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Healthcare Programs You Can Complete in a Year or Less

Here are seven healthcare careers you can start in a matter of months.

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Home » Blog » 12-Month Healthcare Programs
Stephanie Behring

Written and reported by:
Stephanie Behring
Contributing Writer

You don’t have to spend years in school to launch a great beginning in healthcare. You can jump into a field in Allied Health—important supporting roles in the medical industry—with programs that take a year or less. And, depending on the field you choose, you may be able to use your initial training as a building block to a career with higher certification or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

There are many fast-track programs to get the education you need to work with patients or in an office. So, if you’ve got a year or less and are looking to start a new personal path, we’ve got some options for you.

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Not Afraid of Needles and Blood? Consider Phlebotomist Training

Length of program: 4-to-8 months

Phlebotomists are medical professionals responsible for drawing blood and doing other lab work. Before you begin a phlebotomy program, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED. Programs are available at a variety of schools and institutions, including community colleges, vocational schools, and hospitals.

A typical phlebotomy program will take four to eight months to complete, but some can be completed in as little as eight weeks. You can expect two-thirds of your training to be in the classroom and one-third in hands-on clinicals, where you’ll learn to draw blood, care for patients and more.

Many online schools also offer phlebotomy training with customizable options, including virtual laboratory training sessions. There will also be a hands-on, in-person component, to get the practical experience you’ll need to take your certification exam.

After you’ve completed your training, you’ll have the option of earning certification. Not all states require certification, but most employers prefer it. You’ll be qualified to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, laboratories, blood donation centers, and private medical practices.

Phlebotomists

National data

Median Salary: $37,380

Projected job growth: 10.2%

10th Percentile: $28,990

25th Percentile: $30,430

75th Percentile: $45,090

90th Percentile: $48,490

Projected job growth: 10.2%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $30,100 $23,210 $38,000
Alaska $38,220 $36,780 $49,160
Arizona $38,000 $29,990 $48,150
Arkansas $31,280 $24,380 $37,860
California $47,080 $36,780 $61,060
Colorado $38,220 $30,170 $48,510
Connecticut $38,730 $31,680 $48,490
Delaware $38,200 $34,400 $49,150
District of Columbia $46,550 $37,500 $48,510
Florida $36,360 $28,820 $45,850
Georgia $37,060 $28,790 $46,210
Idaho $36,020 $28,820 $45,410
Illinois $37,830 $29,990 $48,160
Indiana $36,210 $28,330 $47,040
Iowa $30,640 $28,850 $45,530
Kansas $35,500 $26,520 $46,960
Kentucky $35,130 $28,490 $46,450
Louisiana $30,100 $23,910 $40,840
Maine $34,710 $29,340 $38,400
Maryland $38,490 $30,230 $48,510
Massachusetts $44,830 $36,780 $49,600
Michigan $37,440 $29,340 $46,210
Minnesota $38,070 $30,100 $48,490
Mississippi $29,990 $23,280 $39,210
Missouri $36,120 $26,900 $45,640
Montana $37,070 $29,340 $45,850
Nebraska $30,640 $28,830 $38,390
Nevada $36,380 $23,250 $45,850
New Hampshire $38,270 $30,100 $48,490
New Jersey $38,220 $30,140 $48,970
New Mexico $30,540 $28,690 $45,550
New York $46,380 $30,640 $61,060
North Carolina $36,820 $28,820 $46,930
North Dakota $37,210 $29,900 $48,490
Ohio $36,590 $28,990 $45,750
Oklahoma $30,100 $24,100 $44,870
Oregon $38,070 $35,670 $48,510
Pennsylvania $37,120 $29,910 $47,590
Rhode Island $46,210 $30,230 $48,510
South Carolina $35,790 $28,560 $38,980
South Dakota $30,010 $24,460 $38,180
Tennessee $36,360 $25,360 $45,850
Texas $36,070 $28,020 $45,380
Utah $30,910 $28,680 $46,890
Vermont $36,590 $30,210 $46,210
Virginia $36,970 $28,560 $47,780
Washington $42,840 $36,360 $58,130
West Virginia $30,100 $24,000 $43,600
Wisconsin $37,660 $29,640 $47,470
Wyoming $30,460 $28,680 $46,210

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2021 median salary; projected job growth through 2031. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.


Interested in Medications? Maybe a Pharmacy Technician Program is for You

Length of program: 6-to-12 months

Pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies and hospitals, assisting both customers and pharmacists. They collect information needed to fill prescriptions, package and label prescriptions, and coordinate and take payments. In some states, technicians are permitted to mix medications or get prescription refill authorizations from doctors.

Vocational schools, community colleges, hospitals, and military programs offer training. Depending on your program, training will take six months to a year. Topics you can expect to cover include medical and pharmaceutical technology, pharmaceutical mathematics, and pharmacy law and ethics.

Many programs offer “hybrid” training, a combination of classroom and online learning.

Most states don’t require certification for pharmacy technicians, but voluntary certification offered through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board can strengthen your credentials. If you’re interested in getting certified, make sure your program is accredited, because only techs from accredited programs are eligible to take the exam.

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Many pharmacy technician programs offer “hybrid” training, a combination of classroom and online learning.

Your salary may vary from employer to employer, according to the BLS. For example, pharmacy technicians who work in hospitals earn more while those who work in pharmacies earn about average, according to the BLS.

Pharmacy Technicians

National data

Median Salary: $36,740

Projected job growth: 5%

10th Percentile: $28,740

25th Percentile: $29,460

75th Percentile: $45,850

90th Percentile: $47,580

Projected job growth: 5%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $30,030 $23,020 $38,830
Alaska $46,470 $36,650 $59,280
Arizona $37,240 $29,280 $47,150
Arkansas $29,650 $23,450 $45,470
California $46,760 $36,340 $74,910
Colorado $37,390 $29,310 $47,790
Connecticut $36,640 $29,060 $47,790
Delaware $30,020 $23,190 $46,890
District of Columbia $46,550 $36,990 $59,630
Florida $36,550 $28,840 $46,330
Georgia $35,000 $23,370 $46,190
Hawaii $36,920 $28,610 $58,540
Idaho $36,910 $28,990 $47,120
Illinois $36,630 $29,040 $46,790
Indiana $36,360 $28,750 $46,150
Iowa $36,590 $28,590 $46,210
Kansas $36,630 $28,270 $46,470
Kentucky $30,140 $23,450 $45,620
Louisiana $35,870 $28,280 $45,850
Maine $36,140 $28,600 $46,250
Maryland $36,840 $29,030 $47,790
Massachusetts $37,240 $29,560 $55,850
Michigan $36,590 $28,170 $46,860
Minnesota $39,900 $29,490 $58,250
Mississippi $35,640 $28,360 $45,640
Missouri $32,050 $26,330 $46,170
Montana $36,880 $29,430 $47,150
Nebraska $36,640 $28,770 $46,700
Nevada $37,190 $29,230 $47,130
New Hampshire $36,820 $28,910 $47,160
New Jersey $36,810 $29,100 $46,920
New Mexico $36,690 $28,980 $47,830
New York $36,790 $29,130 $56,850
North Carolina $35,930 $27,260 $46,470
North Dakota $45,410 $29,070 $51,080
Ohio $35,140 $23,250 $46,460
Oklahoma $30,610 $27,930 $46,620
Oregon $46,190 $35,690 $59,390
Pennsylvania $36,290 $23,170 $46,470
Rhode Island $36,820 $29,360 $47,110
South Carolina $36,330 $28,420 $46,450
South Dakota $36,680 $29,080 $46,190
Tennessee $35,520 $28,110 $46,010
Texas $36,900 $29,080 $47,150
Utah $37,390 $29,280 $47,460
Vermont $36,800 $28,930 $46,470
Virginia $36,450 $28,790 $47,030
Washington $46,690 $36,590 $59,540
West Virginia $29,280 $22,970 $45,550
Wisconsin $36,670 $28,850 $47,000
Wyoming $37,510 $29,270 $47,790

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2021 median salary; projected job growth through 2031. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.


Looking for a Desk Job? Check Out Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Courses

Length of program: as short as 4 months

Medical billing and coding specialists review patient records and assign codes used to bill patients and insurance for care. Vocational schools and community colleges offer training in this field.

You’ll take courses related to physician-based coding and study medical terminology, health data, and healthcare reimbursement methods. You’ll spend approximately four months completing your program. Once you do, you’ll be eligible to earn certification through the American Academy of Professional Coders.

Your program will likely help you prepare for the exam. Certification is not required, but many employers look for it when hiring, and earning it is a great way to show that you’ve mastered the material.

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You may be able to find at-home freelance work in this field.

You’ll be qualified to work in hospitals, clinics, and private physicians offices. You also may be able to find at-home freelance work.

Medical billing and coding specialists are classified as “medical records specialists” by the BLS.

Medical Records Specialists

National data

Median Salary: $46,660

Projected job growth: 6.6%

10th Percentile: $29,430

25th Percentile: $36,930

75th Percentile: $59,120

90th Percentile: $74,200

Projected job growth: 6.6%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $36,930 $24,800 $59,700
Alaska $47,820 $37,190 $76,550
Arizona $38,450 $29,440 $60,240
Arkansas $36,850 $27,950 $58,920
California $51,170 $36,610 $94,310
Colorado $47,510 $36,620 $74,250
Connecticut $55,100 $37,130 $86,080
Delaware $46,910 $29,400 $60,520
District of Columbia $60,020 $37,990 $96,870
Florida $38,580 $29,050 $63,690
Georgia $37,500 $28,810 $67,690
Hawaii $48,070 $37,430 $77,830
Idaho $46,480 $29,450 $60,620
Illinois $46,640 $32,910 $64,120
Indiana $46,640 $29,430 $62,640
Iowa $39,870 $30,380 $60,930
Kansas $44,200 $29,110 $59,770
Kentucky $40,100 $29,010 $60,580
Louisiana $38,270 $28,150 $60,820
Maine $37,190 $29,430 $58,810
Maryland $48,350 $35,730 $77,810
Massachusetts $59,120 $37,090 $93,720
Michigan $38,740 $29,220 $61,160
Minnesota $50,470 $37,840 $74,200
Mississippi $36,760 $22,520 $59,180
Missouri $46,520 $29,110 $66,020
Montana $45,840 $29,650 $61,250
Nebraska $39,400 $29,440 $60,240
Nevada $37,510 $29,270 $59,380
New Hampshire $38,180 $29,440 $60,240
New Jersey $61,680 $46,910 $96,170
New Mexico $38,670 $29,250 $60,930
New York $48,350 $36,930 $77,810
North Carolina $38,620 $29,140 $60,780
North Dakota $47,270 $34,840 $61,250
Ohio $46,640 $29,440 $62,610
Oklahoma $44,180 $29,000 $60,340
Oregon $47,940 $36,930 $75,940
Pennsylvania $45,000 $29,550 $74,660
Rhode Island $47,340 $36,910 $74,250
South Carolina $41,140 $29,090 $72,470
South Dakota $46,640 $29,400 $71,120
Tennessee $38,890 $29,010 $61,400
Texas $39,140 $29,030 $63,330
Utah $46,700 $29,520 $73,740
Vermont $46,660 $36,340 $59,770
Virginia $47,410 $30,570 $76,240
Washington $48,500 $36,930 $76,950
West Virginia $37,190 $28,920 $59,800
Wisconsin $47,340 $37,070 $62,050
Wyoming $46,880 $29,550 $73,580

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2021 median salary; projected job growth through 2031. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.


Want to Work Alongside Doctors? Get Educated as a Medical Assistant

Length of program: 9-to-12 months

Medical assistants work in doctors’ offices and hospitals, where they take patients’ vital signs and prepare them for exams, and schedule appointments. Requirements for medical assistants are changing rapidly.

Many states have no formal licensing requirement, and on-the-job training used to be commonplace. Increasingly, however, states are asking that medical assistants complete formal training and earn certification.

Another driving force behind this trend is federal programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. In fact, currently credentialed medical assistants or licensed health professionals are required to enter a certain percentage of medication, laboratory, and diagnostic imaging orders into computerized provider order entry systems in order for their licensed providers (such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants) to receive incentive payments under the Medicaid electronic health record incentive program. This tougher requirement was set by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Donald A. Balasa, JD, MBA, chief executive officer and legal counsel for the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), says mandatory credentialing for medical assistants is a logical next step.

“This CMS requirement scored a victory for the medical assisting profession, because it allows for enhanced patient care through better communication among the healthcare team members and increased attention to patient needs,” Balasa says. “The fact that credentialed medical assistants are now recognized in such a high-profile federal initiative implies that they are just as able as licensed health care professionals to undertake such significant responsibilities.”

You can complete a medical assisting program in nine to 12 months, and many schools have online programs. Coursework includes medical terminology, law and ethics, plus office management and the use of electronic health record systems. You’ll also have a short stint of on-the-job training to prepare for work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private physicians offices.

Your program must be accredited if you want to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, which is administered by the AAMA. This certification is good nationwide, so even if your state currently doesn’t require it, you’ll be covered if that changes in the future.

Medical Assistants

National data

Median Salary: $37,190

Projected job growth: 15.8%

10th Percentile: $29,070

25th Percentile: $30,200

75th Percentile: $43,490

90th Percentile: $48,170

Projected job growth: 15.8%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $29,920 $23,470 $37,660
Alaska $47,400 $37,290 $60,150
Arizona $37,390 $29,640 $47,250
Arkansas $29,970 $24,680 $37,990
California $38,780 $30,210 $61,800
Colorado $38,040 $30,310 $48,260
Connecticut $38,000 $32,810 $48,510
Delaware $36,470 $28,990 $47,780
District of Columbia $47,550 $36,230 $60,150
Florida $36,700 $28,910 $46,240
Georgia $36,190 $27,970 $46,450
Hawaii $38,860 $29,990 $48,520
Idaho $37,120 $29,170 $47,240
Illinois $37,500 $28,990 $47,370
Indiana $36,960 $29,130 $46,890
Iowa $37,660 $29,340 $48,160
Kansas $35,340 $28,820 $39,890
Kentucky $33,410 $27,560 $38,320
Louisiana $29,470 $22,640 $38,000
Maine $37,860 $30,000 $47,890
Maryland $37,530 $29,520 $48,310
Massachusetts $45,880 $36,780 $59,060
Michigan $37,120 $29,140 $43,790
Minnesota $46,920 $36,590 $48,510
Mississippi $29,760 $23,290 $43,120
Missouri $35,280 $28,490 $42,060
Montana $37,660 $29,960 $48,150
Nebraska $36,990 $28,820 $47,510
Nevada $36,960 $29,400 $47,040
New Hampshire $38,220 $30,100 $48,490
New Jersey $37,640 $30,150 $47,470
New Mexico $30,750 $28,560 $44,660
New York $37,860 $29,990 $48,510
North Carolina $36,790 $28,990 $46,210
North Dakota $37,310 $28,990 $48,170
Ohio $36,800 $28,890 $45,750
Oklahoma $30,030 $24,840 $38,000
Oregon $45,710 $36,360 $57,600
Pennsylvania $36,680 $29,650 $46,930
Rhode Island $37,860 $29,610 $48,490
South Carolina $34,710 $25,470 $45,070
South Dakota $30,540 $28,040 $45,240
Tennessee $36,280 $28,640 $45,840
Texas $35,520 $27,570 $45,850
Utah $37,120 $28,960 $44,850
Vermont $37,190 $36,360 $47,780
Virginia $37,070 $29,460 $48,170
Washington $47,460 $36,680 $60,150
West Virginia $29,740 $23,310 $37,970
Wisconsin $38,050 $30,100 $48,190
Wyoming $37,410 $29,420 $48,300

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2021 median salary; projected job growth through 2031. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.


Looking for a Fast-Paced Career? Think About Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician

Length of program: as short as a month

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) work as part of a team to stabilize people in emergency situations and get them safely to a hospital. EMTs also provide community training.

“EMTs and paramedics provide an expanded menu of services, including community paramedicine, injury, and illness prevention training, as well as CPR and bleeding-control training,” says Matt Zavadsky, president of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT).

There are three types of certification for emergency medical technicians:

  • EMT-Basic
  • EMT-Intermediate
  • EMT-Paramedic

The time it’ll take to earn certification will vary depending on your state, but some schools offer EMT-Basic training that can be completed in as little as three weeks. If you don’t have a lot of time or money for school, you can earn EMT-Basic certification first and move on later to EMT-Intermediate or EMT-Paramedic certification. More advanced programs can take up to two years to complete.

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Some schools offer online programs, but you’ll need hands-on experience to earn certification.

During your program, you’ll learn all the basic skills needed to thrive as an EMT in crisis situations. If you continue on to higher levels of training, you’ll learn about advanced medical procedures and take courses such as anatomy and pharmacology. You might also complete some training at hospitals and fire departments. Some schools offer online programs, but they’ll be in hybrid format, since you’ll need hands-on experience to earn certification.

After you complete your training, you’ll be eligible for certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). Once you’re certified, you’ll be qualified to work in a variety of emergency medical environments, including hospitals and clinics, and on paramedic teams.

Emergency Medical Technicians

National data

Median Salary: $35,470

Projected job growth: 7%

10th Percentile: $23,620

25th Percentile: $28,920

75th Percentile: $37,660

90th Percentile: $47,580

Projected job growth: 7%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $27,730 $21,630 $36,940
Alaska $46,810 $29,490 $60,460
Arizona $29,340 $28,560 $45,470
Arkansas $28,340 $23,030 $37,930
California $36,330 $29,590 $60,860
Colorado $36,100 $28,150 $46,170
Connecticut $42,500 $29,010 $46,920
Delaware $36,810 $29,190 $46,470
District of Columbia $46,820 $35,790 $60,650
Florida $29,340 $23,240 $46,170
Georgia $28,980 $22,360 $45,470
Hawaii $46,910 $35,440 $75,830
Idaho $28,820 $17,030 $46,620
Illinois $36,070 $23,340 $98,270
Indiana $29,280 $23,500 $45,510
Iowa $29,280 $23,450 $45,850
Kansas $23,240 $17,140 $36,630
Kentucky $28,830 $22,400 $36,970
Louisiana $29,260 $23,080 $46,550
Maine $29,340 $28,340 $37,180
Maryland $37,200 $29,710 $96,320
Massachusetts $37,590 $29,840 $60,460
Michigan $29,380 $23,130 $45,150
Minnesota $36,820 $27,390 $49,710
Mississippi $28,340 $20,300 $43,520
Missouri $29,110 $22,830 $46,400
Montana $29,060 $23,030 $46,550
Nebraska $30,730 $28,720 $38,910
Nevada $28,980 $23,120 $46,170
New Hampshire $34,220 $28,800 $45,800
New Jersey $36,940 $29,210 $47,580
New Mexico $30,160 $28,820 $46,080
New York $36,930 $29,140 $59,250
North Carolina $35,920 $23,200 $46,720
North Dakota $29,220 $22,760 $62,400
Ohio $29,910 $23,410 $40,070
Oklahoma $28,460 $22,310 $36,390
Oregon $36,400 $28,560 $46,820
Pennsylvania $30,130 $23,780 $45,310
Rhode Island $37,230 $36,570 $59,400
South Carolina $34,990 $27,030 $45,980
South Dakota $28,930 $22,570 $58,180
Tennessee $36,160 $23,240 $46,550
Texas $34,630 $22,650 $46,300
Utah $29,060 $23,240 $37,790
Vermont $36,360 $28,960 $45,980
Virginia $36,150 $28,570 $47,180
Washington $36,140 $29,110 $47,110
West Virginia $28,350 $22,680 $36,150
Wisconsin $29,340 $22,950 $45,990
Wyoming $29,280 $22,460 $46,450

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2021 median salary; projected job growth through 2031. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.


Curious About Dental Care? Consider a Degree in Dental Assisting

Length of program: 9-to-12 months

Dental assistants work as part of a dental office’s medical and administrative teams. They process patient X-rays, schedule appointments, maintain patient records, and assist with a variety of dental procedures.

Dental assistant certificate programs can take between nine months and a year to complete. You’ll study oral anatomy, dental pharmacology and radiography, and dental office administration. Some programs offer a mix of online classes and on-the-job training or internships.

You might be able to do all of your training on the job, but this isn’t recommended. Without formal training, you may not be eligible for certification, and employers will likely expect you to have that. In fact, the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) strongly advocates for formal training.

“In this day and age, formal education is essential for preparing dental assistants to perform intraoral functions,” says Sidonia Peto, education director at the ADAA. “This includes infection control, radiography, and a variety of additional critical procedures performed routinely by dental assistants.”

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You might be able to train on the job, but this isn’t recommended because you may not be eligible for certification without formal training.

Not all states require certification, but it can boost your career. Depending on your state, you can take either the Dental Assistant National Board’s Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam or the National Entry Level Dental Assistant test. Additional certifications are offered for students looking to work in specialized fields like orthodontics.

Dental Assistants

National data

Median Salary: $38,660

Projected job growth: 8.4%

10th Percentile: $29,580

25th Percentile: $37,000

75th Percentile: $47,580

90th Percentile: $59,540

Projected job growth: 8.4%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $36,300 $28,160 $47,360
Alaska $47,720 $37,610 $61,000
Arizona $39,480 $30,100 $48,190
Arkansas $36,450 $28,640 $44,980
California $47,140 $36,860 $60,460
Colorado $46,170 $29,990 $60,100
Connecticut $47,190 $37,070 $60,110
Delaware $45,110 $30,150 $61,150
District of Columbia $47,550 $31,200 $61,040
Florida $37,790 $29,670 $48,110
Georgia $37,460 $29,540 $47,290
Hawaii $37,430 $29,110 $47,230
Idaho $37,100 $29,280 $46,780
Illinois $43,220 $29,570 $55,090
Indiana $38,280 $29,460 $56,500
Iowa $46,230 $36,110 $60,010
Kansas $37,490 $29,010 $47,660
Kentucky $37,080 $28,840 $47,890
Louisiana $30,280 $23,890 $46,830
Maine $46,630 $36,690 $49,340
Maryland $46,830 $29,730 $60,420
Massachusetts $48,000 $37,420 $61,870
Michigan $37,640 $29,380 $47,930
Minnesota $49,790 $45,460 $61,170
Mississippi $30,820 $23,360 $58,390
Missouri $37,470 $29,490 $47,580
Montana $37,220 $29,790 $47,950
Nebraska $38,100 $35,350 $47,550
Nevada $37,140 $29,150 $48,120
New Hampshire $47,600 $38,290 $60,670
New Jersey $46,970 $31,180 $57,680
New Mexico $37,250 $29,450 $47,620
New York $47,250 $36,340 $60,550
North Carolina $45,810 $35,670 $59,890
North Dakota $47,660 $37,180 $60,280
Ohio $39,040 $29,740 $60,200
Oklahoma $37,520 $29,470 $47,580
Oregon $47,850 $37,240 $60,220
Pennsylvania $44,780 $29,740 $60,850
Rhode Island $47,400 $37,060 $60,110
South Carolina $38,040 $29,460 $48,480
South Dakota $45,530 $30,390 $48,070
Tennessee $37,760 $29,160 $48,150
Texas $37,360 $28,080 $47,470
Utah $36,810 $29,250 $38,220
Vermont $46,910 $36,810 $59,300
Virginia $38,450 $29,710 $61,060
Washington $46,640 $35,930 $60,940
West Virginia $35,970 $28,810 $48,230
Wisconsin $39,090 $31,030 $49,040
Wyoming $38,410 $29,360 $48,510

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2021 median salary; projected job growth through 2031. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.


Interested in Cardiology? How About Entering a Cardiac Monitor Technician Program

Length of program: 3-to-6 months

Cardiac monitor technicians, also known as cardiographic technicians or electrocardiogram (EKG) technicians, work in hospitals and critical care centers using EKG machines to read and monitor the heart rhythms of patients. Many cardiac monitor technicians also assist with physical exams, surgery screening procedures, and general patient care.

Most programs can be completed in three to six months, during which time you’ll study basic cardiology and receive technical training on EKG machines. You can earn certification with a mix of online and hands-on-training. In some cases, you might be able to complete a free on-the-job training course from your employer. In this case, your training will be mostly hands-on, although you might need to have technical training on medical terminology and cardiology as well.

After you’ve completed your program or training, you’ll be able to take the Certified Cardiographic Technician exam or the Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician exam. Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) offers both. You can qualify to take an exam by either completing a program or through training from your employer.

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

National data

Median Salary: $60,570

Projected job growth: 4.6%

10th Percentile: $29,910

25th Percentile: $37,990

75th Percentile: $77,600

90th Percentile: $98,070

Projected job growth: 4.6%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $38,190 $23,920 $74,460
Alaska $98,990 $37,770 $126,790
Arizona $48,450 $36,140 $94,420
Arkansas $59,280 $29,440 $76,220
California $62,220 $47,160 $126,510
Colorado $78,520 $37,670 $100,270
Connecticut $77,270 $47,210 $99,270
Delaware $47,400 $35,830 $79,600
District of Columbia $79,340 $38,110 $101,220
Florida $38,570 $29,010 $77,440
Georgia $60,370 $29,950 $90,300
Hawaii $79,340 $47,580 $119,750
Idaho $64,360 $36,800 $98,450
Illinois $47,150 $29,840 $96,040
Indiana $59,500 $29,470 $78,940
Iowa $58,340 $29,860 $78,960
Kansas $59,500 $29,360 $94,880
Kentucky $48,450 $30,550 $78,280
Louisiana $50,190 $29,010 $74,030
Maine $61,370 $37,270 $90,130
Maryland $74,980 $37,770 $98,490
Massachusetts $77,810 $37,200 $119,810
Michigan $61,370 $37,040 $78,940
Minnesota $74,660 $43,960 $94,410
Mississippi $47,880 $23,640 $74,070
Missouri $58,690 $29,120 $80,390
Montana $61,940 $29,860 $81,390
Nebraska $47,020 $30,640 $78,230
Nevada $76,600 $46,980 $97,790
New Hampshire $75,000 $38,110 $94,870
New Jersey $78,210 $60,360 $100,270
New Mexico $47,850 $29,730 $98,090
New York $63,930 $45,710 $100,270
North Carolina $59,280 $29,290 $94,410
North Dakota $47,810 $29,610 $78,610
Ohio $61,300 $35,880 $79,480
Oklahoma $37,620 $28,940 $76,890
Oregon $82,080 $47,040 $104,280
Pennsylvania $48,000 $34,890 $78,230
Rhode Island $94,870 $47,580 $102,920
South Carolina $60,150 $29,440 $78,940
South Dakota $59,280 $37,080 $77,210
Tennessee $59,110 $29,360 $78,940
Texas $48,000 $29,470 $93,510
Utah $77,210 $29,690 $101,470
Vermont $59,500 $37,040 $94,420
Virginia $60,590 $36,890 $99,230
Washington $74,820 $46,050 $119,600
West Virginia $37,180 $28,310 $74,660
Wisconsin $62,220 $37,020 $98,990
Wyoming $61,370 $37,300 $97,460

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2021 median salary; projected job growth through 2031. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.

donald balasa

With professional insight from:
Donald Balasa
Chief Executive Officer and Legal Council, American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

Sidonia Peto
Education Director, American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)

matt zavadsky

Matt Zavadsky, MS-HSA, NREMT
Past President, National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT)