How to Become an EKG Technician in Massachusetts

Electrocardiograph (EKG) technicians play an essential role in the medical field by conducting, monitoring, and maintaining equipment providing heart readings.

This test allows doctors and other medical professionals to analyze the information and provide the necessary treatment plan, so speed and accuracy are crucial to patient health.

EKG technicians can work in various locations, from hospitals and clinics to private practices and other medical facilities.

As the population ages, EKG technicians are needed more than ever, so it’s a lucrative field with excellent job security.

If you want to become an EKG technician in Massachusetts, keep reading to learn more!

Licensing Requirements to Become an EKG Technician

Earn a High School Diploma

The first step in your new career path is to complete your high school diploma.

This is a prerequisite for all EKG training programs.

Taking medical classes, biology, chemistry, and other related coursework for high school students will help prepare you for your chosen program.

Find and Enroll in an Accredited EKG Program

Massachusetts, specifically Boston, is home to countless state-accredited EKG programs preparing you for your career.

Most programs require 40-80 class hours, most of which can be taken online, and 20-40 clinical hours that must be fulfilled in a lab using EKG equipment.

When searching for the right program, it’s essential to ask the following questions:

• Does the program include the certification exam?
• How many hours is the training?
• Is the program state-approved?
• What agency monitors the exam?
• Where can the clinical hours be completed?

The successful completion of a program will yield a Certificate of Completion. However, if you plan to take a diploma or associate degree program, you will receive different designations since they are longer time commitments and more detailed coursework.

None of these documents mean you are certified; they only indicate training completion.

Take the Certification Exam

After the training program, the next step is to become a certified EKG by completing an examination that proves your knowledge and skills.

Multiple certification agencies exist, with the exam and certification price of around $150.

This typically includes a professional resume revision, three certification exam attempts, unlimited practice exams, and a complete study guide.

Once registered, it’s essential to prepare by reviewing all provided materials by the credentialing agency.

The entire examination process can be completed online.

Start Your Career

Once certified, it’s time to find an EKG position at a medical facility.

The highest-paying jobs are in Boston, but for those who want a quieter lifestyle, there are positions available across the state.

The EKG technician role is a starting point for many who move into more advanced fields like medical laboratory technician, medical assistant, nurse aide, and nurse.

Depending on the medical facility, you can expect to work a typical 40-hour work week and may not operate on shifts like nurses.

Renew Your Certification

Massachusetts requires EKG Technicians to renew their certification every two years through continuing education credits.

This can be achieved through online education or job workshops.

Professionals should be in the process at least 30 days before the certification expires to give enough time to submit the renewal assessment.

Also, many EKG techs achieve continuing education requirements and become specialized in a particular area like stress management or Holter monitoring.

For those with at least five years of experience in the field, an excellent continuing education option is a Certified EKG Instructor (CEI), which allows the professional to teach and instruct future generations on EKG processes and topics.

5 EKG Technician Schools in Massachusetts

Health Home Care Training of New England

Health Home Care Training of New England has a 48-hour EKG technician program that includes cardiac procedures, waveform identification, basic EKG interpretation, vital signs, physiology, and cardiac anatomy.

Massasoit Community College

Massasoit Community College has a 60-hour EKG technician course preparing graduates for the ASPT National Certification Exam. Students gain the required knowledge through practical and classroom sessions.

Topics include medical terminology, heart diseases, operating and adjusting EKG monitors, proper lead placement, and heart anatomy and physiology.

North Shore Community College

North Shore Community College offers EKG Technician Certification, preparing students for the National Workforce Career Association Certified Electrocardiograph Technician Exam.

Students learn about stress testing, EKGs, legal aspects of patient contact, medical ethics, medical terminology, disease processes, anatomy, and heart physiology. The cost is $999 and requires 50 classroom hours to graduate.

Regis College

The 12-week online EKG certification program Regis College offers prepares students for the National Healthcareer Association examination to become a Certified EKG Technician.

Students learn about operating and maintaining EKGs, Holter monitors, explaining procedures, and positioning patients.

Springfield Technical Community College

The EKG Technician program offered by Springfield Technical Community College is an 80-hour class time commitment that teaches students how to apply Holter monitors, prepare patients for stress testing, and conduct EKGs.

Tuition costs under $1,300 and includes the exam to become a Certified EKG Technician.

Salary

The median annual U.S. EKG technician income is $42,700, with pay ranging from $33,530 to $55,500.

Massachusetts EKG technicians can expect to average $48,100, with pay ranging from $37,800 to $62,600.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Boston	$48,300
Worcester	$45,200
Springfield	$44,700
Lowell	$46,700
Cambridge	$48,300
Brockton	$46,800
New Bedford	$45,600
Fall River	$45,600
Lynn	$48,300
Quincy	$48,300

Regional Salary in Massachusetts

* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, OCC Code 29-2031, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for most Massachusetts-based EKG training programs?

In addition to a GED or high school diploma, incoming students must meet the following requirements:

• At least 18 years old
• Immunization records
• Negative Hepatitis test
• Negative Tuberculosis test
• Pass a background check with no felonies

What are the certification exam prerequisites?

Although the prerequisites may vary between agencies, most require a high school diploma, proof of 10 successful EKGs, which comes from the clinical portion of your training, and completion of an EKG training program.

What are the most common Massachusetts EKG job duties?

EKG techs can expect to conduct the following daily:

• Explaining procedures and evaluating a patient
• Maintaining the area and equipment
• Performing EKGs
• Preparing test results
• Point-of-care testing
• Verifying patients’ identities

EKG Technician Info by State