Working as a telemetry technician can provide you with a rewarding, meaningful career that allows you to work closely with people who often need intense medical intervention. This is an in-demand position, one that is needed in many medical centers and emergency rooms. Those who do this work spend most of their time working closely with patients to diagnose heart rhythm problems, some of which could be life threatening. As you consider telemetry technician jobs in Arkansas, you may be unsure what to expect over the long term. Here is why this can be a very good place to find a job.
Telemetry Technician Job Outlook in Arkansas
Telemetry technicians are in demand throughout the United States, including in Arkansas. As the population here begins to get a bit older, it is not uncommon for these needs to rise, and that’s especially true as many Baby Boomers enter retirement.
From 2018 through 2028, there is expected to be a 14 percent increase in the number of available positions in this field. Right now, there are over 30,000 people working in these positions across the United States. Many of them are employed at major hospitals, medical centers, and emergency rooms in some of the most important roles in the field.
Across the country, there are more than 63,000 available positions in this field. There are numerous notable positions in Arkansas as well, including at some of the largest hospital systems in the state, such as Baptist Health Medical Center, Northwest Health Physicians Specialty Hospital, and Arkansas Heart Hospital.
How Much Can You Expect in the Salary with Telemetry Technician Job Outlook?
While having available positions is important, for many people, it is also critical to ensure this is a field that pays what they need. The good news is telemetry jobs Arkansas residents have available to them tend to pay well, even more so than the national average in some cases.
Data shows that, in 2023, the average pay for a person working as an Arkansas telemetry technician earned $59,278 per year. That is about $28.50 per hour or about $1,139 a week. There is a significant range here, though. For example, some of the lowest paid professionals in the state earned $22,693, while some of the highest paid earned $116,579 per year. The amount of pay is dependent on many factors, including experience, where they work, and the overall type of licensing they have. Those who are licensed RNs who also earn their telemetry technician education could earn more than those that do not have a medical license.
What’s more, while job growth in this area continues to climb, wages should also climb with it. It’s expected that salaries in telemetry technician positions throughout the country will increase in the coming years. Over the past five years, salaries have grown by about six percent.
Where Are Jobs Most in Demand in Arkansas?
Jobs for telemetry technicians are found throughout the state, but some of the most demand comes from the cities of:
- Springdale
- Fayetteville
- Jonesboro
- Fort smith
- Bentonville
- Conway
- Little Rock
- Hot springs
In addition to this, there are some industries that are seeing more demand than others. For example, emergency rooms often have an experienced professional on hand at all times. Other locations where these jobs tend to be readily available include inpatient hospitals and medical centers, cardiologist offices, surgical centers, long-term care programs, and rehabilitation centers. Some doctor’s offices will also staff professionals in this area, especially if they place and utilize mobile telemetry devices.
Some of the most promising telemetry technician jobs in Arkansas include:
- Telemetry travel nurse positions
- Medical telemetry registered nurses
- Telemetry nurses
- Surgical telemetry technicians
How Can You Work as a Telemetry Technician?
To make the most out of the telemetry technician outlook in Arkansas, individuals will need to obtain the necessary certification. The state does not currently require certification to work in the field, but nearly all employers in the state do. That means that those who wish to work in these positions need to complete their full certification before applying.
This type of education is available to those who are graduates of high school or who have their GED. It can be done right out of school, within a matter of weeks, and lead to certification within a short time. Also, some people who are already licensed nurses with a bachelor’s degree or higher may elect to take telemetry technician courses to help them to fill a very specific need within the hospital. Those who are trained as telemetry technicians and licensed as RNs tend to be very much in demand at hospitals and emergency rooms.
Some of the largest hospital systems that employ telemetry technicians in the state of Arkansas include:
- Baptist Health Medical Center – Little Rock
- UAMS Medical Center
- Northwest Health System- Springdale
- Vincent Infirmary Medical Center
- Sparks Health System
- Mercy Hospital Hot Springs
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital
- Jefferson Regional Medical Center
- Washington Regional Medical Center
- National Park Medical Center
For those who wish to work in these positions, it is necessary to obtain your education and training, then sit for a certification examination. This test takes about hours to complete and provides you with the ability to prove your skills in this area.
How to Obtain Your Education and Certification
The National Telemetry Association (NTA) provides the necessary training and certification process for those who wish to work as certified telemetry technicians in Arkansas. These courses are very user friendly, allowing students to complete the program at their own pace and online, allowing them to work or work towards their educational and career goals while getting their education.
NTA also provides the certification process, along with renewal and ongoing continuing education, to keep technicians up-to-date. The programs are hands-on and provide exceptional insight into the latest methods for monitoring patient rhythms and improving patient outcomes.
Those who wish to take advantage of the progressive, highly in demand growth in the telemetry technician industry in Arkansas should start by contacting NTA.