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.
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?

1. Earn your High School Diploma or GED

A high school diploma or equivalent is required to enroll in an EKG Technician training program.

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

Many programs include a clinical externship, where you perform supervised EKGs in healthcare settings.

4. Obtain Certification

While certification isn't mandatory in all states, it's highly recommended by employers. Popular EKG Technician certifications include:

Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET) by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT), and the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)

5. Apply for Jobs

After certification, explore job opportunities in hospitals, clinics, home healthcare, and private practices. You can also use My Next Move to search for EKG technician jobs and find opportunities that match your skills and location.

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.

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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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