How to Become an EKG Technician

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), EKG technician jobs are projected to grow by 4% from 2023 to 2033, offering a stable and promising career path. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to become an EKG technician.

Key Points

An EKG Technician is a healthcare professional who administers electrocardiograms to monitor heart activity and assist cardiologists in diagnosing conditions.
To become an EKG Technician, you must earn a high school diploma or GED, complete an accredited EKG training program, and obtain certification from recognized organizations like NHA or ASPT.
EKG Technician programs can be completed in as little as 2 weeks to 8 months.
EKG technician programs range from $950 to $2,799, with financing options available.
The average EKG technician salary is $66,170 per year.

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What is an EKG Technician?

An EKG Technician (Electrocardiogram Technician) is a trained healthcare professional specializing in heart diagnostics. They conduct electrocardiograms (EKGs or ECGs) to monitor electrical impulses in the heart, helping physicians detect and treat cardiovascular conditions.

What Does an EKG Technician Do?

Operating EKG machines and interpreting test results.
Monitoring patients during stress tests.
Assisting in the diagnosis of heart conditions.
Preparing patients for procedures and explaining the process.
Collaborating with healthcare teams to analyze test data.

Where Do EKG Technicians Work?

EKG Technicians work in various healthcare settings, offering diverse career opportunities:

Hospitals: Conducting EKGs for emergency and routine care.
Clinics and Doctor’s Offices: Assisting in patient diagnosis and cardiac monitoring.
Ambulatory Surgical Centers: Supporting pre- and post-operative cardiac assessments.
Home Healthcare Services: Performing mobile EKG services for patients unable to travel.

Educational Requirements for EKG Technicians

To become an EKG Technician, you need:

A high school diploma or GED.
Completion of a state-approved EKG Technician training program (2 weeks to 6 months).
Hands-on clinical experience (included in most programs).
Certification from a recognized agency (optional but recommended).

How to Become an EKG Technician?

To become an EKG Technician, follow these five essential steps:

1. Earn your High School Diploma or GED

A high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement to begin your journey as an EKG Technician. Most accredited programs require applicants to have completed high school-level coursework in biology, anatomy, or healthcare-related subjects. Having a strong foundation in these areas will help you better understand heart rhythms, cardiac anatomy, and medical terminology during your training. Some high schools even offer introductory healthcare courses or dual-enrollment programs that can give you a head start.

2. Enroll in an EKG Technician certification program

EKG programs can be delivered in person, online, or through a hybrid format. Dreambound works with numerous accredited institutions that offer online EKG Technician programs, including:

CareerStep

Self-paced, at your own schedule
8 months of program access
Hands-on clinical experience
Cost: $2,799, flexible payment plans are available. Discounts may be given to U.S. veterans, active duty service members, and their spouses.
Not available in all states

MedCerts

Fully online, at your own schedule 24/7, 12 weeks long.
After completion, MedCerts will work to match you with an externship site close to you. Not available for Wisconsin, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Washington, or Louisiana residents.
Cost: $2,000, with payment options and financial aid available for those who qualify through: MyCAA, state workforce funding (including WIOA), and Department of Defense Credentialing Assistance or COOL funding for the Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard
Not available for students in Wisconsin, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Louisiana, or Georgia.

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3. Gain Hands-on Clinical Experience

Hands-on training is crucial for mastering EKG procedures. Many certification programs include clinical externships, where students work in hospitals, clinics, or diagnostic labs under the supervision of licensed professionals. During this phase, you’ll gain experience in preparing patients for EKGs, placing electrodes correctly, and interpreting basic heart rhythms. Some states may require a minimum number of clinical hours before allowing you to take the certification exam. If your program doesn’t include an externship, consider volunteering or applying for an entry-level healthcare assistant role to gain practical experience.

4. Obtain Certification (optional but recommended)

National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

Certification: Certified EKG Technician (CET)
Requirements: Completion of a training program or one year of supervised experience, along with passing the CET exam.

American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT)

Certification: Certified EKG Technician Requirements: Completion of a training program or six months of work experience, plus passing the ASPT exam.

American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals (ACA)

Certification: Certified EKG Technician Requirements: Similar to other certifying bodies, requiring a training program or supervised experience, along with passing an exam.

5. Apply for Jobs

Once certified, you can start applying for EKG Technician positions in a variety of healthcare settings. These include hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, cardiac centers, and home healthcare services. Some technicians also find jobs in diagnostic imaging centers or mobile EKG units that assist in stress tests and Holter monitoring.

To find job opportunities, use resources like My Next Move, which provides real-time job listings based on your location and qualifications. Networking with healthcare professionals, attending career fairs, or joining online job boards can also help you connect with potential employers.

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Career Paths and Opportunities for EKG Technicians

Once certified, EKG Technicians can specialize or advance in their careers:

Cardiac Monitor Technician: Specializing in long-term cardiac monitoring.
Stress Test Technician: Administering cardiac stress tests.
Registered Cardiovascular Technician (RCT): Advancing into invasive cardiology procedures.

What Programs Are Similar to EKG?

Here are 3 top vocations similar to EKG technician, all working in the field of diagnosing and treating patients:

Phlebotomy Technician: Both professions require phlebotomists and EKG technicians to perform procedures directly with patients. Phlebotomy offers a faster and more affordable path to enter the healthcare field. This makes it a great choice if you're looking to start your career quickly or need to be mindful of costs.
Medical Assistant: While EKG Techs specialize in heart diagnostics, Medical Assisting offers a broader range of clinical duties, making it a good choice if you prefer a variety in your healthcare career.
Patient Care Technician: Consider a combined CNA, Phlebotomy, and EKG certification! It's a powerful combo, especially for hospital careers, despite being less common.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become an EKG Technician?

Training programs typically last 2 weeks to 8 months.

What are the working hours like for an EKG Technician?

Many work standard 40-hour weeks, but shifts can vary depending on the employer.

What is the salary and job outlook of EKG Technicians?

EKG Technicians earn a median annual salary of $66,170 (May 2023) with an expected 4% growth rate over the next decade, much faster than average

Can EKG Technicians advance into other medical roles?

Yes, with additional education and certifications, they can advance into specialized or broader cardiology roles such as getting a Cardiovascular Technician (CVT) degree to expand their skills and qualify for higher-paying positions.

Tips for success as an EKG Technician

Common challenges include managing anxious patients, staying updated with technological advancements, and maintaining precise attention to detail. To thrive as an EKG Technician, you'll need to possess the following qualities and skills:

Attention to detail: Accuracy is crucial in EKG interpretation, so a meticulous eye for detail is essential.
Communication and interpersonal skills: Building rapport with patients and clearly explaining procedures requires strong communication skills.
Compassion and empathy: Providing emotional support and understanding to patients experiencing health concerns is important.
Teamwork and collaboration: Working effectively with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals is vital.
Problem-solving and critical thinking: Analyzing EKG readings and identifying potential abnormalities requires a problem-solving mindset.
Stress management: The ability to handle pressure and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment is crucial.

Advanced EKG Technician certifications

There are several advanced EKG technician certifications available that can enhance your skills and marketability. Some popular options include:

Certified Cardiac Rhythm Technician (CCRT): This certification focuses on advanced arrhythmia recognition and interpretation.
Certified Pacemaker Technician (CPT): This certification qualifies you to perform pacemaker checks and troubleshooting.
Certified Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (CCVIS): This advanced certification allows you to assist cardiologists during invasive cardiac procedures.

Take the next step!

Becoming an EKG Technician offers a fulfilling career path in healthcare. By researching EKG Technician programs, developing the necessary skills, and obtaining relevant certifications, you can launch your rewarding journey in this growing field.

Dreambound has written dozens of in-depth guides on how to get started in this field, with information specific to your city. If you're located somewhere else or thinking about moving, check out some other guides we've written:

Final Thoughts

Becoming an EKG Technician is a fast, rewarding way to enter the healthcare industry. With growing demand, short training programs, and strong salary prospects, it’s an excellent career choice for those interested in cardiac care.

Ready to start your journey? Explore EKG Technician programs on Dreambound and take the first step toward a fulfilling healthcare career today!

Considering a different path? Check out these guides:

Written by

Athena Kan

Athena is Co-founder and CEO of Dreambound.

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