EKG classes near me | Dreambound

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) certification

Whether you're a recent high school graduate or a seasoned professional looking to switch careers, being an EKG technician offers a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge. Did you know that the demand for EKG technicians is projected to grow by 10% in the coming years?

At Dreambound, we help over 100,000 people find job training programs every month, so we know the ins and outs of all the different certifications out there. EKG is among our top 10 most popular certifications as of March 2024, although we believe it's underrated!

Here's why we like the EKG certification over other allied health certifications here at Dreambound:

Pays better than Certified Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide, other popular allied health certifications. Other advantages over those two: EKG programs cost about the same, take the same amount of time to get, and can be done online.
Top 2 most affordable and short certification. Check out Phlebotomy training for our other favorite. Classes may range from $500 to $2,000.
Fully online training. Study from the comfort of your own home
It's patient-facing but doesn't burn you out like other patient-facing roles might. Healthcare is challenging, and burn out rates are at an all-time high in roles where workers have to provide direct patient care and be on their feet all day. As an EKG technician, you'd get to be in healthcare and help people without having to do much of the physical & hard work. You also get to sit down!
Very interesting from a clinical perspective. Get to help with measuring and diagnosing heart issues
Get your foot in the door in healthcare
If you're pre-med -- it's different and you'll stand out. EKG Technician, because it's a less popular certification, also has stronger job demand than a lot of other allied health roles

Everything you need to know about EKG classes

On Dreambound, there are 247 EKG programs, 107 upcoming classes, and the average class length is 2 months. We've helped thousands of people find EKG classes near them, and we've been featured in Yahoo!, NurseJournal, Forbes, and other publications.

Here's what Candise has to say about her experience with us: "Its truly amazing! Life-changing, actually. Im so grateful to Dreambound for helping me start my career journey. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to further their career path!!! Thank you, Dreambound!"

Types of EKG classes:

In person programs

There aren't as many in person EKG options available across the country as there are other in-person healthcare programs. Schools will usually lump in the EKG program with their Patient Care Technician program, which is a combination of EKG, CNA, and Phlebotomy. However, you can use our search to filter by in-person EKG classes near you.

In general, here's what you can expect:

Length: 2 weeks-3 months long. The 2 week long course are accelerated and full-time. You may not get a ton of time to be able to study on your own, as you'll have to finish the class in a short amount of time. 3 month long classes can be part-time, either evening, day, or weekend. They are more chill, but of course, take longer to complete.
Cost: $1,000-2,000. It will vary based on your location and type of school.
Format: The class is split into half theoretical, half practical. You'll have about 40 hours of theoretical classroom training, then lab where you'll practice listening to electrocardiograms. Finally, you will likely have an in-person externship that your school will set you up with. This is usually around 40 hours long as well.
Exam: There are a few different phlebotomy testing providers. Employers are usually okay with any of them. It isn't required but is recommended for employment. The National Healthcareer Association Certified EKG Technician exam is one of the most popular exams and has 100 multiple-choice questions.
Requirements: It will vary per school, but almost all schools will require that you be able to pass a background check. In-person programs also may or may not require a high school diploma/GED. If they do not require a high school diploma/GED, they usually require some reading/math competency exam. The most common is the Wonderlic exam which checks for 8th grade reading and math ability. However, note that some exams such as the NHA exam will require you have a High School Diploma or GED.
Start times: Private vocational schools will generally have start dates every month or every other month. However, college classes will generally only be offered a couple times a year.

Online programs

It's surprising, but yes EKG programs can be done online! We'll break them down below:

Length: 6 weeks-3 months long. However, a cool thing about online programs is that they often are self-paced, which means you can finish it as fast as you are willing to put in the effort. This format isn't for everyone, as you'll need to have the discipline in order to continue with your studies. Having a cohort and studying together may be a better fit for those who need accountability!
Cost: $1,000-2,000. Self-paced programs are usually cheaper than cohort-based ones.
Format: Similar to in-person programs, you'll have theoretical classroom training. But then, you'll have a virtual lab simulation where you'll practice reading EKGs and taking them. Finally, your online EKG program will work to match you up with an in-person externship. Be sure to ask your admissions officer what relationships they have near you, and if someone near you has recently been placed in an externship! You don't want to be stuck in a situation where you have to go find your own externship site. After completing your program and taking the exam, you will need to perform 10 live EKGs on patients in order to obtain your certification.
Exam: Same as in-person
Requirements: Same as in-person
Start times: Online phlebotomy programs are usually self-paced, so you can start at any time, 24/7 hours a day. If they aren't self-paced, there are usually start dates every month.

EKG Classes by City

In order to help you find an EKG class, at Dreambound we've gathered the most comprehensive list of EKG classes in the US. Below, you can find a list of EKG classes organized by city. If you don't see your city listed, you can always search by zipcode.

How to Become an EKG Technician

We know taking the first step to becoming an EKG technician can be scary. That's why we're trying to demystify the process by writing guides on how to become an EKG technician. Since state processes or requirements may vary, we've written separate guides for each state:

Exploration of EKG Versus Other Programs

Considering other programs? Read our guides on EKG versus other similar programs in your field, providing a comprehensive overview to assist you in making the right choice for your career path.

Online classes to consider

Learn more about the EKG certification

What is an EKG Technician?

An Electrocardiograph Technician, also known as an EKG Technician, is a valued member of the healthcare team. They assist with performing different procedures and work directly with patients. Learn more about this valued profession and how to become one.

What does an EKG Technician do?

An EKG technician is responsible for performing electrocardiogram tests to monitor and record the electrical activity of a patient's heart. These tests help doctors diagnose and treat heart conditions. With the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, pursuing a career as an EKG technician can offer job stability and a rewarding opportunity to contribute to patient care. Some other responsibilities of an EKG technician include maintaining EKG equipment, recognizing abnormalities, preparing patients, and performing related tasks as assigned.

How to become an EKG technician

Here are the general requirements you must prepare to complete your journey toward getting your EKG technician certification. First, make sure you have a high school diploma or your GED. Then, find an accredited training program to enroll in. During this program, you'll gain practical experience, which will be beneficial as you enter the workforce. To become certified, you'll need to pass an exam and meet specific requirements, such as completing the training or gaining work experience.

How long does it take to become an EKG Technician?

EKG technician training programs usually last between 12 and 24 months, although some schools may offer a shorter program that can last from 3 to 6 months. EKG training programs cost between $1,000 and $4,000. A high school diploma isn't necessarily required unless you're training at a community college.

What are the pros and cons of being an EKG Technician?

In every job, there are always going to be pros and cons. Before diving into a career path, it is important that you weigh these and make an informed decision. EKG technicians are surely a rewarding vocational career choice. The pros of being one include job stability, a competitive salary, and plenty of opportunity for career advancement. However, it is important to note that the job can be physically demanding, requiring long periods of standing and the ability to lift and move patients. EKG technicians may also experience high levels of stress due to the critical nature of their work.

Where can an EKG Technician work?

An EKG technician can work in various settings. These may include hospitals, clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, and private medical practices. Some EKG technician jobs can be found in specialized cardiac care units or cardiovascular departments. EKG technicians can also work in nursing homes and the like to ensure the health of elderly patients, who are more susceptible to heart-related problems.

How much does an EKG Technician make?

The salary of an EKG technician can vary based on factors like experience, location, and the employer. In May 2022, the average annual wage for cardiovascular technologists and technicians was $63,020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The average hourly wage for diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians was $37.60. It's important to note that these figures may change over time due to fluctuations in the number of certified EKG technicians and other factors impacting the job market.

Written by

Harold Roldan

Harold Roldan is a Growth team member at Dreambound. With a background in IT, he works with data and automation to improve team efficiency and workflows. He spends his free time playing musical instruments or studying data, computers, and technology.

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