There are no formal regulations that address the EKG technician training and certification requirements in Arizona. A list of healthcare professionals who are subject to state licensing is located on the Arizona Department of Health Services site. Similar to most other states in the nation, electrocardiogram exams as well as monitoring and telemetry are administered by nurses and technicians. Individuals who wish to work in the cardiovascular department will likely be subject to the delegation rules found in the state’s Nurse Practice Act.
According to A.R.S. §§ 32-1456, a registered nurse practitioner in Arizona may delegate certain tasks to assistants who have met at least one of the following requirements…
- Has completed an approved training program
- Has passed an approved examination
- Employed continuously following a training program before February 2, 2000
- Supervised by the same nurse for at least 2000 hours prior to February 2, 2000
- Completed a medical training program of the Armed Forces of the United States
Education and Training Requirements
Electrocardiography is one of the many medical acts that can be assigned to qualified assistants in Arizona. Potential employers tend to have different guidelines by which they determine who can perform the responsibilities of an EKG technician. Individuals who are interested in a career in this field are encouraged to contact medical facilities directly to find out what their specific expectations are. Some common requirements include a 2 to 4 year degree in a healthcare related program, experience in providing direct patient care, and personality traits that are well-suited to a career in a fast-paced medical environment.
In general, formal EKG technician training and certification in Arizona is not mandated by state or federal agencies. However, many technicians choose to voluntarily enhance their credentials by completing training programs and at least one certification exam offered by a national organization. As is true in most healthcare fields, certification provides the opportunity to benefit from a higher salary, better benefits, and more employment options. Employers like to hire individuals who have demonstrated competence in their field and they realize that patients take comfort in knowing that their caregivers are qualified to provide the most comprehensive level of service possible.
Career Entry Opportunities
Individuals who work in the EKG technician profession are commonly employed in a closely related medical specialty before they transition over to the cardiovascular department. In many cases, a technician who has experience as a nurse’s aide, medical assistant, or radiologic technologist will receive preference in the hiring process. Those who are interested in obtaining credentials in the radiology field before working in the cardiology field should become familiar with the regulations that affect radiologic technician education, training, and certification in Arizona.
The Arizona Medical Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners is the agency responsible for licensing those who wish to practice within medical imaging and therapy professions that utilize ionizing radiation. State regulations (32-2811) state that no individual may use ionizing radiation on a human being unless that person is a licensed medical practitioner or the holder of a certificate. A person who has a certificate may use ionizing radiation on humans only for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes while operating at the direction of a practitioner.
Applicants for certification must…
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have good moral character
- Complete a four-year course of study
State Contact Information
Phone: (602) 542-1025
Fax: (602) 542-0883
Email: none provided
150 N. 18th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 771-7800
Fax: (602) 771-7888
Email: arizona@azbn.gov
4747 N. 7th Street, Ste. 200 Phoenix, AZ 85014
I am a former Respiratory Therapist and part of my training was an EKG course. How do I go about getting certified?
I am looking for a tech school that can provide training and certification for an EKG Technician.
John,
While there are some colleges and universities that offer certificate programs for an EKG technician, your best bet is to contact a local healthcare facility about training programs that they offer. In-house programs are usually designed to prepare individuals for the unique challenges of cardiovascular care and will provide the knowledge and skills needed to successfully pass a certification exam.