How to Become an EKG Technician in St. Louis, Missouri: Salary, Jobs & Career Opportunities

An EKG is a quick test, but it can provide critical information about a patient's heart. EKG technicians help make that information available by preparing patients, placing electrodes, recording heart activity, and ensuring the test is performed correctly.

For people who want to work in direct patient care and are interested in the cardiovascular system, EKG technology can be an approachable entry point into healthcare. The role is often found in hospitals, outpatient cardiology offices, clinics, and other settings where cardiac testing is part of patient care.

Here is a closer look at the EKG technician career path in St. Louis, including common responsibilities, local employers, pay data, certification, and how to begin preparing for the field.

What Does an EKG Technician Do?

EKG technicians perform electrocardiogram tests, which record the heart's electrical activity. Healthcare providers use EKG results to help identify irregular heart rhythms, evaluate symptoms, monitor cardiac conditions, and make treatment decisions. Although EKG technicians do not diagnose patients, they play an important role in collecting clear, accurate readings for the care team to review.

Depending on the position, an EKG technician may:

• Prepare patients for EKG testing and explain what to expect
• Place electrodes on the patient's chest, arms, and legs
• Operate EKG equipment and obtain accurate recordings
• Recognize issues that may affect the quality of a tracing
• Document test information and maintain patient records
• Clean and maintain equipment between patients
• Assist with cardiac monitoring, telemetry, or ambulatory testing
• Communicate with nurses, physicians, and other members of the care team
• Help patients remain comfortable during testing

EKG technicians may work with patients who are visiting for a scheduled cardiac test, receiving outpatient care, recovering from a procedure, or being treated in a hospital setting. The job can be a good fit for someone who is detail-oriented, enjoys patient interaction, and can remain calm in clinical situations.

EKG Technician Job Outlook

The BLS does not track EKG technicians as a separate occupation. Instead, EKG-related roles are generally included within the broader category of cardiovascular technologists and technicians, which also includes professionals who perform other types of cardiac and vascular testing.

According to the BLS, employment of cardiovascular technologists and technicians is projected to grow 4% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The agency projects an average of about 3,400 openings per year nationwide during that period.

EKG TECHNICIAN CAREER SNAPSHOT (ST. LOUIS, MO)

Sources: BLS occupational data and CitySalaryData May 2025 St. Louis metropolitan wage and employment estimates.

Because this broader category includes roles beyond entry-level EKG work, the employment and wage figures should be viewed as context for the larger cardiac diagnostic field rather than a direct count or salary estimate for EKG technicians alone.

EKG Technician Employers in the St. Louis Area

EKG technicians may work wherever cardiac testing and monitoring are part of patient care. In St. Louis, that can include hospitals, cardiology practices, urgent care settings, outpatient clinics, diagnostic centers, and specialty cardiovascular facilities.

The following organizations are useful places to start researching local opportunities.

BJC HealthCare

BJC HealthCare operates hospitals, medical practices, and specialty care facilities throughout Greater St. Louis. Its system has posted St. Louis-based EKG technician positions and includes major hospitals with extensive cardiac and diagnostic services.

Explore BJC careers

SSM Health

SSM Health has hospitals, physician offices, and outpatient locations across the St. Louis area. Its network includes clinical environments where cardiac testing, telemetry, and other diagnostic support services are part of patient care.

Explore SSM Health careers

Mercy

Mercy operates hospitals, clinics, specialty care locations, and outpatient facilities throughout Greater St. Louis. Its career site can be a useful resource for exploring cardiac support, diagnostic testing, and related patient care roles.

Explore Mercy careers

When looking for openings, use a variety of job titles. EKG-focused positions may be posted under terms such as EKG technician, electrocardiograph technician, cardiac monitor technician, telemetry technician, cardiology technician, or patient care technician.

Note: These organizations are examples of regional healthcare employers, not guaranteed current openings or UMSL placement partners. Individual job availability and qualifications vary.

How Much Do EKG Technicians Make in St. Louis?

Since the BLS does not publish separate wage data for EKG technicians, local pay is commonly considered within the broader cardiovascular technologists and technicians category. Based on May 2025 BLS occupational wage data for the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area, cardiovascular technologists and technicians earned a median annual salary of approximately $76,700, or $36.87 per hour.

Source: May 2025 BLS OEWS estimates for the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area. Figures reflect the broader occupation category, which includes roles with varying levels of education, specialization, and responsibility. They are not guaranteed starting salaries for EKG technicians.

Entry-level EKG technician pay may differ based on employer, work setting, certification, experience, and shift. Professionals who pursue advanced cardiovascular roles may need additional training, clinical experience, or education.

How to Become an EKG Technician in St. Louis

Many people begin preparing for EKG technician roles through short-term, career-focused training that introduces the fundamentals of cardiac testing, patient safety, and EKG equipment.

Here is what the path can look like in the St. Louis area.

1. Understand Local Employer Expectations

Missouri does not generally require EKG technicians to hold a state-issued license. Employers, however, may establish their own requirements. Some roles may be open to candidates with a high school diploma or GED and relevant training. Others may prefer applicants who have completed an EKG program, earned professional certification, or gained hands-on experience with cardiac monitoring equipment.

Reviewing local job listings before you enroll can help you identify the skills and credentials employers are seeking.

2. Complete EKG Technician Training

An EKG technician training program can help you build a foundation in the anatomy, procedures, and equipment used in cardiac testing.

For St. Louis-area residents who need a flexible path into healthcare, the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) online EKG Technician program offers self-paced training designed to prepare students for certification and entry-level career opportunities.

The program includes:

• 100% online, self-paced coursework, with many students completing training in approximately 2-4 months
• Training in cardiac anatomy, electrophysiology, EKG fundamentals, and lead placement
• Instruction in waveform basics, heart rhythm recognition, and rate interpretation
• Coursework covering 12-lead EKG analysis, myocardial infarction patterns, cardiac medications, and electrical therapies
• Interactive virtual clinical simulations that reinforce EKG workflows and patient preparation
• Preparation for the Certified EKG Technician (CET) certification exam
• A CET certification exam voucher included with tuition
• Resume guidance, interview preparation, career coaching, and employment opportunity sourcing
• Externship support for eligible students

Students who complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion from UMSL.

3. Prepare for CET Certification

Professional certification is not generally required by Missouri law, but it can help you show employers that you have completed focused training and are prepared for the responsibilities of the role.

The Certified EKG Technician (CET) credential is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). UMSL's EKG Technician program holds NHA approval, prepares students for the CET exam, and includes an exam voucher with tuition. Before applying for the exam, review the NHA's current eligibility requirements to confirm that you have completed any required education or practical experience.

To be eligible for certification, candidates must complete at least 10 EKGs on a live person. These clinical requirements must be fulfilled within 90 days of passing the CPT exam.

4. Gain Hands-On Experience

EKG work is practical by nature. In addition to understanding cardiac concepts, technicians need experience preparing patients, placing leads correctly, operating equipment, and recording high-quality tracings. Virtual simulations can help you practice procedures and reinforce your understanding before working in a clinical environment. An externship may provide the opportunity to apply those skills in a healthcare setting while becoming more familiar with patient communication and workplace procedures.

Eligible UMSL students can receive support identifying potential externship opportunities, should they decide to take this route. Placement depends on factors such as eligibility, site availability, and location.

5. Explore EKG and Cardiac Support Jobs

After completing your training and meeting the qualifications for the roles you want to pursue, begin searching for opportunities with hospitals, cardiology practices, outpatient clinics, and diagnostic facilities.

Consider searching for roles such as:

• EKG Technician
• Electrocardiograph Technician
• Cardiac Monitor Technician
• Telemetry Technician
• Cardiology Technician
• Patient Care Technician
• Cardiac Testing Technician

UMSL students also have access to career support, including resume guidance, interview preparation, career coaching, and help identifying relevant job leads within the healthcare employer network when available.

Is EKG Technology a Good Career Path?

EKG technology may be worth considering if you want a focused, patient-facing healthcare role and have an interest in cardiac care. The work requires technical accuracy, but it also calls for patience and communication. Patients may be nervous about a test or experiencing symptoms that make them uncomfortable. EKG technicians need to follow proper procedures while helping patients feel informed and at ease.

The role can be a useful way to gain exposure to clinical environments, cardiac monitoring, and patient care. With experience, some professionals pursue additional training in telemetry, cardiovascular technology, or other healthcare fields. Those career paths may require further education, credentials, or licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an EKG Technician in St. Louis

Do I need a degree to become an EKG technician in Missouri?

No, a four-year degree is not generally required. Many entry-level EKG technician roles call for a high school diploma or GED, career-focused training, and potentially professional certification.

Does Missouri require EKG technicians to be licensed?

Missouri does not generally require a state-issued EKG technician license. However, employers may require or prefer education, clinical experience, certification, or Basic Life Support credentials.

How long does it take to become an EKG technician?

Your timeline will depend on your training path and certification plans. Many students complete UMSL's self-paced EKG Technician coursework in approximately 2-4 months, with up to 12 months of access to finish the program. Additional time may be needed for hands-on experience and the job search.

What certification can EKG technicians earn?

One option is the Certified EKG Technician (CET) credential from the National Healthcareer Association. UMSL's program prepares students for the CET exam and includes an exam voucher with tuition.

Can I complete EKG technician training online?

Yes. Online training can help you learn EKG fundamentals, cardiac anatomy, lead placement, rhythm recognition, and patient safety on a flexible schedule. Because EKG work is hands-on, practical experience through an externship or clinical setting can also be valuable.

Where do EKG technicians work in St. Louis?

EKG technicians may work in hospitals, cardiology offices, outpatient clinics, urgent care settings, diagnostic testing centers, and specialty cardiovascular facilities. Large regional systems such as BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, and Mercy are useful places to research opportunities.

Begin Preparing for an EKG Technician Career in St. Louis

EKG technicians help provide the cardiac information that guides important patient care decisions. The role combines technical skill, patient communication, and an understanding of how the heart works.

If you are ready to prepare for an entry-level healthcare role in cardiac testing, the UMSL online EKG Technician program offers a flexible way to build foundational skills, prepare for CET certification, and access career support as you explore opportunities in the St. Louis area.