Dreaming of a healthcare career that you can begin quickly?
You should consider becoming an EKG technician.
EKG technicians perform EKGs and interpret the test results.
They work alongside doctors or cardiologists to check patient’s heart function and identify any heart problems.
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Licensing Requirements to Become an EKG Technician in Arkansas
Arkansas doesn’t have any specific requirements to become an EKG technician.
EKG techs are classified as unlicensed medical assistants.
This means they are directly under the supervision of a doctor or other medical professional.
However, most employers prefer that you have a certification, and many employers require it.
Certification Prerequisites
First, you’ll need to meet some prerequisites.
You will need to be at least 18 years old, and have a diploma or GED.
You’ll also need a felony free background and up to date vaccinations.
EKG techs need to have empathy and strong analytical skills.
You’ll also need to be effective at communicating with patients and be able to set them at ease.
Two Ways to Meet Certification Requirements
There are two ways you can meet the requirements to take a certification exam.
The first, and most common, is to complete an EKG technician training program.
Once you’ve completed the program, you are eligible to sit for a certification exam.
The other way to qualify for the exam is to have at least one year of work experience as an EKG technician within the last 3 years.
Taking a Certification Exam
If you complete an EKG technician training program, the program will likely recommend a specific certification.
The course will focus on preparing you for this exam, and meeting the necessary requirements.
You may choose to take a different exam, but you may not be as well prepared.
National Healthcareers Association offers a popular EKG technician certification, or CET.
You’ll pay a fee of $125 for the exam.
You can also purchase other study materials to help you prepare.
After passing the exam, you’ll need to do 10 successful EKGs if you haven’t completed them as part of your training.
National Performance Specialists (NPS) also offers an EKG technician certification.
This certification exam costs $200, and includes practice tests and all the study materials.
You’ll need to complete 10 successful EKGs before taking the exam.
The final option is the American Medical Certification Association, or AMCA, exam.
Passing the exam will provide you with the Electrocardiograph Technician Certification, or ETC.
This test has 100 questions, and you’ll have 2 hours to complete it.
This exam costs $119.
5 EKG Technician Schools in Arkansas
Allied RX Institute of Healthcare
Allied RX Institute of Healthcare offers an online EKG technician program.
The program takes 10 weeks to complete.
You can also complete the program in just 5 weeks with a fast track.
You can choose an online-only or hybrid program.
The program includes online labs that allow you to learn how to perform and interpret EKGs.
Once you’ve completed the program, you are eligible to take the NHA or AMCA EKG Technician exam.
Both organizations accredited and approved the Allied RX program.
Petra Allied Health
Petra Allied Health offers an EKG technician course.
The course requires 48 contact hours.
You can take the program at the Springdale or Fort Smith campuses.
Students will learn to perform EKGs, recognize normal and abnormal rhythms, and how to document rhythm strips.
You’ll also learn how to maintain the EKG machine.
Once you’ve completed the course, you can take the American Allied Health EKG certification exam.
The fee for the exam is included in tuition.
Arkansas State University 
Arkansas State University has partnered with Ed2Go to offer EKG technician training.
The course requires 170 course hours.
You’ll have 12 months to complete the course, but most students finish it in just a few months.
You have the option of completing an externship after completing the program.
It’s not required, but it is recommended.
Once you’ve completed the program, you are eligible to take the Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam, provided by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
University of Central Arkansas
The University of Central Arkansas offers an EKG technician training program.
Once you’ve completed the program, you can take the NHA CET exam.
Arkansas College of Healthcare Careers 
The Arkansas College of Healthcare Careers offers an EKG technician training program.
The course takes 5 weeks to complete, and day and evening classes are available.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Allied RX Institute of Healthcare | 2105 E Parham Rd #108, Richmond, VA 23228, United States |
| Petra Allied Health | 3889 Willowood Ave, Springdale, AR 72762, United States |
| Arkansas State University | 2105 East, Aggie Rd, Jonesboro, AR 72401, United States |
| University of Central Arkansas | 201 Donaghey Ave, Conway, AR 72035, United States |
| Arkansas College of Healthcare Careers | 9714 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States |
EKG Technician Salary in Arkansas
EKG technicians in Arkansas typically earn an average of $38,900.
Pay usually ranges from $34,600 to $45,100.
How much you earn will depend on your experience, certifications, education, and where you work.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Little Rock | $39,600 |
| Fort Smith | $37,400 |
| North Little Rock | $39,600 |
| Fayetteville | $39,000 |
| Jonesboro | $39,400 |
| Pine Bluff | $38,300 |
| Springdale | $39,000 |
| Conway | $39,200 |
| Rogers | $38,800 |
| Hot Springs Village | $39,200 |
Regional Salary in Arkansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | 70 | $66,300 | $31.88 | $92,800 | $36,050 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 120 | $53,920 | $25.92 | $79,400 | $29,710 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are EKG techs in demand in Arkansas?
Yes, EKG technicians are in demand in Arkansas.
There are plenty fo job openings.
The field is expected to grow by 22% across the country in the next decade.
Where can I work as an EKG technician in Arkansas?
As an EKG technician in Arkansas, you have several options.
You can choose to work in a hospital, outpatient care center, private practice, diagnostic lab, imaging center, nursing home, or cardiac center.
Do I need to renew my EKG technician certification in Arkansas?
Yes.
You’ll need to renew your certification every two years.
NHA requires you to complete 10 continuing education credits every 2 years.
NPS requires you to retake the certification exam every 2 years.
Both require you to pay a fee.
EKG Technician Info by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
