How to Become an EKG Technician in Alaska

Becoming an EKG technician in Alaska is a great way to get started in the medical field.

In fact, the process is typically much simpler than a prospective student expects.

While there are a few key steps to be taken before the student can get started in earnest, this guide is here to help make sense of it all.

Licensing Requirements

In the great state of Alaska, there are no official regulations for those who wish to become future EKG technicians.

Getting hired and getting started in the medical field is made simple.

There are employer requirements that must be met, however.

For example, every applicant will need to have a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma.

They will need to be healthy and detail-oriented as well.

Good communication skills are a must, in addition to a clean criminal record.

The student must be legally allowed to work within the United States and an EKG technician certification is required.

These credentials can be earned after attending a training course.

These courses tend to take four months to complete.

There are no legal requirements for enrollment in one of these programs.

Conversely, the schools that are offering the programs may have their own requirements.

Schools may ask for a high school diploma, proof that the student is over the age of 18, a clean background check, a negative hepatitis test, a negative TB test, and proof of immunization.

Some schools may accept students as young as 16, as long as they are able to meet all of the other requirements.

On-the-job training is considered acceptable for the position in some instances, while those who attend classes online will need specific equipment to properly access their coursework.

Heart anatomy, medical disease processes, medical terminology, electrocardiography, echocardiography, ethics, anatomy of the chest wall, and pacemakers are among the most common areas of study.

Passing the certification test is also required. An ASPT (Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam), an NHA Certified EKG Technician exam, or an ASET are among the exams that a student can consider.

These exams are usually recognized at a national level and a registration process is necessary.

A high school diploma, official school transcripts/certificate of completion, proof of identity, some nominal fees, and the completion of 10 EKGs are among the required documents.

Once the student is certified, they must maintain their credentials.

A renewal application must be filled out, a renewal fee will have to be paid, and the student must complete hours of continuing education to remain in lockstep with industry requirements.

5 EKG Technician Schools in Alaska

National Performance Specialists

In most instances, students who seek NPS certification to become an EKG technician will need to dedicate at least three to six months to the process.

Registration costs $500 and there are other nominal fees that may need to be paid.

Those who receive certification through National Performance Specialists are also able to serve as exam proctors and their students are also entitled to the benefits that are achieved by certified NPS members.

This program stands out because of its effectiveness and has become one of the most sought-after in the nation.

NPS-certified members are subjected to very rigorous evaluation and must continue their education every two years to remain certified.

All certification materials are provided for the same price, as practice exams and study guides are not sold separately.

Three chances to take the final exam are also included in the upfront costs.

Greenways Academy of Alaska

The Greenways Academy program is priced at $1,995 and a voucher is included.

In order to complete the course, students must finish at least 100-course hours over the course of six months.

These EKG technician certifications are recognized nationally, as students are given the chance to learn everything they need to know in a low-stress environment.

Every key aspect of the profession is covered during the certification process, including measuring basic vital signs, performing rapid response procedures, operating an EKG machine, and identifying rhythms.

The learning environment is flexible as well, offering students the chance to learn at their own pace.

Vocational Medical Trainers of Alaska

This program is located in Wasilla, Alaska, and takes place in person.

It can be completed in just ten weeks and the program has been responsible for the training of medical professionals for nearly 25 years.

Program prices will vary depending on the student’s specialization, so be sure to ask about EKG technician courses.

On average, these programs will run anywhere between $400 and $1,000.

National HealthCareers Association Career College

This is a great option for anyone who is looking to study online.

With the help of the National Health Careers Association Career College, it has never been easier to prepare for the national exam.

Costs will depend on the individual circumstances of each student but are typically much lower than in an in-person program.

The course takes 10 weeks to complete and students can participate for as low as $39 per credit hour.

The NHA EKG Cardiographic Technician certificate that a student will receive meets and exceeds all accreditation requirements.

MedCerts

This program, which unfolds over the course of 11 weeks, is designed to prepare students for their Certified EKG Technician (CET) and Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP) certifications.

Tuition will cost $2,000 and prepare students for any number of entry-level jobs throughout the United States, including Alaska.

Additional training and experience will help students add cardiac catheterization, Holter monitoring, phonocardiography, stress testing, and vectorcardiography to their skill set as well.

EKG Technician Schools in Alaska – Summary Table

Salary

On average, an EKG technician will make $40,000 per year.

These figures tend to change depending on the state in question, though.

The average range in the state of Alaska actually rises to $45,200.

The range can be anywhere from $40,000 to $52,000.

Education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years spent in the profession, and the city that is chosen are all key factors when it comes to deciding where the EKG technician will fall within this range.

Regional Salary in Alaska

EKG Technician Schools by City

EKG Technician Schools by State