Where Do EKG Technicians Work? A Career Overview
Jun 03, 2025
If you’re exploring career options in healthcare, you might wonder where do EKG technicians work and what this role involves. As an EKG technician, you play a vital part in heart health diagnostics by performing electrocardiograms (EKGs).
This article explains the many workplaces where EKG techs find employment, career opportunities, and how EKG technician job description and certification can open doors to various healthcare settings.
Table of contents
- Hospital settings
- Workplaces outside hospitals
- Specialized facilities for EKG technicians
- Where do EKG techs get paid the most?
- Is an EKG technician a good career?
- What other jobs can an EKG technician do?
- How to find EKG technician jobs in different settings
Hospital settings
Hospitals are the most common workplaces for EKG technicians. You work closely with medical teams, performing crucial heart monitoring tests that support diagnosis and treatment.
Cardiology departments
In cardiology departments, you help cardiologists by performing EKGs on patients with heart conditions. You handle equipment to record electrical activity in the heart, allowing doctors to detect arrhythmias, heart attacks, or other cardiac problems. Working in this setting sharpens your skills in patient care and technical operation.
Emergency rooms (ER)
The fast-paced environment of the emergency room (ER) demands quick and accurate EKGs. You assist doctors by rapidly conducting tests on patients presenting chest pain or suspected heart attacks. Your role here is critical to providing immediate care and potentially saving lives.
Telemetry units
In telemetry units, patients undergo continuous cardiac monitoring. You observe heart rhythms remotely, identifying any irregularities. This role requires attention to detail and the ability to respond promptly to alarms or changes in patient status.
Intensive care units (ICU)
ICUs house critically ill patients who often need continuous cardiac monitoring. As an EKG technician, you operate complex monitoring systems, ensuring constant data flow for critical care teams. Your work supports lifesaving interventions.
Workplaces outside hospitals
As an EKG technician, you’re not limited to traditional hospital settings. Many opportunities exist in clinics, outpatient centers, and specialized practices, offering a variety of schedules and diverse patient interactions. These alternative workplaces give you the chance to expand your skills and experience in different healthcare environments.
Outpatient clinics and physician offices
Many EKG techs find work in outpatient clinics and physician offices, conducting scheduled EKG tests during routine check-ups or specialist visits. These workplaces tend to offer more predictable hours and close patient relationships.
Diagnostic and imaging centers
In diagnostic centers, EKGs are part of a range of tests like ultrasounds and X-rays. You perform EKGs alongside other diagnostic procedures, supporting comprehensive patient evaluations.
Ambulatory care centers
Ambulatory care centers provide outpatient services, including EKG testing for patients who do not require hospital stays. This setting allows you to assist diverse patient populations with a focus on preventive care and monitoring.
Mobile EKG services
Some EKG technicians work with mobile EKG services, traveling to patients’ homes, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities. This job offers flexibility and variety, and allows you to reach patients who have limited mobility.
Specialized facilities for EKG technicians
EKG technicians play vital roles in a variety of specialized healthcare facilities, from cardiology clinics to diagnostic labs. These settings offer unique opportunities to develop advanced skills and work closely with specialists, providing essential cardiac monitoring and testing services.
Rehabilitation centers
In rehabilitation centers, you monitor patients recovering from heart attacks or cardiac surgery. Your work supports physical therapy programs and helps ensure patient safety during recovery.
Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities employ EKG technicians to regularly monitor residents’ heart health. This setting emphasizes consistent care and working with elderly patients.
Research institutions and labs
You might find opportunities in research institutions or clinical labs, where you assist with cardiac studies, clinical trials, or technology testing. This career path allows you to contribute to medical advancements and heart disease research.
Where do EKG techs get paid the most?
In Florida, EKG technicians generally get paid the most in cities like Port St. Lucie, Plantation, and Miami Beach.
These cities offer above-average salaries compared to the state average, thanks to higher demand and more specialized healthcare facilities.
If you’re looking to maximize your earning potential, targeting job opportunities in these areas can be a smart move.
Salaries in these cities reflect the cost of living and the competitive healthcare market, especially in large hospitals and specialty clinics.
For a detailed overview of salaries and how they vary by location, explore our EKG technician salary overview.
Is an EKG technician a good career?
An EKG technician career offers steady job prospects and the chance to work in diverse healthcare environments, which makes it one of the reasons to become an EKG technician.
You develop valuable skills that are in demand, especially as heart disease remains a leading health concern.
If you enjoy hands-on patient care and working with technology, this career can be fulfilling. Learn more about the benefits in our reasons to become an EKG technician article.
What other jobs can an EKG technician do?
With your EKG certification, you can explore other healthcare roles. Some techs move into positions like medical assistant or cardiovascular technologist, which may involve broader clinical responsibilities or higher pay. Understand the options by visiting our comparison page, EKG technician vs medical assistant.
If you wonder, what can you do with an EKG certification, the answer includes many roles involving cardiac testing, patient monitoring, and sometimes assisting with stress tests or Holter monitor setups.
How to find EKG technician jobs in different settings
To find EKG technician jobs, start by targeting healthcare employers in hospitals, clinics, and specialty centers. Use job boards, healthcare staffing agencies, and professional networks.
Certification from a trusted program, like the one at FHCA, improves your chances by proving your skills and readiness.
Stay proactive by connecting with local healthcare providers and attending career fairs. Consider internships or externships to gain practical experience.
Explore FHCA’s EKG technician program to get started with hands-on training and certification that employers value.
