How to Become an EKG Technician

You don’t need a college degree to become an EKG technician. In fact, training takes less than one year to complete. Find out how you can earn an EKG technician certification quickly and begin your career.

With less than one year of training, you can become an electrocardiograph (EKG) technician, a healthcare career in high demand. EKG techs complete accredited training programs in 3-6 months, or they can gain on-the-job training soon after high school. Keep reading to find out how to become an EKG technician.

EKG technicians (also referred to as ECG or cardiographic technicians) work under the direction of physicians to monitor a patient’s heart. Employers need EKG techs at hospitals, physician offices, outpatient care centers, and medical and diagnostic laboratories, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Using an EKG machine, technicians help detect abnormal heart rhythms and inflammation. They also use the same equipment to verify a normal heart rhythm.

EKG training programs teach students how to conduct an electrocardiogram by connecting electrodes and wires to a patient’s arms, legs, and chest. EKG techs also learn to do clerical work, such as scheduling appointments, delivering physician orders to pharmacies, and keeping track of office supplies. More experienced EKG technicians can also insert catheters into blood vessels to monitor the heart.

EKG technicians enter the profession directly from high school, with on-the-job medical experience or training programs offered through community colleges and vocational schools. EKG training programs typically last for 3-6 months. Some employers may prefer candidates that complete an EKG training program.

The steps below outline this career path.

EKG technician programs focus on the anatomy of the heart, physiology, medical terminology, caring for patients, and medical ethics and law. Hands-on labs teach students how to use EKG machines and perform the 12-lead placement, interpret EKG strip analysis, and perform EKG interpretation, including sinus bradycardia and sinus tachycardia.

Community colleges and vocational schools offer EKG technician certificates and associate degrees in cardiovascular technology. Students can expect to spend 50-60 hours training to complete EKG technician programs. Incoming students generally need a high school diploma or a GED certificate to enter an EKG tech training program.

EKG tech training programs offer in-person courses or hybrid programs which often allow students to sit for CET certification. School tuition may include costs for EKG technician certification exams and basic life support certificate exams. It does not take certification to become an EKG tech, but employers often prefer certified candidates.

Getting trained by your employer is a great option for prospective EKG technicians, particularly those who prefer experiential learning to the classroom setting. You will be in training for at least four to six weeks. The time frame may be extended upon request, or if your employer decides you need more time to improve your skills before working solo.

You will be assigned to a preceptor who will serve as your most immediate support system. During the first few days, expect to simply observe your preceptor perform typical job tasks. As the weeks progress, you will become more involved in the process until you can perform typical duties on your own under the supervision of your preceptor.

You may also be assigned homework to ensure you grasp the necessary knowledge, like various heart rhythm interpretations. Depending on the workplace, you may be pulled from the job to be tested on your knowledge. Either way, expect your preceptor to question you throughout the day.

A disadvantage of this option is that employers prefer certified EKG technicians. You’re eligible for certification at the end of formal training. You can take the exam while the information is fresh in your mind. If you don’t take classes, you must wait at least a year before becoming certified.

EKG technicians do not need a license or a certification to work. However, gaining certification gives EKG technicians the opportunity to advance in the medical industry and make more money. Many employers require applicants to be certified upon hire. CET certification requires at least a high school education and one year of work experience or the completion of a formal training program.

Experienced EKG technicians who perform Holter monitoring, used when the traditional EKG exam does not yield results, can become certified cardiographic technicians.

Organizations that offer EKG technician certification include:

After completing on-the-job training or education, EKG technicians can find jobs through their college programs or professional healthcare organizations. For instance, earning EKG technician certification through NPS gives applicants access to electrocardiography recruiters.

About 76% of EKG technicians work in state, local, and private hospitals, according to the BLS. The rest work in physician offices, outpatient care centers, and medical and diagnostic labs.

The BLS also states that, as of May 2023, EKG technicians make an average salary of $33.80 per hour, or a median salary of $66,170 per year.

The BLS projects 4% job growth for cardiovascular technologists and technicians from 2022-2032. It also expects 2,200 new job openings for cardiovascular technologists and technicians during this time period. This does not include job openings that arise from people who retire or change careers.