Electrocardiograph Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Electrocardiograph Technology is a specialized health sciences program designed to train skilled professionals in the accurate administration and interpretation of electrocardiographic tests. Students develop the technical and clinical expertise needed to support cardiac diagnostics in clinical settings, working collaboratively within healthcare teams to deliver essential patient care.
- Cardiovascular Anatomy and Physiology: In-depth study of heart structure, function, and blood flow dynamics to understand normal and abnormal cardiac activity.
- Medical Terminology: Mastery of standardized terminology used in clinical documentation and communication across healthcare disciplines.
- Cardiac Rhythm Interpretation: Training in identifying and analyzing electrocardiographic patterns, including arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities.
- Electrocardiography Procedures: Hands-on instruction in performing EKG and ECG tests using modern diagnostic equipment with precision and patient safety in mind.
- Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Practical knowledge of diagnostic device setup, calibration, troubleshooting, and routine upkeep.
- Pharmacology of Cardiovascular Medications: Understanding how common cardiac drugs affect heart function and electrocardiographic readings.
- Patient Care and Communication: Development of interpersonal skills for preparing patients, managing anxiety, and ensuring comfort during testing procedures.
- Health Information Management: Training in accurate documentation, data entry, and maintenance of patient records in compliance with privacy standards.
- Professional Ethics and Standards: Emphasis on legal, ethical, and regulatory responsibilities in clinical practice and patient confidentiality.
Electrocardiograph Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Electrocardiograph Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Electrocardiograph Technology degrees, including Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 290,900 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
| Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians 29-2031 | $67,260 | $37,890 - $108,900 | 61,180 | $32.34 |
Electrocardiograph Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $55,850 in Oklahoma to $124,880 in Arkansas—a 124% difference. The highest-paying states include Arkansas, District of Columbia, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 290,900 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Electrocardiograph Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 46 institutions offering Electrocardiograph Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Electrocardiograph Technology is found at Sinclair Community College (37 graduates), Columbus State Community College (CSCC) (36 graduates), Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (34 graduates), Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) (34 graduates), and Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) (33 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 677 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sinclair Community College |
Residency
|
37 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| Columbus State Community College (CSCC) |
Residency
|
36 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | cscc.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Other Award
|
34 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) |
Residency
|
34 | Alexandria, Louisiana | Public | cltcc.edu |
| Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) |
Other Award
|
33 | Monroe, Louisiana | Public | ladelta.edu |
| Nunez Community College |
Residency
|
32 | Chalmette, Louisiana | Public | nunez.edu |
| Austin Medical Assistant Training (AMAT) |
Residency
|
32 | Forest Hills, New York | Private | amat.edu |
| Lansing Community College (LCC) |
Residency
|
24 | Lansing, Michigan | Public | lcc.edu |
| Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) |
Other Award
|
23 | Athens, Texas | Public | tvcc.edu |
| Green River College (GRC) |
Other Award
|
23 | Auburn, Washington | Public | greenriver.edu |
| Allan Hancock College |
Residency
|
22 | Santa Maria, California | Public | hancockcollege.edu |
| Edmonds College |
Residency
Other Award
|
20 | Lynnwood, Washington | Public | edmonds.edu |
| American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education (AIMS Education) |
Residency
|
20 | Piscataway, New Jersey | Private | aimseducation.edu |
| Polaris Career Center |
Residency
|
19 | Middleburg Heights, Ohio | Public | polaris.edu |
| Jackson College |
Associate's
|
17 | Jackson, Michigan | Public | jccmi.edu |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) |
Other Award
|
17 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | matc.edu |
| City College of San Francisco (CCSF) |
Other Award
|
16 | San Francisco, California | Public | ccsf.edu |
| Delgado Community College |
Residency
|
16 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Public | dcc.edu |
| Contra Costa Medical Career College (CCMCC) |
Residency
|
16 | Antioch, California | Private | ccmcc.edu |
| Best Care College (BCC) |
Residency
|
15 | East Orange, New Jersey | Private | bestcarecollege.edu |
| Orange Coast College (OCC) |
Other Award
|
14 | Costa Mesa, California | Public | orangecoastcollege.edu |
| Atlantic Technical College (ATC) |
Other Award
|
14 | Coconut Creek, Florida | Public | atlantictechnicalcollege.edu |
| William T McFatter Technical College |
Other Award
|
13 | Davie, Florida | Public | mcfattertechnicalcollege.edu |
| Washtenaw Community College (WCC) |
Residency
|
13 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | wccnet.edu |
| Parkland College |
Residency
|
12 | Champaign, Illinois | Public | parkland.edu |
| Baker College |
Associate's
|
12 | Owosso, Michigan | Private | baker.edu |
| Bristol Community College |
Other Award
|
11 | Fall River, Massachusetts | Public | bristolcc.edu |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) |
Other Award
|
11 | Rochester, New York | Private | rit.edu |
| GateWay Community College |
Other Award
|
11 | Phoenix, Arizona | Public | gatewaycc.edu |
| Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) |
Other Award
|
10 | Bossier City, Louisiana | Public | bpcc.edu |
| Washington State Community College (WSCC) |
Other Award
|
10 | Marietta, Ohio | Public | wscc.edu |
| Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
9 | Troy, New York | Public | hvcc.edu |
| Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) |
Other Award
|
8 | Griffin, Georgia | Public | sctech.edu |
| Pensacola State College (PSC) |
Other Award
|
7 | Pensacola, Florida | Public | pensacolastate.edu |
| Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC) |
Residency
|
5 | Brecksville, Ohio | Public | cvccworks.edu |
| Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) |
Other Award
|
5 | Conway, South Carolina | Public | hgtc.edu |
| Downey Adult School (DAS) |
Residency
|
5 | Downey, California | Public | das.edu |
| Sheridan Technical College (STC) |
Other Award
|
4 | Hollywood, Florida | Public | sheridantechnicalcollege.edu |
| Carnegie Institute |
Other Award
|
4 | Troy, Michigan | Private | carnegie-institute.edu |
| Laboure College of Healthcare |
Other Award
|
3 | Milton, Massachusetts | Private | laboure.edu |
| Cochise County Community College District |
Residency
|
2 | Sierra Vista, Arizona | Public | cochise.edu |
| College of DuPage (COD) |
Other Award
|
2 | Glen Ellyn, Illinois | Public | cod.edu |
| High Plains Technology Center (HPTC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Woodward, Oklahoma | Public | hptc.edu |
| Healthcare Training Institute (HTI) |
Residency
|
2 | Kenner, Louisiana | Private | healthcaretraininginstitutenola.net |
| Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (SMUMN) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Winona, Minnesota | Private | smumn.edu |
| Weatherford College (WC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Weatherford, Texas | Public | wc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Electrocardiograph Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Electrocardiograph Technology degree?
Salaries for Electrocardiograph Technology graduates vary by role and location. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $105,620 annually, while Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians earn around $67,260. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Arkansas average $124,880 compared to $55,850 in Oklahoma. Approximately 290,900 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Electrocardiograph Technology programs?
Currently 46 accredited institutions offer Electrocardiograph Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Sinclair Community College (37 graduates), Columbus State Community College (CSCC) (36 graduates), and Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (34 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Electrocardiograph Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 931 in 2010 to a peak of 689 in 2020, before declining slightly to 677 in 2023-24. This represents a 27% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Electrocardiograph Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, . Related occupations employ approximately 290,900 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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