How to Become an EKG Technician in Wisconsin

You might become an EKG Technician in Wisconsin for one of a few reasons.

It is time for a career change, you want to update your medical assistant skills, or you want to include it in your nurse training.

Licensing Requirements to Become an EKG Technician In Wisconsin

The State of Wisconsin does not have any laws that make EKG Tech licensing mandatory.

However, WI medical institutions usually require their workers to earn a certification through The American Society of Electrocardiogram Technicians (ASET).

Other available EKG credentials come from The National Health Career Association (NHA) and American Education Certification Association (AECA).

Depending on location, you may hear about the above three the most often, or you might become familiar with the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

Another available certification body is the National Telemetry Association, or you could seek credentialing from the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT).

The primary training focus to prepare for your certification exams includes making sure you know how to take tests of people’s cardiovascular activity and interpret heart rhythm readings.

If you seek ASP certification, you also could earn a phlebotomy certificate that would prove you have what it takes to collect blood samples from patients and prepare them for testing.

EKG Techs often have both certificates and attend training programs at a technical school or college where they would learn both.

The certificates you earn also prepare you for working in a medical environment in general and for patient privacy and healthcare legal/ethical issues.

Becoming eligible for your certification exam usually requires some amount of hands-on experience, which you can receive even as an assistant to an already certified EKG tech.

5 EKG Technician Schools in Wisconsin

1. Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC)

The EKG Technician certificate program offered by MATC will arm you with the knowledge and practice needed to earn a Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) certificate offered by CCI.

This program includes foundational physiology, anatomy, heart pathology training, and real-life EKG testing practice.

You also could pursue an associate degree, which will expand your medical assisting knowledge.

2. University of Wisconsin La Crosse

In La Crosse, you can enroll in the EKG Technician professional program and prepare to earn the EKG Technician certificate offered by the ASPT.

This training also would prepare you for an NHA Certified EKG Technician certification, if that is the credentialing body you choose to associate with.

Your instructors will also encourage you to seek hands-on clinical training usually required before you take your certification exam.

You can take the six-month certificate coursework or seek an associate degree while participating in paid training.

3. Northeast WI Technical College

NWTC offers the Basic EKG Analysis course, which usually is for persons enrolled in the Echocardiography Associate Degree program.

This includes practice with real machines equipped with two- and three-dimensional technology.

You also will become comfortable with Doppler ultrasound devices, during which time you will learn what it is like to assist a physician with diagnosing cardiovascular conditions.

4. Black Hawk College

Black Hawk College provides a variety of classes for people interested in EKG, phlebotomy, and medical assistance training.

You might not always see the same offerings every semester, but they take place often at this school.

View current course listings and contact the school to find out what to expect for the most recent upcoming term.

Both certificate and associate degree programs are available.

5. Fox Valley Technical College

Career opportunities associated with EKG technician training at Fox Valley Tech may include electrocardiogram training if you choose that concentration.

You could start out in a technical diploma program, find an assisting job, and pursue a degree program while still training to become an EKG Technician.

This coursework could later count toward your nurse training if that is the career you choose.

Otherwise, you can add to your current position, taking phlebotomy and medical assisting classes or preparing for a cardiology career.

EKG Technician Schools in Wisconsin – Summary Table

Salary

The average EKG Technician’s annual income totals approximately $39,800 as of April 2022.

You might earn as low as about $31,203 if assisting another professional who has an EKG certificate.

After several years, you might earn as high as $51,836 or more, especially if you keep earning new certificates and updating your skills.

The typical salary range usually is between $35,300-$46,100.

Cities besides Milwaukee, Madison, or Green Bay where you could search for jobs include Wausau, Eau Claire, Kenosha, or Racine.

Regional Salary in Wisconsin

EKG Technician Schools by City

EKG Technician Schools by State