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Healthcare Programs You Can Complete in a Year or Less

Here are seven healthcare careers you may be able to 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 Education

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: $38,530

Projected job growth: 7.7%

10th Percentile: $30,250

25th Percentile: $35,020

75th Percentile: $45,280

90th Percentile: $51,610

Projected job growth: 7.7%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $32,690 $25,360 $41,680
Alaska $39,640 $37,120 $53,820
Arizona $38,030 $31,870 $47,240
Arkansas $35,410 $27,520 $39,070
California $47,580 $37,330 $65,670
Colorado $41,000 $32,240 $50,350
Connecticut $45,060 $36,550 $51,160
Delaware $43,430 $36,320 $54,140
District of Columbia $48,210 $40,740 $55,450
Florida $36,780 $30,660 $44,960
Georgia $37,840 $29,770 $48,110
Hawaii $41,470 $37,920 $60,880
Idaho $36,910 $29,670 $78,040
Illinois $40,510 $32,960 $52,240
Indiana $36,170 $28,830 $43,700
Iowa $35,980 $30,980 $44,940
Kansas $36,860 $28,230 $46,750
Kentucky $36,160 $21,470 $45,080
Louisiana $31,710 $26,530 $41,170
Maine $36,280 $30,520 $44,080
Maryland $43,140 $33,730 $55,270
Massachusetts $46,190 $38,340 $57,650
Michigan $37,140 $32,510 $47,100
Minnesota $39,860 $33,660 $48,930
Mississippi $30,700 $23,420 $45,170
Missouri $35,770 $30,640 $44,950
Montana $35,260 $30,240 $45,800
Nebraska $34,010 $30,330 $44,520
Nevada $38,550 $31,480 $59,040
New Hampshire $39,640 $33,300 $48,690
New Jersey $42,990 $32,990 $52,820
New Mexico $35,660 $25,570 $44,210
New York $45,430 $33,640 $60,840
North Carolina $37,070 $30,490 $46,080
North Dakota $36,570 $31,580 $59,900
Ohio $36,450 $28,160 $44,750
Oklahoma $32,840 $27,110 $45,730
Oregon $41,320 $35,970 $52,950
Pennsylvania $39,090 $33,060 $46,690
Rhode Island $44,630 $34,100 $52,800
South Carolina $37,020 $29,700 $43,550
South Dakota $32,440 $28,060 $44,660
Tennessee $35,400 $29,020 $44,320
Texas $36,780 $28,520 $45,050
Utah $34,940 $30,460 $44,900
Vermont $38,280 $34,960 $49,940
Virginia $38,900 $30,170 $50,180
Washington $45,480 $37,600 $61,340
West Virginia $35,090 $29,200 $40,720
Wisconsin $39,020 $33,240 $45,810
Wyoming $34,770 $30,330 $44,880

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. 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.

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: $37,790

Projected job growth: 5.6%

10th Percentile: $29,640

25th Percentile: $34,590

75th Percentile: $45,710

90th Percentile: $50,640

Projected job growth: 5.6%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $35,310 $28,070 $43,950
Alaska $47,380 $37,840 $61,540
Arizona $41,590 $32,420 $49,420
Arkansas $33,830 $28,550 $45,760
California $48,050 $36,770 $75,960
Colorado $43,250 $34,680 $53,560
Connecticut $36,560 $31,140 $50,840
Delaware $37,590 $28,650 $48,510
District of Columbia $45,090 $37,490 $60,110
Florida $36,810 $30,110 $46,810
Georgia $36,050 $28,960 $46,530
Hawaii $38,620 $30,450 $56,780
Idaho $38,300 $30,130 $49,770
Illinois $38,370 $29,420 $49,200
Indiana $37,190 $30,530 $45,870
Iowa $37,070 $30,110 $46,970
Kansas $38,020 $27,580 $48,640
Kentucky $35,230 $28,370 $45,870
Louisiana $36,820 $28,930 $46,630
Maine $37,140 $29,570 $47,270
Maryland $37,660 $31,230 $50,870
Massachusetts $40,230 $32,290 $61,130
Michigan $36,940 $28,800 $47,340
Minnesota $43,980 $35,670 $54,690
Mississippi $35,320 $28,210 $44,290
Missouri $36,230 $27,620 $47,550
Montana $39,070 $31,460 $48,300
Nebraska $36,620 $30,230 $46,920
Nevada $39,940 $30,240 $52,980
New Hampshire $37,300 $28,860 $48,700
New Jersey $37,590 $29,920 $50,530
New Mexico $38,680 $30,030 $50,270
New York $36,910 $31,370 $56,450
North Carolina $36,900 $29,320 $47,020
North Dakota $44,720 $33,930 $56,700
Ohio $36,500 $28,200 $47,480
Oklahoma $35,030 $28,540 $46,900
Oregon $45,880 $36,360 $59,500
Pennsylvania $36,310 $28,410 $46,070
Rhode Island $39,710 $29,910 $50,070
South Carolina $36,440 $28,960 $45,940
South Dakota $36,770 $30,850 $46,100
Tennessee $36,260 $28,600 $47,070
Texas $38,360 $29,780 $48,850
Utah $41,790 $34,600 $50,630
Vermont $37,200 $31,400 $47,440
Virginia $37,440 $29,340 $49,330
Washington $48,740 $36,810 $62,030
West Virginia $34,610 $28,070 $44,980
Wisconsin $37,390 $29,410 $48,680
Wyoming $41,130 $32,660 $50,260

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. 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.

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: $47,180

Projected job growth: 8.5%

10th Percentile: $31,710

25th Percentile: $37,510

75th Percentile: $60,170

90th Percentile: $75,460

Projected job growth: 8.5%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $37,190 $25,710 $61,210
Alaska $51,290 $40,520 $77,430
Arizona $41,850 $31,170 $62,560
Arkansas $35,460 $29,520 $60,590
California $56,900 $36,470 $100,330
Colorado $50,000 $34,110 $77,720
Connecticut $60,390 $40,980 $78,520
Delaware $45,870 $31,090 $65,440
District of Columbia $62,140 $43,950 $95,790
Florida $44,560 $30,680 $70,450
Georgia $41,950 $29,570 $71,130
Hawaii $63,650 $40,730 $84,200
Idaho $46,550 $34,900 $64,210
Illinois $48,510 $33,950 $70,010
Indiana $46,220 $30,750 $69,950
Iowa $46,590 $35,100 $64,150
Kansas $43,440 $30,490 $62,560
Kentucky $42,640 $30,040 $62,120
Louisiana $46,830 $30,020 $69,420
Maine $47,470 $35,360 $66,560
Maryland $54,900 $36,880 $80,520
Massachusetts $52,620 $37,880 $82,330
Michigan $42,630 $31,830 $62,940
Minnesota $51,810 $40,400 $79,450
Mississippi $36,750 $23,350 $59,420
Missouri $48,070 $30,630 $68,350
Montana $43,250 $32,500 $63,680
Nebraska $46,120 $32,900 $62,560
Nevada $37,980 $28,840 $62,170
New Hampshire $44,680 $31,640 $63,310
New Jersey $64,760 $40,320 $100,310
New Mexico $45,100 $31,330 $64,400
New York $49,390 $36,240 $81,120
North Carolina $45,200 $30,700 $65,350
North Dakota $46,800 $35,980 $61,560
Ohio $46,070 $32,600 $64,880
Oklahoma $46,610 $30,320 $64,610
Oregon $50,680 $37,850 $79,160
Pennsylvania $45,660 $35,400 $67,630
Rhode Island $49,310 $36,900 $72,140
South Carolina $50,640 $31,010 $75,840
South Dakota $47,330 $32,160 $68,770
Tennessee $47,190 $30,990 $74,130
Texas $39,410 $29,710 $64,270
Utah $46,000 $31,830 $80,640
Vermont $48,290 $36,400 $63,220
Virginia $48,550 $34,320 $76,020
Washington $54,850 $38,460 $81,790
West Virginia $38,610 $27,960 $62,000
Wisconsin $49,750 $36,340 $65,470
Wyoming $49,370 $34,300 $76,390

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. 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: $38,270

Projected job growth: 13.9%

10th Percentile: $30,390

25th Percentile: $35,330

75th Percentile: $45,360

90th Percentile: $51,710

Projected job growth: 13.9%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $31,800 $25,310 $39,180
Alaska $47,350 $38,580 $59,110
Arizona $38,930 $33,080 $46,450
Arkansas $32,970 $28,380 $39,650
California $44,650 $35,370 $68,670
Colorado $43,240 $36,190 $53,090
Connecticut $43,060 $37,040 $52,860
Delaware $37,890 $29,900 $45,250
District of Columbia $49,110 $40,140 $61,730
Florida $36,930 $30,570 $45,460
Georgia $36,480 $28,790 $46,790
Hawaii $43,750 $35,960 $54,010
Idaho $38,450 $32,170 $46,990
Illinois $39,020 $31,540 $48,530
Indiana $38,770 $31,130 $47,530
Iowa $39,360 $31,820 $48,360
Kansas $36,550 $28,810 $45,920
Kentucky $35,450 $28,010 $43,350
Louisiana $31,150 $22,580 $40,760
Maine $40,750 $35,190 $48,690
Maryland $39,900 $31,750 $48,920
Massachusetts $45,690 $36,510 $59,440
Michigan $36,790 $29,570 $45,060
Minnesota $47,680 $37,380 $55,890
Mississippi $30,930 $23,480 $41,400
Missouri $36,320 $29,670 $45,330
Montana $40,130 $32,220 $49,420
Nebraska $37,740 $30,750 $48,460
Nevada $37,290 $31,240 $48,750
New Hampshire $42,620 $35,650 $49,860
New Jersey $40,380 $32,780 $50,210
New Mexico $36,220 $29,760 $44,990
New York $43,830 $35,360 $54,450
North Carolina $37,660 $30,680 $45,730
North Dakota $38,840 $26,920 $47,850
Ohio $36,900 $29,910 $45,700
Oklahoma $34,320 $28,810 $42,950
Oregon $46,050 $37,370 $57,060
Pennsylvania $37,230 $30,870 $47,030
Rhode Island $39,490 $32,780 $47,340
South Carolina $35,800 $27,950 $44,630
South Dakota $35,230 $28,650 $44,440
Tennessee $35,940 $29,140 $46,600
Texas $36,830 $28,320 $45,880
Utah $37,530 $29,890 $46,180
Vermont $41,160 $36,130 $48,340
Virginia $37,500 $30,280 $50,850
Washington $48,810 $39,120 $61,890
West Virginia $30,850 $26,860 $37,120
Wisconsin $42,190 $34,290 $48,270
Wyoming $37,090 $29,700 $49,870

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. 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 Professional 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.

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: $36,680

Projected job growth: 5.4%

10th Percentile: $28,270

25th Percentile: $30,870

75th Percentile: $44,360

90th Percentile: $56,890

Projected job growth: 5.4%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $29,540 $22,670 $48,690
Alaska $49,450 $32,580 $66,400
Arizona $33,880 $28,160 $44,560
Arkansas $31,150 $23,340 $40,220
California $37,340 $31,110 $69,570
Colorado $37,090 $28,560 $48,710
Connecticut $40,850 $36,370 $51,080
Delaware $38,500 $33,270 $47,860
District of Columbia $45,860 $38,310 $67,750
Florida $35,150 $27,660 $49,310
Georgia $34,770 $27,120 $45,320
Hawaii $50,870 $34,770 $81,540
Idaho $31,650 $23,720 $61,880
Illinois $37,440 $29,060 $119,140
Indiana $34,190 $28,550 $44,940
Iowa $34,330 $28,820 $49,810
Kansas $28,850 $19,910 $45,440
Kentucky $29,480 $24,680 $38,720
Louisiana $30,860 $24,980 $49,700
Maine $36,860 $30,080 $43,680
Maryland $44,230 $35,040 $81,560
Massachusetts $46,850 $36,550 $66,730
Michigan $34,090 $29,380 $48,770
Minnesota $40,410 $30,590 $56,570
Mississippi $29,060 $21,700 $50,020
Missouri $35,490 $26,950 $50,290
Montana $31,430 $24,960 $42,340
Nebraska $36,200 $30,400 $47,750
Nevada $35,780 $27,170 $45,990
New Hampshire $34,490 $29,650 $46,050
New Jersey $45,080 $35,270 $58,840
New Mexico $35,660 $28,740 $49,140
New York $39,840 $32,890 $63,490
North Carolina $36,530 $26,820 $49,300
North Dakota $37,580 $29,110 $62,520
Ohio $36,100 $26,270 $45,570
Oklahoma $29,350 $23,760 $38,270
Oregon $43,920 $33,400 $51,840
Pennsylvania $34,880 $27,800 $45,230
Rhode Island $38,520 $37,500 $55,300
South Carolina $35,810 $27,760 $46,790
South Dakota $31,150 $21,680 $62,400
Tennessee $36,540 $26,770 $49,740
Texas $34,170 $24,720 $49,080
Utah $33,040 $28,830 $46,040
Vermont $36,820 $31,140 $45,350
Virginia $37,440 $29,310 $50,740
Washington $38,910 $32,360 $59,280
West Virginia $29,360 $23,360 $38,530
Wisconsin $35,640 $23,040 $59,490
Wyoming $37,410 $23,160 $106,810

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. 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.”

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: $44,820

Projected job growth: 6.9%

10th Percentile: $31,450

25th Percentile: $36,910

75th Percentile: $48,870

90th Percentile: $59,200

Projected job growth: 6.9%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $36,120 $28,770 $47,580
Alaska $49,170 $38,900 $63,910
Arizona $45,990 $35,970 $56,820
Arkansas $36,330 $29,010 $44,360
California $46,170 $36,270 $63,140
Colorado $45,490 $35,680 $59,320
Connecticut $47,870 $36,930 $58,680
Delaware $46,000 $30,830 $59,270
District of Columbia $51,580 $39,060 $62,660
Florida $42,330 $35,960 $50,740
Georgia $39,500 $30,680 $47,670
Hawaii $38,450 $29,120 $47,690
Idaho $36,720 $30,570 $47,070
Illinois $38,240 $26,750 $54,390
Indiana $45,270 $30,540 $58,300
Iowa $46,660 $34,030 $57,780
Kansas $38,170 $29,080 $48,010
Kentucky $39,400 $28,210 $55,540
Louisiana $35,180 $28,390 $47,470
Maine $46,600 $36,370 $58,040
Maryland $46,040 $31,750 $59,350
Massachusetts $48,140 $43,330 $63,060
Michigan $42,870 $30,560 $49,920
Minnesota $60,810 $46,850 $73,630
Mississippi $35,470 $28,770 $46,800
Missouri $42,450 $31,920 $48,770
Montana $38,390 $30,920 $49,400
Nebraska $43,560 $36,460 $49,770
Nevada $45,050 $30,740 $53,040
New Hampshire $49,630 $37,950 $60,740
New Jersey $46,290 $35,710 $61,110
New Mexico $38,110 $30,980 $46,620
New York $46,280 $35,870 $61,000
North Carolina $46,140 $34,090 $60,950
North Dakota $49,960 $37,720 $60,940
Ohio $44,980 $34,760 $62,750
Oklahoma $38,920 $29,700 $48,930
Oregon $50,110 $41,610 $61,380
Pennsylvania $45,160 $32,860 $58,410
Rhode Island $43,550 $39,780 $55,580
South Carolina $43,710 $34,740 $56,080
South Dakota $45,910 $36,980 $50,330
Tennessee $38,360 $30,450 $50,380
Texas $37,570 $28,270 $50,420
Utah $36,910 $29,670 $45,040
Vermont $49,910 $38,860 $60,050
Virginia $45,620 $34,470 $59,630
Washington $49,320 $37,140 $60,650
West Virginia $35,400 $28,860 $49,560
Wisconsin $45,280 $36,410 $54,560
Wyoming $38,450 $32,300 $50,500

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. 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: $63,020

Projected job growth: 3.7%

10th Percentile: $33,950

25th Percentile: $39,430

75th Percentile: $81,740

90th Percentile: $102,000

Projected job growth: 3.7%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $39,820 $25,050 $74,520
Alaska $107,160 $45,710 $126,960
Arizona $60,080 $36,980 $100,230
Arkansas $61,320 $30,810 $82,230
California $78,940 $46,300 $132,490
Colorado $83,320 $39,320 $106,500
Connecticut $81,870 $47,490 $106,970
Delaware $46,450 $35,450 $96,510
District of Columbia $96,840 $42,380 $116,500
Florida $46,480 $30,350 $81,320
Georgia $56,380 $30,820 $92,610
Hawaii $58,910 $48,510 $114,780
Idaho $82,280 $38,240 $153,750
Illinois $72,800 $35,860 $99,270
Indiana $62,660 $31,710 $85,540
Iowa $62,310 $35,150 $90,250
Kansas $52,830 $31,300 $99,910
Kentucky $45,050 $34,030 $80,910
Louisiana $57,590 $27,350 $76,770
Maine $64,560 $37,190 $93,850
Maryland $77,480 $38,110 $102,430
Massachusetts $82,810 $38,010 $123,120
Michigan $62,400 $35,900 $81,650
Minnesota $67,130 $48,970 $100,110
Mississippi $38,960 $26,310 $71,000
Missouri $54,860 $32,230 $85,760
Montana $62,600 $36,750 $85,330
Nebraska $47,010 $31,630 $81,700
Nevada $63,720 $37,690 $107,360
New Hampshire $78,630 $37,850 $99,730
New Jersey $82,260 $65,560 $105,390
New Mexico $41,510 $31,040 $95,330
New York $72,150 $45,430 $105,320
North Carolina $61,700 $31,690 $94,630
North Dakota $59,950 $34,650 $83,670
Ohio $64,850 $35,660 $83,080
Oklahoma $40,320 $30,240 $83,810
Oregon $91,250 $47,570 $110,400
Pennsylvania $58,280 $36,550 $100,150
Rhode Island $90,550 $49,350 $131,570
South Carolina $62,980 $31,230 $82,710
South Dakota $58,180 $36,400 $76,970
Tennessee $62,530 $30,330 $86,070
Texas $41,460 $30,570 $89,810
Utah $82,950 $36,720 $125,320
Vermont $60,270 $37,070 $95,090
Virginia $66,800 $38,320 $109,140
Washington $82,130 $46,970 $124,710
West Virginia $34,840 $29,750 $66,710
Wisconsin $73,140 $38,730 $112,770
Wyoming $74,940 $39,740 $104,180

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. 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)