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The need for electrocardiograph (EKG) technicians has been increasing in the United States over the past several years due to a growing population, an aging Baby Boomer generation, and the rising prevalence of chronic diet and exercise related illness. This trend has created several new employment options for those interested in cardiovascular care and has made this career path one of the most popular allied health opportunities available today. Individuals who are considering this specialty and are interested in understanding their earning potential are encouraged to consider several different factors that might influence the size of their compensation package. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average EKG technician can expect to take home about $50,000 per year. While this number does support the notion that there is strong demand for individuals in this profession, it does not adequately account for the many factors that can result in higher or lower earnings. Applicants who have previous experience in the cardiac care unit or in a closely related area of patient care are likely to earn more than those who are brand new to the healthcare sector and who are not familiar with the unique challenges associated with providing care to patients. Individuals who want to enter the cardiovascular department with no previous experience in healthcare will have a harder time competing for open positions and will probably not be paid as well as their experienced coworkers. Another element that could push a technician above or below the national median salary is the amount of formal competency credentials that they have acquired. While most states in the US do not require a technician to become licensed in order to provide care, it is common for an employer to require all new employees to successfully pass a certification exam specific to their specialty as a condition of long-term employment. Formal credentials are an important step in demonstrating that an individual is qualified to provide high quality care and often serve to reinforce the legitimacy of the profession in the eyes of the federal and private organizations that reimburse healthcare facilities for the services they perform. An individual who is gaining patient care experience as a nursing aide or medical assistant is encouraged to complete certification in a general area of practice in order to strengthen their resume in preparation for making the transition to the cardiac care unit. Prior experience and formal credentials are two of the most influential factors that can affect the ability of an individual to earn a competitive EKG technician salary, but there are many other considerations that must be taken into account when developing an accurate earning projection. In general, those who work for large organizations in metropolitan areas are able to secure a higher paying position because there is a greater concentration of people who need care and more medical facilities competing against each other to attract qualified applicants. Individuals who want to maximize their earnings and who are living in a rural or unpopulated area may want to consider relocating to a metropolitan region where the same job might pay more. Other factors to consider include the size of the employer, the number of hours being worked, and the level of responsibility assigned to the technician. Employees who work part-time or who take significant amounts of time off tend to get paid less than those who work full-time and rarely take time off. As an individual gains experience in the cardiac care unit, they may have the opportunity to accept administrative tasks that come with a pay raise. While a managerial position might not appeal to everyone, it can be a great way to achieve higher earnings and advance one's standing within an organization. A technician who performs managerial activities is often required to train new employees, conduct performance reviews, contribute to administrative meetings, and help to implement quality improvement initiatives. Those who have decided that a career as an EKG technician is the opportunity that they want to pursue are encouraged to learn more about training, certification, and employment options in their area by visiting http://www.ekgtechniciansalary.org/. This site provides detailed information about the expectations in all 50 states and includes links to industry organizations that can help an individual enter the cardiac care industry and advance their career. As always, it is a great idea to actively communicate with others who are currently employed in the profession in order to learn more about the specialty and begin building relationships with influential individuals.
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