How to Become an EKG Tech in Texas
Are you interested in a career in the medical field, but don’t know where to start? Do you want to become an EKG tech in Texas? With the right education and training, you can pursue a rewarding career as an Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician in the Lone Star State. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to become an EKG tech in Texas.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
To become an EKG tech in Texas, you must meet the basic requirements:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a Texas EKG technician license.
- Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll in an EKG technician program.
- CPR Certification: You must have a current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Step 2: Complete an EKG Technician Program
To become a certified EKG tech, you must complete an approved EKG technician program in Texas. These programs typically include:
- Core curriculum: Students learn about anatomy, physiology, EKG principles, and cardiovascular disease.
- Clinical experience: Students gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting, performing EKGs and other related tasks.
Approved EKG Technician Programs in Texas
Here are some approved EKG technician programs in Texas:
| Program Name | Location | Program Length | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Community College | Austin | 12 months | (512) 223-4111 |
| Collin College | McKinney | 12 months | (972) 548-6600 |
| Houston Community College | Houston | 12 months | (713) 718-6300 |
| Tarrant County College | Fort Worth | 12 months | (817) 515-6300 |
Step 3: Pass the Certification Exam
After completing your EKG technician program, you must pass a certification exam to become certified. The most popular certification exams for EKG technicians in Texas are:
- Certified EKG Technician (CET): Offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- Electrocardiogram Technician (EKG Tech): Offered by the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT)
Step 4: Apply for a Texas EKG Technician License
Once you’ve passed your certification exam, you can apply for a Texas EKG technician license. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issues licenses to EKG technicians in the state.
Required Documents for License Application:
- Application: Complete the Texas EKG technician license application form.
- Certification Exam Results: Provide proof of passing your certification exam.
- CPR Certification: Provide proof of current AHA BLS certification.
- Background Check: Submit to a background check through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Step 5: Maintain Your Certification and License
To maintain your certification and license as an EKG tech in Texas, you must:
- Renew Your Certification: Renew your certification exam every 2-5 years, depending on the certifying organization.
- Renew Your License: Renew your Texas EKG technician license every 2 years.
- Complete Continuing Education: Complete continuing education requirements to maintain your certification and license.
Salary and Job Outlook for EKG Techs in Texas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for EKG technicians in Texas is around $34,000. The job outlook for EKG techs in Texas is positive, with an expected growth rate of 12% from 2020 to 2030.
Conclusion
Becoming an EKG tech in Texas requires the right education, training, and certification. By following these steps, you can start a rewarding career in the medical field. Remember to meet the basic requirements, complete an approved EKG technician program, pass the certification exam, apply for a Texas EKG technician license, and maintain your certification and license.
Additional Tips:
- Gain experience: Try to gain as much experience as possible in a clinical setting before taking the certification exam.
- Network: Network with other EKG techs and healthcare professionals to learn more about the industry and job opportunities.
- Stay up-to-date: Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in EKG technology and medical research to remain competitive in the job market.
By following these steps and tips, you can become a successful EKG tech in Texas and start a rewarding career in the medical field.