62,590 | $30.09 | $80,720 | $41,660 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualities are needed to start as an EKG technician in South Dakota?
If you have a passion for healthcare but are unable or uninterested in getting a medical degree, this is a great job.
It is also a position that really helps people, not to mention it is in high demand.
These are often patients who are in need and getting an EKG done is going to get them one step closer to the treatment they need.
The basic job requirements to be an EKG tech are:
- Have graduated high school or obtained equivalency
- High hand-eye coordination
- Exude a caring bedside manner
- Be in good health
- Be able to pay close attention to details
- Advanced communication skills
Will there be continuing education requirements for technicians?
There are no courses or mandatory rules for continuing education in South Dakota for EKG technicians.
However, if you plan on advancing your position by becoming a CET, you will need to complete courses and pay a recertification fee every two years.
If you go beyond a CET to add a Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) credential, those must be renewed a year later and then every three years.
Is an EKG tech called by any other title?
Depending on where you work and what type of medical establishment, the titles may be slightly different.
They still all refer to the same job functions.
Here are a few of the variations you could expect to see:
- Cardiographic Technician
- Cardiac Monitor Technician
- ECG Technician
- Rhythm Analysis Technician
- Telemetry Monitor Technician
Read the full guide: How to Become an EKG Technician
EKG Technician Schools by City
EKG Technician Schools by State