Vital Signs: Exploring Careers in EKG and Phlebotomy

Reading Heartbeats: Becoming an EKG Technician

If you've ever wanted to break into the medical field without spending years in school, becoming an EKG (Electrocardiogram) Technician might be your calling. EKG Technicians play a crucial role in healthcare by conducting tests that monitor heart activity, helping doctors diagnose various heart conditions.

The path to the pulse: Training to become an EKG Technician typically requires only a high school diploma and a certification program, which can be completed in just a few months. The coursework covers anatomy, medical terminology, and the technical skills needed to operate EKG machines. With healthcare demand on the rise, the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including EKG Technicians, will grow by about 11% through 2033—much faster than the average for all occupations.

• Flexible and rewarding: EKG Technicians can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs. In 2023, approximately 77% of cardiovascular technicians and technologists were employed in hospitals, while the rest worked in outpatient care centers, physicians' offices, and other healthcare facilities.
• Room for growth: With experience, technicians can specialize in areas like stress testing or Holter monitoring. This role can also serve as a steppingstone to other medical careers, such as a cardiovascular technologist, which typically comes with higher earning potential.
• In demand: As the aging population grows, the need for cardiac care services increases. This trend is boosting the demand for EKG Technicians to help diagnose heart conditions, making it a solid career choice for those seeking job stability in the healthcare sector.

Salary Snapshot: EKG Technicians can expect an average annual salary of around $66,100, with variations depending on location, experience, and workplace setting. Higher wages are typically found in hospitals and specialized healthcare settings.

Click Here To Learn More About Our EKG Program

The Art of Drawing Blood: Becoming a Phlebotomy Technician

If you're looking for a hands-on role in the medical field that doesn't require years of schooling, becoming a Phlebotomy Technician could be your ticket in. Phlebotomists are the healthcare professionals who draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, and donations—a critical step in diagnosing and monitoring patients' health.

Getting started: To become a Phlebotomy Technician, you'll typically need to complete a certification program, which can take as little as a few weeks to a few months. These programs teach you how to draw blood safely and efficiently, as well as how to handle and process blood samples. Most employers require certification from a recognized organization like the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) or the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

• Staffing snapshot: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), phlebotomists held about 141,200 jobs in 2023, with a majority working in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, blood donation centers, and doctors' offices. About 37% of phlebotomists were employed in hospitals, while the rest worked in outpatient care centers, labs, and physicians' offices.
• Job growth: With an aging population and an increasing need for blood tests to diagnose and monitor medical conditions, the demand for Phlebotomy Technicians is projected to grow by 8% through 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• Career benefits: Phlebotomy offers a fast entry into the healthcare field with opportunities for advancement. Phlebotomists often use this role as a bridge to other careers, such as nursing or laboratory technology.

Salary check: The median annual wage for Phlebotomy Technicians was about $41,810 in 2023. Wages can vary depending on factors like experience, location, and work setting, with higher pay typically found in hospitals and diagnostic labs.

Fast-track to impact: This career not only offers a stable job but also the chance to make a difference in patients' lives daily. From calming nervous patients to ensuring accurate blood samples, Phlebotomy Technicians are a vital part of the healthcare system.

Click Here To Learn More About Our Phlebotomy Program