The escalating need for these healthcare professionals, who can assist physicians in diagnosing and treating heart ailments, has sparked changes in HACC's Lancaster and Lebanon Campuses' EKG Technician Certificate Program.
Beginning in July, the EKG Technician Certificate training will allow students to complete noncredit workforce training in just two semesters of evening courses.
"It's a flexible, self-paced program. So, whether you are a high school senior hoping to enter the work force, or a working adult training for a better job, our program will help you meet your personal responsibilities while you're in school," said Alice Hinkle, an administrative specialist at HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College.
HACC-trained EKG Technicians are qualified to work in a doctor's office, hospital pre-admission testing area, cardiology department or a variety of out-patient testing facilities. The current median salary for an EKG Technician in Harrisburg is $26,970, according to www.salary.com.
In addition to the certificate program, HACC also continues to offer a two-year Associate's degree program for EKG Technicians.
The EKG Technician Certificate is a valuable first step that can open other healthcare career pathways. Once students complete HACC's EKG Technician Certificate noncredit workforce training, they may return after a year of clinical experience and successfully complete an accreditation exam to earn 10 college credits toward completion of the associate's degree.
"We're giving students a vehicle to enter the workforce now and come back after a year on the job when they can take advantage of the tuition reimbursement programs, which most healthcare facilities offer, to sharpen their skills and open doors to better-paying jobs," Hinkle said.
HACC's EKG Technician Certificate program isn't just for people hoping to enter the healthcare field. The noncredit workforce training class in EKG Theory, for example, also provides continuing education for nurses interested in working in the growing field of cardiac care. And HACC's HIPAA/Blood-Borne Pathogens course is available for companies that have to fulfill federally mandated OSHA requirements for annual training of specialized employees.
HACC also offers training in other healthcare fields such as phlebotomy, pharmacy technology and medical assisting.
"We've been listening to professionals in the workforce and we've developed a flexible program to have a dual role," Hinkle said. "HACC's program meets a market need for EKG Technician training. But it also provides a venue for professional enrichment through continuing education, as well as annual training certification for other personnel."
For more informatoin, contact all Hinkle, at 717-358-2962, or send her an email message at the address below.