Those working as a telemetry technician in Pennsylvania typically have a critical job to do. They typically work at a distance, providing patients with care that includes monitoring for irregular heartbeats and changes in cardiac function that could warrant immediate medical care. Because of the state’s aging population and the high number of people who are prone to heart-related complications, there is a strong and growing demand for telemetry technicians in the state. This also helps to command a higher telemetry technician salary in Pennsylvania for many people.
Many factors contribute to what a telemetry technician is paid, including their location, the experience they have, and whether they have certification. The following is some helpful information that can provide insight into what to expect as a telemetry technician’s salary for those in the state and around the country.
Telemetry Technician Salary in Pennsylvania
The average telemetry technician salary in Pennsylvania is $21.36 per hour as of September 2023, according to ZipRecruiter. However, there are many people who earn more than this because of where they work, the demand for their qualifications, and their certification. The highest-paid professionals in this field earn $53,18 per hour, with salaries typically ranging between this area.
Another resource shows a much different rate of pay for those working telemetry technicians in PA. Salary.com shares that the average technician in the state earns $39,456 per year, with the typical range of earnings between $35,793 to $43,828. Some of the highest-paid professionals in the state earn closer to $47,809.
On a national level, a telemetry technician, who falls under the category of cardiovascular technologist and technician, could expect a mean hourly rate of $31.49 per hour, or $63,000 per year. The highest-paid professionals have an hourly rate of $49.04 or $102,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Various factors contribute to the amount of money a person can earn as a telemetry technician in PA. This includes:
Location
Those who work in ICUs and emergency rooms are typically paid more than those who do not. These environments are often the location of some of the most critical patients who need the most observation and care. Those who work in other locations, like doctor’s offices, outpatient treatment centers, specialty facilities, or ambulatory health care services, are likely to earn a bit less in this field.
There are many hospitals and medical centers in the state that require telemetry technicians, including:
- Temple University Hospital
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
- UPMC Presbyterian Hospital
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
- Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest
- Reading Hospital
- Jefferson Abington Hospital
- Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
- WellSpan York Hospital
- Allegheny General Hospital
This includes locations such as:
- Hospitals with inpatient patients
- ICUs
- Emergency rooms
- Pediatric hospitals and ICUs
- Hospital centers
- Long-term recovery centers
Demand
There are some areas where there are too few professionals to maintain these jobs, which can lead to an increase in demand and overall pay. This includes areas where hospitals have a lack of labor to meet needs.
Experience
Many people who obtain a telemetry technician certificate qualify for a higher rate of pay if they have ample experience in the field. Those who are new to the field, though, may be able to obtain a higher salary if they can demonstrate their education and certification in the skills needed, such as through certification.
In addition, some professionals working in this field have additional skills and training working as trained nurses or have experience with other diagnostic equipment and tools. These individuals have more hands-on experience, which also helps to increase their overall demand and rate of pay.
Telemetry Technician Certification in Pennsylvania
One of the factors that may contribute to earning more as a telemetry technician in PA is having a certification. While the state does not require individuals to be certified to work in the field, nearly all employers want to see this type of training and certification as it helps ensure that the people they are hiring to do this very important work have the necessary skills to do so.
Telemetry technician certificates, like those provided by the National Telemetry Association, ensure that a student has completed the necessary education and training in the field and can respond to some of the most intense and stressful jobs with care and accuracy.
The process of obtaining this certification typically entails the following:
- Registering for the National Telemetry Association test
- Taking the test requires answering 303 questions. Students are given 180 minutes to complete the test.
- Receive a grade of 80 percent or higher to qualify as passing.
Once this is done, a person is then able to receive their certified cartographic technology or CCT certificate, also called a telemetry technician certification. This will remain active for two years, and at that time, it is possible to renew the certification for an additional period of two years. Some continuing education may be needed.
To complete this certification, students will need to be able to pass the test that will examine their ability to react in a wide range of situations. Students can take a telemetry technician course to help them with that process. The course will provide a wide range of insights and highly detailed information about what a student needs to know.
This will include various types of heart rhythms, how to detect complications and analyze data, how to respond to medical emergencies, and more.
How to Become a Telemetry Technician
For those who are ready to enter this field, the process starts with obtaining the necessary education, including an education in heart anatomy, EKG and telemetry equipment, medical terminology and procedures, and more.
Then, students will need to complete their telemetry technician certification examination and pass with at least an 80% score. This allows them to obtain a certificate to work in the field. Certification is a great tool to help you stand out from others. The National Telemetry Association offers the necessary training and education needed to ensure the highest possible salary.