How To Become an EKG Technician
EKG Technician
How To Become an EKG Technician
In the past, becoming an EKG Technician could be done by simply being cross trained at a hospital by someone who was a seasoned EKG tech. While this is still a possibility, those who are not currently in a related healthcare role will find that the best way to get a job is to complete formal training from ekg technician schools. Below are some basic steps to follow in order to become an EKG Tech:
- Meet prerequisites by completing a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. During high school, it is helpful to take courses in biology, physics, and and anatomy.
- Research EKG training programs including certificates and associates degrees and find a school that meets your career goals. Be sure to check out local job listings, paying particular attention to whether Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician examination and certification is a requirement of employment.
- If you determine that certification is necessary or if you want to have stronger credentials, sign up to take the exam, which is administered through the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians. There is a test specifically for EKG Techs.
- Begin applying for positions at local hospitals and outpatient centers. If you have any previous experience in health care, you will want to highlight this on your resume.
EKG Technician Certification
While certification is not mandatory, many employers now prefer that their staff has met national standards for EKG. The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT) offers an EKG examination that leads to official certification. In order to qualify for the exam, you must be a member of ASPT. Membership is available to anyone who works in healthcare involving patient care. To take the examination, you must have graduated from an EKG formal education program and have 6 months of experience. Currently, the examination fee is $55. You will get your exam results 6 to 8 weeks after completion.
Another certifying body is the Cardiac Credentialing International organization, which offers a Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) certification. The test covers the fundamentals of EKG, holter monitoring, and treadmill testing. Currently, the exam fee is $160. You can obtain pamphlets that explain the test and will give you an idea of what to expect.
The CCT exam consists of the following areas of knowledge:
- Basic Cardiovascular Anatomy & Physiology 14%
- ECG Techniques & Recognition 33%
- Electrophysiology 16%
- Stress Test Techniques 9%
- Holter Monitoring 20%
- Cardiac Medications 8%
Those interested in EKG, were also interested in the following:
Radiology Programs:
Sanford-Brown Institute
Campus Locations:
TampaGet everything you need for the medical career you want. Sanford-Brown Institute's advanced programs allow you to complete your certificate or degree program in as little as 9 months. Learn more today.
Programs offered:
Sanford-Brown College
Campus Locations:
Grand RapidsGet the skills you need in Tech, Business, or Healthcare in as little as 9 months from Sanford-Brown College. Choose from convenient day, evening, and weekend classes. Learn more today.
Programs offered:
Fortis Institute
Campus Locations:
NashvilleLooking to prepare for your dream career? Fortis Institute can give you the skills and training you need to succeed in the fast-growing and high-demand healthcare field. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis Institute - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.
Programs offered:
Star Career Academy
Campus Locations:
PhiladelphiaStar Career Academy - the career school of choice. What makes us unique, and unlike other trade schools, is the dedication of our staff to provide performance-based occupational training. Students will be prepared for entry-level employment in allied health fields, hotel and restaurant management, cosmetology, or a choice from our professional cooking, culinary, baking or pastry schools. Students gain the knowledge and confidence they need so that they may quickly gain employment and achieve the success they desire.
Programs offered:
Everest College of Business, Technology and Health Care
Campus Locations:
OttawaEverest College is one of Canada's national career-training leaders in three core areas: Business, Technology and Health Care. With over 30 campuses and more than 100 years of combined experience in providing focused, relevant career training, Everest College is committed to helping you acquire your desired job skills, fast!
Programs offered:
AICHP-Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Campus Locations:
KissimmeeGive your career a boost with American Institute College of Health Professions. We offer diploma and bachelor's degree programs in diagnostic general sonography and diagnostic cardiac sonography.
Programs offered:
Link 2 Life Emergency Training
Campus Locations:
Laguna HillsGet the training you need at Link 2 Life Emergency Training. We offer programs for careers as an EKG technician or emergency medical technician.
Programs offered:
Daymar College
Campus Locations:
Bowling GreenWe Change Lives... One Person At A Time. ® Start your career education with Daymar College. We offer certificate, diploma, associate, and bachelor's degree programs for careers in the business, medical, legal, and computer technology fields.
Programs offered:
Pennsylvania Institute of Tech.
Campus Locations:
MediaThe Mission of Pennsylvania Institute of Technology is student success. The College is committed to providing committed learners with a quality, collegiate and career-enhancing education in a supportive environment that promotes personal growth and prepares graduates for successful careers and/or college transfer opportunities.
Programs offered:
Columbia Southern University
Online
Columbia Southern University offers a broad range of online degrees and prides itself on its high-quality instruction and affordable pricing relative to many other online universities. Personalized service, along with flexible, self-paced programs, consistently makes CSU a popular choice among online degree students.
Programs offered:
Concorde
Campus Locations:
AuroraGet your career started with Concorde Career College. Our training programs are short, affordable, and hands-on. We offer training programs in medical assisting, dental assisting, insurance coding, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, vocational/practical nursing, patient care, and more.
Programs offered:
Kaplan University
Online
Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.
Programs offered:
University of St. Mary
Online
Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.
Programs offered:
South University Online
Online
South University enjoys a long-standing tradition of excellence in education and personalized student attention. Enjoy the convenience of earning your bachelor's degree entirely online.
Programs offered:
South University - Campus
Campus Locations:
Virginia BeachWith over 100 years of educational excellence, South University can give you the outstanding instruction and personalized attention you need to prepare for the real world. We offer a variety of degree programs which can be earned online or at one of our five campus locations. Options include Business Administration, Information Technology, Nursing, Criminal Justice, and more.
Programs offered:
