How to Become an EKG Technician in Delaware

If you enjoy the medical field but don’t want to spend years in school before beginning your career, you should consider becoming an EKG technician. 

EKG technicians perform EKGs, or electrocardiograms, which doctors use to diagnose heart conditions and monitor the patient’s heart function.

You can become an EKG technician in less than a year, so you can begin your new career quickly. 

Licensing Requirements to Become an EKG Technician in Delaware

Delaware doesn’t have any formal licensing or certification requirements for becoming an EKG technician.

EKG technicians are classified as medical assistants, and tasks are delegated to them and supervised by licensed medical professionals. 

However, many employers require you to be certified as an EKG technician before being hired.

You may also earn more if you have your EKG technician certification. 

Prerequisites 

Before you get your EK certification, you’ll need to meet a few prerequisites.

You’ll need to be at least 18 years old.

You’ll need to have a high school diploma or a GED. 

Some employers will require you to pass a background check.

You may laos need to pass a drug test, and have negative Hepatitis B and Tuberculosis tests.  

National Healthcareer Association 

The National Healthcare Association, or NHA, offers an EKG technician certification.

To meet the requirements for the exam, you’ll need to complete an EKG technician training program or have at least one year of work experience. 

The NHA certification exam costs $125.

You can also purchase study materials and practice tests. 

National Performance Specialists 

You can also get your EKG certification through National Performance Specialists, or NPS.

NPS doesn’t require you to attend a training program.

However, you will need to complete 10 live EKGs after passing your EKG exam. 

The NPS EKG certification test costs $200.

This includes study materials and career advice. 

5 EKG Technician Schools in Delaware

Delaware Technical Community College – Owens

Delaware Technical Community College- Owens offers an EKG technician course.

The course lasts for 10 weeks, and takes 100 hours to complete.

Students will learn how to perform 3, 5, and 12 lead EKGs.

You’ll also learn rhythm interpretation and how to troubleshoot artifact. 

After completing the course, you are prepared to take a national certification exam. 

Textbooks, exam fees, materials, background checks, and drug tests are included in your tuition. 

Delaware County Community College

Delaware County Community College offers an EKG technician training program.

They offer several programs that combine different medical disciplines.

Option 1:

EKG Technician, Venipuncture Technician, and CPR/First Aid.

This takes 118 hours. 

Option 2:

EKG Technician, Venipuncture Technician, CPR/First Aid, and Digital Patient Records Certification.

This program takes 178 hours. 

Option 3:

EKG Technician, Venipuncture Technician, Digital Patient Records Certification, and Dialysis.

This program requires 230 hours. 

Once you’ve completed the program, you are eligible for EKG technician certification.

You may also be eligible for phlebotomy and other certifications, depending on the program you choose. 

Delaware Technical Community College

Delaware Technical Community College offers a course as an EKG technician.

You’ll learn through online lectures, in-person labs, and a clinical externship.

The course takes about 6 weeks to complete. 

The course is certified by the NHA.

Tuition includes textbooks, NHA certification exam, a background check, drug screening, and and supplies. 

St. Ambrose University

St. Ambrose University offers an EKG technician training certificate program.

The course takes 12 weeks to complete, and you can expect to spend 16-20 hours each week studying.  

The course covers taking vital signs, explaining procedures to patients, and 12-lead EKG placement.

You’ll also learn medical terminology, and how to assist cardiologists with stress testing. 

Once you’ve completed the program, you are prepared to take the NHA CET exam. 

NPS

National Performance Specialist offers two training courses.

The first is the Basic EKG. The second is advanced EKG.

You will learn how to perform diagnostic testing on patients, monitor blood pressure, collect medical data, and perform EKG testing.

Once you’ve completed the programs, you are prepared to take the NPS CET exam.

The cost of the exam is included in tuition. 

EKG Technician Salary in Delaware

The average salary for an EKG technician in Delaware is $42,700.

Most EKG technicians will make between $37,900 and $49,400.

How much you earn will depend on your education, experience, certifications,  and the type of facility you work in. 

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Wilmington	$45,000
Dover	$45,100
Newark	$44,900
Milford	$45,300
Seaford	$44,600
Middletown	$44,900
Lewes	$45,300
Smyrna	$45,000
New Castle	$45,000
Delaware City	$44,900

Frequently Asked Questions

Are EKG technicians in demand in Delaware?

There aren’t a lot of companies currently hiring EKG technicians in Delaware.

However, the overall demand in the U.S. is expected to grow much faster than average in the next decade.

Where can I work as an EKG technician in Delaware?

EKG technicians can work in a variety of settings in Delaware.

These include hospitals, outpatient care centers, private practices, diagnostic labs, imaging centers, nursing homes, and cardiac centers.

Do I need to renew my EKG technician certification in Delaware?

Yes, you’ll need to renew your certification every two years.

NHA requires you to take 10 continuing education credits every 2 years.

NPS requires you to retake the certification exam every two years.

Both associations require you to pay a recertification fee as well.

How long does it take to become an EKG technician in Delaware?

This depends on the training program you choose.

Most programs can be completed in just a few months.

You can complete the ekg training program and get your certification in 6 months or less.

EKG Technician Info by State