Neither the state Joint Board of Licensure and Certification nor the Office of Licensed Allied Health Professionals has established any laws relating to the EKG technician training and certification requirements in New Hampshire. Although the state has chosen not to regulate the profession, many employers have adopted their own requirements for those who wish to work in the cardiac care department. Because expectations vary, it is very important for an individual to contact local employers to learn more about their employee standards.
Delegation Regulations
Healthcare is a highly complex employment sector that is subject to high levels of liability when it comes to the care that is provided to patients. For this reason, many individuals who work in healthcare must complete a degree program along with postgraduate training and state licensing. The gradual increase in demand for medical services in the United States has created a situation where there are not enough advanced medical professionals to handle the growing patient loads.
Administrators have managed to keep pace with demand by increasing their dependence on unlicensed members of the patient care team who are qualified to perform tasks that do not require professional skill, knowledge, or judgment. There are many different types of allied health professionals who are commonly classified as unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) and who are subject to rules and regulations that establish guidelines for the delegation of nursing tasks. Individuals who intend to pursue the EKG technician career path are encouraged to take some time to review these guidelines since they are commonly classified as UAPs.
Rules and regulations for the delegation of nursing tasks can be found in the New Hampshire Nurse Practice Act. Nur 101.07 section defines delegation as the transfer, at the discretion of the nurse, of authority for the performance of a task of client care from the licensed nurse with authority to perform the task to someone who does not otherwise have such authority. Nur 404.04 establishes guidelines for eligibility as a delegatee. According to this section, anyone can become eligible as long as the task does not involve the administration of medication and the individual is competent to perform the task. In addition, the task must be within the scope of practice of the delegating licensee. Prior to the delegation of a task, the delegating licensee must assess…
- the competence of the delegatee
- the stability of the patient
- the nursing needs of the patient
- the complexity of the task
Individuals who decide to delegate tasks to unlicensed personnel are accountable for the care that is provided and must supervise the delegatee as the task is performed. The delegation of a task must be rescinded in the event that the patient’s condition changes making delegation no longer safe, the delegatee is unwilling to perform the task, the patient objects, or supervision can no longer be provided. Within the cardiac care unit, the EKG technician will work under the supervision of a nurse or physician who will ensure that tasks such as electrocardiograms, telemetry, and Holter monitoring are performed correctly.
Education and Training Requirements
Since the EKG technician is not required to be licensed in New Hampshire, few colleges and universities have degree programs for the profession. Some institutions do offer certificate programs that are short in duration, but individuals should contact potential employers to learn about their expectations before enrolling in one of these programs. Some employers require only a high school diploma or GED and in-house training in order to be hired. As the accountability standards for allied health professionals have increased, more healthcare facilities have begun requiring technicians to successfully pass a national certification examination that demonstrates competency within the specialty. Training programs provided by the employer are often designed to prepare new technicians for the certification process and to orient them to the unique challenges of cardiac care.
Job openings for the EKG technician can be highly competitive and might require that an individual complete a couple of years in a more generalized area of patient care such as that of the medical assistant or nurse’s aide in order to strengthen a resume. These popular entry-level positions offer numerous opportunities for individuals to master the basic knowledge and skills needed to deliver high quality care in any specialty. Employers also favor applicants who have demonstrated a strong affinity for patient care and who have positive references.
State Contact Information
New Hampshire Department of Health
Phone: (603) 271-9254
Fax: (603) 271-5590
Email: Contact Form
129 Pleasant St. Concord, NH 03301
New Hampshire Board of Nursing
Phone: (603) 271-6282
Fax: (603) 271-6605
Email: boardquestions@nursing.state.nh.us
121 S. Fruit St. Concord, NH 03301
