EKG technicians required dedicated training and, in many cases, certification. Learn how to become an EKG technician and develop the necessary skills for success.

EKG technicians, short for electrocardiogram technicians, are healthcare professionals who measure and monitor patients’ heart activity using specialized technology. Called EKG machines, this equipment helps detect abnormalities in the heart and diagnose cardiac issues. EKG technicians are trained and specialized in operating these machines, as well as setting them up and administering them to patients.

Taking an EKG on a patient is not a simple plug-and-play. EKG technicians need to attach electrodes to their patient’s chest, arms, and legs—explaining what they are doing, as they are doing it. Once the electrodes are secured, the EKG measurement can begin. Reading and understanding results is another key skill that EKG technicians must have, so that they can accurately report back to the physician.

Because of the complexities of this career, EKG technicians must have adequate training prior to entering this role. They must know how to work and process electrocardiographs, and have deep knowledge of the heart and possible conditions. While some of this can be learned in on-the-job training, most healthcare employers prefer to hire EKG technicians with some training under their belts.

So, how do you become an EKG technician? Let’s find out!

What’s required to become an EKG technician?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, EKG technicians (like any diagnostic technician) usually need formal education—such as a postsecondary certificate or associate degree—prior to entering the field. However, this is not always required. Some entry-level EKG jobs are available right after high school, though those are becoming fewer and farther between.

Additionally, research shows that over 90 percent of employers today require or prefer EKG technicians to have professional certification. Earning certification requires job experience or a collegiate program.

This sounds like a lot, but don’t worry: Becoming an EKG technician can happen fast! Today, you can complete EKG training and certification in just a matter of months. Generally speaking, becoming an EKG technician takes less than one year to complete.

Ready to get started? Let’s explore the specific steps you must take to become an EKG tech.

4 Steps to Become an EKG Technician

1. Earn your high school diploma or GED.

This may go without saying, but the first step to becoming an EKG technician is ensuring you have a foundation for your education. A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent is required for this career. If you’re still in high school and planning ahead for this career path, consider taking some relevant courses as you complete your junior and senior years. For example, aspiring EKG techs should prioritize classes in anatomy, physiology, physics, mathematics, and other science courses while in high school.

2. Complete a postsecondary training program.

While a collegiate-level program is not required, it can streamline your career path and help you secure a job faster. An EKG program will give you the training and knowledge needed upfront to really impress employers and stand out amongst other candidates.

At Goodwin University, students complete comprehensive EKG training as part of our Patient Care Associate program. What this means is that you’ll gain the skills needed to perform and read EKGs, in addition to other important patient care skills. Specifically, over three semesters, students learn:

• How to provide basic patient care, through CNA training
• How to perform and read electrocardiograms (EKGs)
• How to collect and analyze blood samples through phlebotomy training

Each module of the program is supplemented by a hands-on internship in a real-life patient care setting. You will gain experience working with EKG machines, phlebotomy tools, vital signs equipment, and other patient care technologies throughout the course of the program, preparing you to be a well-rounded patient care professional upon graduation day.

The best part? This program can be completed in three semesters, or less than one year total.

Explore the Patient Care Associate (PCA) program online.

3. Start looking for EKG technician jobs.

Once you have the foundational skills and know-how, you can start exploring EKG technician jobs. Explore various healthcare organizations’ websites for listings, or explore job fairs through your college or university. At Goodwin, students and alumni have access to our career services, which include assistance with finding and applying for jobs. Goodwin has connections with healthcare employers throughout the state of Connecticut, and will help you land a job you love.

4. Take the EKG certification exam.

As previously mentioned, the vast majority of healthcare employers (roughly 91 percent) require or prefer to hire EKG technicians with professional certification. Certification can be earned through nationally-recognized organizations like the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The NHA offers a clear path to become a Certified EKG Technician (CET), which is a highly-regarded credential among EKG professionals. CET certification is granted through successful completion of a two-hour examination.

In order to be eligible for this certification exam, you must first:

• Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalency (or be scheduled to earn in next 12 months)
• Complete a postsecondary EKG training or education program within the last 5 years (alternatively, you may be eligible with 1-2 years of work experience as an EKG tech)
• Provide evidence that you’ve successfully performed 10 or more EKGs on live patients

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can start preparing. Set up an account with the NHA online, select the date and location for your exam, and study as much as possible. Practice exams can also be found online, and preparation may be offered with the help of your school’s academic success team.

Become an EKG technician through Goodwin

The beauty of Goodwin’s Patient Care Associate (PCA) certificate program is that it is comprehensive and career-focused, with hands-on training and on-site internships offered at every phase. This means you’ll not only get the skills needed to become an EKG technician, but also the practice in a real-world healthcare environment. All the while, you’ll gain other important skills like good bedside manner, vital signs measurement, phlebotomy techniques, and more—helping you stand out in a sea of candidates.

If you want to become an EKG technician, or keep your career options open to other fields like Certified Nursing Assisting (CNA), Patient Care Assisting (PCA), or Phlebotomy, consider Goodwin as a launching point for your career.

Learn about our Patient Care Associate program—with EKG training—here.