There are no laws that create EKG technician training and certification requirements in the state of Kansas. An individual who works as a technician in a cardiovascular department is often classified as an unlicensed person and is subject to rules that have been created for the delegation of nursing tasks to any unlicensed personnel. This is not to say that employers do not have education, training, and certification standards for the technicians they hire. Local expectations can vary and should be reviewed prior to applying for an open position.
Delegation Regulations
The Kansas Nurse Practice Act outlines the rules and administrative regulations that must be followed when delegating a task to an EKG technician. According to 60-15-101, the services of a registered nurse may be supplemented by the delegation of selected nursing tasks to unlicensed personnel under the supervision of a registered professional nurse or licensed practical nurse. The term ‘unlicensed person’ means anyone not licensed as a registered professional nurse or licensed practical nurse. The term ‘delegation’ refers to the authorization for an unlicensed person to perform selected nursing tasks or procedures in the school setting under the direction of a registered professional nurse.
A registered nurse who has decided to delegate tasks to an unlicensed person is responsible for the health outcomes of the patient care provided. Any task that is delegated must be one that a reasonable and prudent nurse would determine to be within the scope of sound nursing judgment and that can be performed properly and safely by an unlicensed person. In addition, the nursing task or procedure must be one that does not require the designated unlicensed person to exercise nursing judgment or intervention. Prior to delegation, the nurse must formulate a plan of care, orient and instruct the unlicensed person in the performance of the nursing task, and document in writing the unlicensed person’s demonstration of competency.
When supervising an unlicensed person, the registered professional nurse must…
- determine the degree of supervision required
- assess the health status, mental, and physical stability of the person
- assess the complexity of the task or procedure
- assess the training and competency of the unlicensed person
- determine the proximity and availability or the nurse
Basic caretaking tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, routine dental, hair and skin care, preparation of food for an oral feeding, exercising, toileting and diapering, hand washing, transferring, and ambulation can be delegated if the unlicensed person is supervised by registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. A table containing guidelines for the delegation of specific tasks can be found by clicking here.
Education and Training Requirements
Individuals who have prior healthcare experience in an allied health profession are generally more successful when attempting to secure a position as an EKG technician because they have demonstrated competence in direct patient care and may already have some form of training and certification. Many technicians work in one of many entry-level unlicensed personnel fields prior to applying for an opening in the cardiac care department. Some of the more popular areas of practice include that of medical assistant, nurse aide, dialysis technician, pharmacy or dental assistant, and radiologic technologist. Those who think they may be interested in starting their career in the radiology department should know that the entry requirements are more demanding than in the other professions listed here.
The Kansas Board of Healing Arts regulates radiography, nuclear medicine technology, and radiation therapy. Individuals who use titles associated with these professions are required to be licensed and need to pass a certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Although it may be challenging to acquire a position in the radiology department, the credentials that are required for employment are often viewed favorably by directors and may represent an edge over other job applicants.
State Contact Information
Phone: (785) 296-1240
Alternate: (785) 296-1500
Email: info@kdheks.gov
Curtis Bldg., 1000 S.W. Jackson St. Topeka, KS 66612
Phone: (785) 296-4929
Fax: (785) 296-3929
Email: Contact Form
Landon Bldg., 900 S.W. Jackson St., Ste. 1051 Topeka, KS 66612
