How to Become an EKG Technician in Texas

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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). Certified Texas EKG techs earn about $59,000 per year and enjoy an 4 percent job-growth outlook (2023–2033)—well above the national average.

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Key Points

What it is: EKG Technicians run electrocardiogram tests that help doctors diagnose heart conditions.
How to become one: Complete an accredited Texas program → pass a national certification exam (CET, ETC) → apply for jobs.
How long it takes: 3 – 12 months of training plus exam scheduling.
Cost: Most Texas programs cost $750 – $2,000 (tuition only).
Average salary: $59,000 per year in Texas, per BLS May 2023 OES.
Career outlook: 4 percent national growth 2023–2033 per BLS OOH.

What is an EKG Technician?

A EKG Technician (Electrocardiogram Technician) is a healthcare professional who performs non-invasive tests to evaluate a patient’s heart function. These tests help diagnose conditions such as arrhythmias, heart disease, and cardiac distress.

What Does an EKG Technician Do?

Attach: Place electrodes on the patient’s chest, arms, and legs
Operate: Use EKG machines to record heart rhythms
Monitor: Observe and report irregular heartbeats
Ensure Accuracy: Maintain quality test results and troubleshoot issues
Collaborate: Share results with physicians for diagnosis

Where Do EKG Technicians Work?

Hospitals: Cardiology floors, emergency rooms, ICUs
Outpatient clinics: Primary-care and cardiology offices
Rehabilitation centers: Monitor cardiac rehab progress
Diagnostic labs: Stress-test, telemetry, or Holter monitoring units
Mobile services & insurers: Provide on-site cardiac screenings

Requirements to Become an EKG Technician in Texas

Education

High school diploma or GED (minimum)
Accredited EKG program: Community colleges, vocational schools, or online/hybrid courses. Examples:
- TSC Career Institute – tuition $950
- Houston CC – tuition $1,706
- Amarillo College – tuition $1,274

Certification

Most Texas employers want a national credential:

CET – Certified EKG Technician (National Healthcareer Association)
ETC – EKG Technician Certification (American Medical Certification Association)

Licensure

Texas has no state license for EKG techs, but certification plus a clean background check meets most employer requirements.

Step-by-Step: How to Become an EKG Technician in Texas

1. Choose and Complete an Accredited Program

Search Dreambound to compare Texas programs—filter by city, price, and schedule. Most take 3 – 12 months and include hands-on labs.

2. Build Clinical Experience

Programs embed clinical hours or externships so you practice lead placement, telemetry, and patient care.

Get courses selected just for you

Try our powerful search engine

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3. Earn National Certification

Register with NHA or AMCA, schedule your exam, and prepare with practice tests. Passing scores grant you the CET or ETC credential.

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

Renew every two years (usually 10 CE hours). Stay updated on new cardiac tech protocols and equipment.

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

FAQs

How do I become a certified EKG tech in Texas?

Complete an accredited program, then pass a national exam like the NHA CET.

What is the average EKG tech salary in Texas?

$56,240 per year (May 2023) according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How fast can I train?

Accelerated programs finish in about 3 months; standard courses run up to a year.

Top three job requirements?

High school diploma or GED
Accredited EKG training
National certification (CET or ETC)

Final Thoughts

Becoming an EKG Technician in Texas offers a quick path into healthcare, solid pay, and room for growth—all in under a year of training. With 11 percent projected growth, certified EKG techs will remain indispensable in cardiology care.

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:

Written by

Athena Kan

Athena is Co-founder and CEO of Dreambound.

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Key Points

What it is: EKG Technicians run electrocardiogram tests that help doctors diagnose heart conditions.
How to become one: Complete an accredited Texas program → pass a national certification exam (CET, ETC) → apply for jobs.
How long it takes: 3 – 12 months of training plus exam scheduling.
Cost: Most Texas programs cost $750 – $2,000 (tuition only).
Average salary: $59,000 per year in Texas, per BLS May 2023 OES.
Career outlook: 4 percent national growth 2023–2033 per BLS OOH.

What is an EKG Technician?

What Does an EKG Technician Do?

Attach: Place electrodes on the patient’s chest, arms, and legs
Operate: Use EKG machines to record heart rhythms
Monitor: Observe and report irregular heartbeats
Ensure Accuracy: Maintain quality test results and troubleshoot issues
Collaborate: Share results with physicians for diagnosis

Where Do EKG Technicians Work?

Hospitals: Cardiology floors, emergency rooms, ICUs
Outpatient clinics: Primary-care and cardiology offices
Rehabilitation centers: Monitor cardiac rehab progress
Diagnostic labs: Stress-test, telemetry, or Holter monitoring units
Mobile services & insurers: Provide on-site cardiac screenings

Requirements to Become an EKG Technician in Texas

Education

High school diploma or GED (minimum)
Accredited EKG program: Community colleges, vocational schools, or online/hybrid courses. Examples:
- TSC Career Institute – tuition $950
- Houston CC – tuition $1,706
- Amarillo College – tuition $1,274

Certification

Most Texas employers want a national credential:

CET – Certified EKG Technician (National Healthcareer Association)
ETC – EKG Technician Certification (American Medical Certification Association)

Licensure

Texas has no state license for EKG techs, but certification plus a clean background check meets most employer requirements.

Step-by-Step: How to Become an EKG Technician in Texas

1. Choose and Complete an Accredited Program

Search Dreambound to compare Texas programs—filter by city, price, and schedule. Most take 3 – 12 months and include hands-on labs.

2. Build Clinical Experience

Programs embed clinical hours or externships so you practice lead placement, telemetry, and patient care.

Get courses selected just for you

Try our powerful search engine

Try it now