There are no agencies that have been tasked with establishing EKG technician training and certification requirements in Florida. While the state does not license those who work in this profession, employers prefer to hire those who have previous experience with direct patient care and who have a minimum of a high school diploma. The fact that there are no regulations affecting technicians in this field means that employment expectations vary widely among facilities. The human resources department is able to provide additional information.
Career Entry Opportunities
The electrocardiogram profession provides many unique opportunities for those who wish to advance their career in the medical sector. While it is possible to become a technician without prior experience in healthcare, many people find that the best route into this specialty is through a closely related field such as that of certified medical assistant or radiologic technologist. Both of these professions are subject to state regulations and require individuals to acquire some level of formal medical education, training, and certification. The credentials required to practice in both of these fields serve to enhance an individual’s resume and can create a competitive advantage when it comes to applying for a position as an EKG technician.
According to state regulations, the practice of a certified nursing assistant (CNA) means providing care and assisting persons with tasks relating to activities of daily living including personal care, mobility, nutrition and hydration, toileting and elimination, assistive devices, safety and cleanliness, data gathering, reporting abnormal signs and symptoms, postmortem care, patient socialization, end-of-life care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency care, residents’ or patients’ rights, documentation of nursing-assistant services, and other tasks. In order to perform these tasks, a CNA must complete formal training and certification.
The daily responsibilities of a CNA are not entirely representative of those that are included in the EKG technician job description, but they do provide an excellent entry-level opportunity for those who need to acquire some patient care experience in order to work as a technician in the cardiovascular department. Individuals who are interested in a more specialized patient care profession may want to consider becoming a radiologic technologist prior to entering the EKG career field. The Florida Department of Health in conjunction with the Council on Radiation Protection is responsible for creating and enforcing licensing regulations that are relevant to the radiologic technology profession.
In order to become licensed in radiology, a technologist must…
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be of good moral character
- Successfully complete a 2-year Radiologic Technology Program
- Submit a completed application with fee
- Pass a licensing exam
Education and Training Requirements
In the state of Florida, employers are able to create their own EKG technician training and certification requirements based on their own needs. Although some administrators provide entry-level opportunities for individuals who have no prior experience in the medical field, most expect applicants to have some type of experience with direct patient care. For those who are considering an indirect route into the EKG industry, a position as a medical assistant or radiologic technologist may provide the kind of experience they need.
State Contact Information
Phone: (850) 488-0595
Fax: (850) 414-8209
Email: MedicalQualityAssurance@doh.state.fl.us
4042 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C11 Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 245-4125
Fax: (850) 617-6460
Email: Contact Form
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-02 Tallahassee, FL 32399
