Key Takeaways

• The San Bernardino/Riverside region faces high rates of heart disease, driving a need for EKG Technicians.
• You can earn EKG credentials in as little as 4–6 weeks via certificate programs.
• Intelvio (Riverside/Mission Viejo) and MedCerts (online) offer flexible training options, among others.
• Online and free/low-cost training is available.
• Certification (CET) is highly recommended for better job prospects and professional credibility.
• Average EKG Tech salary in California is around $43.16 per hour or $89,780 annually, with opportunities for higher earnings in advanced roles.

Immediate Answer

To become an EKG Technician in San Bernardino/Riverside, you must complete a short-term training program (as little as 4–6 weeks), gain hands-on practice, and pass a certification exam like the National Healthcareer Association’s Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam.

What is an EKG?

An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) records the electrical activity of the heart. By placing electrodes on a patient’s chest and limbs, technicians capture heart rhythm data, helping diagnose arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular issues. In California’s Inland Empire, where heart disease remains a top public health concern, EKG Technicians are on the frontline of early detection.

Training Requirements

To become an EKG Technician, you’ll generally need:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Formal training at a community college, trade school, or healthcare institute
• Hands-on practice in performing EKG procedures

Training covers:

• Cardiac anatomy
• Electrode placement & lead interpretation
• Patient care & communication skills

Many programs last 4–18 weeks, depending on whether you choose an accelerated track or a semester-long course.

What’s the Fastest Someone Can Become an EKG Technician in San Bernardino/Riverside?

Short-term certificate programs are the quickest route. Some private career schools or hospital-based programs can certify you in as little as 4–6 weeks. These programs typically bundle classroom lessons (in-person or online) with clinical labs to ensure competency in essential EKG tasks.

EKG Classes in San Bernardino/Riverside

Below are three featured EKG programs that serve the broader San Bernardino/Riverside region. They vary in length, cost, and format, so you can select the one that fits your schedule and learning style.

Intelvio – Riverside

Type: In person
Cost: $995 total

About
Knowing how to perform ECGs/EKGs is a crucial skill for diagnosing and treating heart disease. Add this essential knowledge to your medical training to support caregivers and enhance your employability.

What You’ll Learn

• Diagnostic Imaging Equipment: Prepare and maintain it with confidence
• Heart Health and Anatomy: Understand cardiovascular systems deeply
• Lead Placement: Master the correct positioning of leads
• Hands-On Practice: Perform live ECGs on fellow students
• Identify Abnormalities: Recognize and interpret diagnostic information

Equip yourself with vital ECG/EKG skills and boost your medical career with this in-depth, hands-on training program.

Organization: Intelvio – Riverside
Intelvio provides top-notch medical certification programs designed to launch your healthcare career. Their affordable, flexible courses, led by experienced and certified instructors, ensure comprehensive training and practical experience. They offer support from enrollment to employment, plus lifetime access to course materials.

MedCerts (Fully Online EKG Technician Class)

Type: Online
Cost: $173 to start ($2,200 total)

About

• Fully online, at your own schedule (24/7)
• ~12 weeks long
• After completion, MedCerts helps match you with an externship site near you
• Graduates are eligible to obtain their Certified EKG Technician credential

Tuition & Financial Aid

• The class costs $2,200 total, with monthly payment options (0–12% interest).
• Financial aid options are available (e.g., MyCAA, state workforce funding like WIOA, Department of Defense Credentialing Assistance) for those who qualify.

Why Become an EKG Technician?
EKG Technicians perform diagnostic tests to help doctors find and treat heart problems. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for cardiovascular techs can exceed $66,170 a year, depending on experience and location.

Organization: MedCerts
MedCerts is an online training provider offering programs in healthcare and IT (e.g., Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, COMPTIA A+). They match students with externships if applicable and provide career support (resume building, interview prep, job placement). MedCerts has helped over 50,000 students and holds a 4.8-star rating with 2,000+ reviews.

Intelvio – Mission Viejo

Type: In person
Cost: $995 total

About
Similar to Intelvio’s Riverside program, this hands-on ECG/EKG class offers essential training for those looking to diagnose and treat heart-related conditions more effectively. You’ll develop confident skills in ECG administration and interpretation.

What You’ll Learn

• Diagnostic Imaging Equipment: Proper setup and maintenance
• Heart Health and Anatomy: In-depth cardiovascular knowledge
• Lead Placement: Correct electrode positioning
• Live ECG Practice: Perform tests on fellow classmates
• Abnormality Recognition: Spot key indicators on the readout

By mastering ECG/EKG operations, you can support healthcare teams in various settings and advance your medical career.

Organization: Intelvio – Mission Viejo
Intelvio’s Mission Viejo campus offers the same proven curriculum as the Riverside location, focusing on flexible, affordable, and high-quality training with lifetime access to materials and career support.

Online EKG Classes in San Bernardino/Riverside

For maximum flexibility, online EKG classes let you study:

• Didactic coursework from home
• Video demonstrations of electrode placement
• Virtual or in-person labs for hands-on skills

Make sure the program includes an in-person clinical component so you can practice on actual equipment. Check Dreambound’s listings to find online courses that meet California requirements.

Free EKG Classes in San Bernardino/Riverside

Free or low-cost EKG courses can be found at:

1. Hospitals or clinics offering training for new employees
2. Workforce development agencies, which sometimes sponsor short-term healthcare training for eligible individuals
3. Scholarship or grant programs through local community colleges

Tip: Contact local health facilities or county workforce offices to see if any tuition assistance is available.

Certification Process

After you complete your training, you’ll want to obtain certification. The most common is the Certified EKG Technician (CET) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Steps:

1. Finish an approved EKG training program
2. Register for the CET exam and pay the fee (~$117)
3. Study topics like arrhythmia recognition, safety procedures, lead placement, and cardiac anatomy
4. Pass the exam—often includes multiple-choice questions on EKG techniques and patient care

Many local programs in San Bernardino/Riverside integrate NHA exam prep into their curriculum.

Job Environment for EKG Technicians in San Bernardino/Riverside

EKG Technicians can expect robust demand in the Inland Empire:

• Major employers: Loma Linda University Medical Center, Riverside Community Hospital, Kaiser Permanente, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health
• Typical settings: Hospitals, diagnostic labs, cardiology clinics, outpatient centers
• Competitive Salaries: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cardiovascular techs in California earn an average salary of $89,780 per year ($43.16 per hour). Entry-level EKG techs may start at a lower rate but can increase their earnings with experience and certifications.

The aging population and high rates of heart disease (heart disease death rates up to 199.5 per 100,000 in San Bernardino County) keep EKG services in high demand, ensuring stable job opportunities.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to learn EKG?
A: It varies. Some programs last 4–6 weeks, while community college certificates take up to a semester (16–18 weeks).

Q: How long does it take to become an EKG Tech in California?
A: You can start working as an EKG Technician in 1–2 months with an accelerated training program and quick certification scheduling.

Q: How much do EKG technicians get paid in California?
A: EKG Tech wages typically range based on experience and certifications. The BLS reports that cardiovascular techs in California earn an average of $43.16 per hour or $89,780 annually, which includes specialized roles within the field.

Q: Can I learn EKG online?
A: Yes. Many schools offer online EKG classes with in-person labs. Just ensure your chosen program is accredited and meets NHA eligibility if you plan to get certified.

Final Thoughts

With cardiovascular conditions topping mortality stats in the Inland Empire, EKG Technicians have a real chance to make a difference. Whether you choose Intelvio’s hands-on programs, MedCerts’ online course, or another local option, you’ll gain a crucial skill set for heart-disease detection in a region that needs it most.

Ready to start? Search Dreambound’s EKG classes to begin your journey toward an in-demand career in healthcare. If you’re not entirely certain yet, check out these other local training guides:

• First Aid Training in San Bernardino/Riverside
• Applied Nutrition Training in San Bernardino/Riverside
• Graduate Nursing Training in San Bernardino/Riverside
• CNA Training in San Bernardino/Riverside