If you’ve decided to pursue a career as an EKG technician, you’re making a fantastic choice, especially considering the growing demand for healthcare professionals. However, breaking into this field requires more than just interest; it requires strategic preparation. Many aspiring EKG techs follow outdated, traditional paths that can leave them with student debt and wasted time. But you don’t have to be one of them. In this guide, we’ll explore five essential steps to become an EKG tech in 2024 and give you insights into what employers are really looking for in this field.
Traditional Path Is Broken
Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room: the traditional path to becoming an EKG tech is not as efficient as it once was. Many students still follow this outdated route—enrolling in full-time, on-campus programs, accumulating tens of thousands of dollars in debt, and spending years studying while commuting to and from classes. By the time they finish, they often find themselves hoping to land a job with no guarantees of success.
Luckily, this doesn’t have to be your story. By understanding what healthcare employers are actually looking for in 2024, you can streamline your journey, avoid common pitfalls, and set yourself up for success without wasting time or money. Below are the top five things employers seek in an EKG tech today and how you can strategically meet those expectations.
1. Get Certified
The first and most crucial step to becoming an EKG tech in 2024 is to get certified. According to the National Healthcareer Association’s (NHA) Industry Outlook survey, over 87% of employers either require or highly encourage certification for EKG technologists. That statistic alone should make it clear: certification is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity.
Certification demonstrates to employers that you have the baseline skills and knowledge required to perform the job effectively. It helps you stand out from other candidates, especially at the entry level. Having an EKG tech certification can put you in a league of your own, increasing your chances of landing a job faster and with better pay.
How to Get Certified:
- Choose an accredited certifying body such as the NHA.
- Complete an EKG technician training program.
- Pass the certification exam.
While certification might seem like a formality, it’s an indispensable credential that will give you a significant advantage in the job market.
2. Earn a University Certificate
While certification is vital, having a university certificate from a well-respected, accredited institution can further boost your credibility. In the healthcare industry, educational background matters. Employers value candidates with training from well-known institutions because it adds an extra layer of trust to your credentials.
Some students make the mistake of enrolling in cheaper, local programs that lack accreditation or prestige. Unfortunately, employers may overlook these candidates, especially when they see that the training comes from a place they’ve never heard of. Your goal should be to build a strong resume, and a university certificate from a reputable institution can do just that.
Where to Get a University Certificate:
- Look for EKG technician programs affiliated with recognized universities or healthcare training centers.
- Ensure that the program is accredited and well-respected in the healthcare field.
While these programs might come with a higher price tag, the long-term benefits of having a recognizable name on your resume could outweigh the initial cost.
3. Gain Practical Experience
In addition to certifications and education, experience is a key factor employers consider when hiring EKG techs. According to the NHA survey, most employers place a strong emphasis on hands-on experience when reviewing job applications. But how can you gain experience as a beginner? The answer lies in externships.
What is an Externship? An externship is a temporary, practical training period where you work in a healthcare facility, such as a hospital or diagnostic center, under the supervision of experienced professionals. During this time, you’ll perform clinical tasks, observe procedures, and get real-life experience working in healthcare.
Employers love externships because they demonstrate that you’ve worked in real-world settings and can hit the ground running. More importantly, externships offer you the opportunity to practice conducting EKGs on live patients—an invaluable experience you can showcase on your resume.
How to Get an Externship:
- Enroll in a training program that offers externship placements.
- Reach out to healthcare facilities in your area to inquire about externship opportunities.
A training program that includes externship placement is ideal, but if you can’t find one, proactive networking can help you secure this critical experience.
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4. Develop Strong Communication Skills
Being an EKG tech means you’ll interact with patients daily, coordinating with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Therefore, employers value candidates with effective communication skills. You’ll need to explain procedures to patients, many of whom may feel anxious or nervous about undergoing an EKG. Your ability to explain the process clearly and to help patients relax will be crucial for obtaining accurate readings.
Effective communication goes beyond patient interaction; it’s also about working as part of a healthcare team. Being able to convey information clearly, listen attentively, and ask the right questions will make you an asset in any healthcare environment.
How to Improve Communication Skills:
- Take communication courses, especially ones focused on healthcare.
- Get experience in roles that involve working with the public, such as customer service.
- Practice active listening and clear explanation in everyday situations.
When applying for jobs, be sure to highlight any past experience that showcases your communication skills. Whether it’s from a previous job or a course you’ve taken, employers will be interested in knowing how you’ve developed this essential skill.
5. Cultivate a Willingness to Serve
Finally, one of the most overlooked qualities employers seek in healthcare workers, including EKG techs, is a willingness to serve. Healthcare can be a demanding field. Long hours, emergency situations, and emotionally taxing moments are all part of the job. Employers want to know that you’re committed to helping patients, even when things get tough.
Having a genuine desire to help and serve others will not only make you more attractive to employers but will also give you personal fulfillment in your career. This willingness to go the extra mile will set you apart from other candidates.
How to Show a Willingness to Serve:
- Volunteer at healthcare facilities.
- Discuss in your interview how you handle stressful situations and still maintain a patient-centered attitude.
- Be prepared to show that you are adaptable and dedicated to helping people in need.
The Fast Track to Success
If you’re serious about becoming an EKG tech, it’s clear that certification, education, experience, communication skills, and a willingness to serve are the keys to getting hired. But how do you prepare for all of this without accumulating massive student debt or spending years in school?
Preppy’s EKG Technician Certification Program
Becoming an EKG Technician has never been easier with our 100% online certification program that gets you job-ready faster and more affordably than ever. In the fast-growing healthcare industry, you don’t need any prior experience to start—just a passion for an exciting and rewarding career. You can get certified within months, opening doors to one of the highest-paying professions that doesn’t require a college degree.
Preppy’s program is entirely online, so there are no textbooks, classrooms, or rigid schedules. You can study at your own pace, even from your laptop. Plus, unlike other programs, you’ll gain confidence through Auburn University, a 150-year-old accredited nonprofit institution. To top it off, we offer a volunteer externship with one of our many partners, providing real-world experience to boost your resume—all included in the program!
Conclusion
Becoming an EKG tech in 2024 doesn’t have to follow the traditional, outdated path. By focusing on what employers really want—certification, a strong education, hands-on experience, communication skills, and a willingness to serve—you can position yourself as an ideal candidate. With the right strategy and EKG technician training, you can start your healthcare career faster, without the burden of debt, and with confidence that you’re fully prepared for success.
Also read: What Does an EKG Technician Do?
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, who’s work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
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