How to Become an EKG Technician in Texas
Quick Answer
To become an EKG Technician in Texas, earn a high school diploma or GED, finish an accredited 3- to 12-month EKG program, and pass a national certification exam such as the CET (National Healthcareer Association) or ETC (AMCA). Certified Texas EKG techs earn about $59,000 per year and enjoy a 3% job-growth outlook (2024–2034) — well above the national average.
ETC (AMCA)
- Online, paper/pencil, or live remote proctoring
- 2-hour exam, 100 questions
- $119 exam fee (includes study materials)
AMCA Exam Prep and Materials
When you register for the AMCA ETC exam, you get free study materials, including:
- Certification Program Outline
- Exam Blueprint
- Study guides (PDF)
- 5 online practice tests with feedback
- Quizlet access for flashcards
These are available through your AMCA candidate dashboard once registered. Learn more about AMCA’s exam prep materials.
4. Apply for Texas EKG Jobs
Search for EKG tech jobs at hospitals, clinics, and cardiology centers. Customize your resume to highlight your training and certification. Use MyNextMove.org to search for jobs.
5. Maintain Certification
Here's how to renew your certification:
a. Earn 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
You can use:
- AMCA Career Advancement Certificates or Volumes ($158 for 10 CEUs)
- Outside CE providers (e.g., Medline University – some offer free CE)
CEs must be:
- Relevant to certification
- Connected to current trends or real-world practice
- Aligned with general healthcare delivery
More: Using Outside CE Material
b. Renew Certification
After earning 10 CEUs:
- Log in to your AMCA account
- Go to the Certifications tab
- Select certifications to renew
- Pay $15 per certification
Avoid extra late fees by renewing at least 21 days before expiration. See full instructions at AMCA's renewal page.
Career Paths & Advancement
- Advanced cardiac testing tech: Stress-test and telemetry focus
- Cardiovascular technologist: Additional imaging/catheterization training
- Patient care tech or medical assistant: Cross-train for broader roles
- Instructor: Teach EKG courses after gaining experience
- Supervisor: Manage diagnostic labs or monitoring units
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an EKG technician in Texas?
It typically takes 3 to 12 months, depending on whether the program is full-time, part-time, or accelerated. Many programs include hands-on clinical training to help you prepare for national certification exams.
How much do EKG techs make in Texas?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, EKG techs in Texas earn an average of $59,000 per year or $28.37 per hour as of May 2024.
How long does it take to get EKG certified?
Once you finish your training, you can schedule your national certification exam (such as CET or ETC) right away. Certification processing usually takes a few weeks after passing the exam.
What certification do you need for EKG tech?
Most Texas employers require a national certification like:
- CET (Certified EKG Technician) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), or
- ETC (EKG Technician Certification) from the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
Both are widely accepted and validate your skills in cardiac testing and patient care.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a healthcare career that’s quick to enter, in high demand, and deeply rewarding, EKG tech could be your calling. In less than a year, you can earn certification, land a job, and help diagnose life-threatening heart conditions.
Ready to start? Compare accredited Texas EKG programs on Dreambound, request free information, and take the first step toward your new career today!
Explore more healthcare careers in Texas:
Athena is Co-founder and CEO of Dreambound.
