Online EKG Technician Training Programs

Online training for most careers has become more common than in the early 2000s, especially after 2020.

You can now complete your EKG Technician coursework online.

However, does that time spent certify you for open positions requiring heart diagnostic services?

What Courses Are in an Online EKG Technician Program?

Some online schools might not have the same course titles, but example curriculums include biology, physiology, and anatomy.

You also may have a class called “Cardiac Care Essentials” or a course named a similar title.

During your training, you will find out how a healthy heart functions and learn how to monitor heart rates and blood pressure levels.

Your online coursework will also teach you how to detect abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia).

In addition, your training includes how to identify clogged arteries and provides you guidance when helping a patient understand their heart condition history.

EKG Technician courses will also present to you different types of electronic and smartphone technology used in hospitals or ambulances.

For instance, some machines may provide ultrasonic visions of the heart while others just record heartbeats and cardiovascular movements.

It is not just all about machines, however.

You will learn how to handle patients and respond in crisis situations, such as when you are in the back of an ambulance serving as an EMT or when you arrive at an emergency scene.

Can You Earn an EKG Technician Certification Completely Online?

You can complete most of your preparatory training online.

This includes video instructions where you would see steps of how to complete an EKG reading.

Moreover, you will receive access to course modules and supporting downloadable text and graphic handouts.

Your online training would also include any background information you might need, such as identification of medical equipment parts.

In addition, you will have the chance to chat with an instructor if you have questions.

You will, however, need to complete your in-person training at a facility and complete at least 10 successful EKG scans before receiving your certificate.

It is wise to find a paid or unpaid intern position as you start your certification coursework.

During the on-the-job training period, you would work under the supervision of an already certified technician.

Check with local hospitals and doctors’ offices, blood donation clinics, or EMT departments to find out where you can gain practical experience.

How Long Does it Take to Earn an EKG Technician Certification Online?

It may require only a certificate, which could take you a year or less after high school to complete.

You may also receive paid training at some hospitals while studying for it.

However, you probably would have a time limit to complete the certification while you undergo supervised EKG readings.

Further training to achieve an associate degree might take two years.

You also can pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree to enhance your skills, increase your pay and explore new opportunities.

How Much Does an Online EKG Technician Certification Cost?

It may cost you up to $3000, and some online training programs do include textbooks and equipment required to help you practice your EKG reading.

However, you might reduce your EKG certification cost if you took electives in high school or gained access to exam study materials.

However, you will need to verify with potential employers the course they want you to take before they would hire you.

Check qualifications of an EKG technician in job postings to determine what courses to take.

Types of EKG Technician Certifications

There is one primary EKG Technician Certificate that you can earn before you start an entry-level paid EKG position.

The EKG certification study materials you receive will prepare you to answer approximately 100 exam questions.

You would take this exam after undergoing enough on-the-job training to have performed 10 supervised EKG readings.

You will need to pass the exam with a 390 on the scale.

That means you need to answer at least 78 percent of the questions asked on the Certified EKG Technician exam.

The National Healthcare Association sponsors this test, but you also may want to find out more information about professional certification from the National Workforce Career Association.

Interested in becoming an EKG technician?

Read our full guide:

How to Become an EKG Technician: The Definitive Guide.

Benefits of Online EKG Technician Training

Completion of legitimate online certificate training authorizes you to perform heart testing and monitoring services.

However, you must verify that the EKG technician instruction you receive comes from a reputable institution.

If you do seek a legitimate training path, it provides these benefits.

Shorter Training Times

It might not take you as long to complete an online EKG technician certification program as it would an in-person one.

For one, you might not have to wait until a new semester starts to take the classes you want.

You also will not have to commute to a campus, which for you may not even exist within an hour of where you live.

Lowered Cost

Online training programs cost less because more people can join them at the same time.

That is because remote courses do not require a specific maximum classroom capacity.

Little to no travel time to classes also make learning more affordable for all EKG Technician students.

Convenient Scheduling

When you work full time, that makes it challenging to schedule in-person classes.

When taking online courses, you increase the chance of a course offering becoming available on your time off.

Some classes might require you to show up during live sessions, but that is not always the case.

You usually can participate in on-demand classes.

Learning At Your Pace

Learning at your own pace takes the pressure off you while you prepare to perform your EKG duties.

You can focus on your own progress and not compare yourself to other people while in training too.

Having the freedom to learn at a speed comfortable to you may enhance your on-the-job performance come time to practice in “real life.”

More Communication Options

You may receive a faster response from your instructor because you can email that person at your convenience.

Other ways to communicate might include texting or phone calls and online voice chat.

You do not always need to wait until an in-person session if you want to speak to your instructor.

In addition, you may have the chance to connect with other students who have more online training time than you.

Drawbacks of Online EKG Technician Training

Although you have a head start when taking legitimate online courses, it does not fulfill all requirements.

Keep that in mind before you start your EKG training.

Not As Much Local Networking

Unless you choose online training from a school where you live, you might not have the advantage of local networking.

For instance, you may not receive advice from your instructor about the best paid or unpaid internships in your area.

There is always LinkedIn and online location finders for local networking, however.

You can also check with EKG certification associations before you take your exam and explore local on-the-job experiences.

Limited Instructor Feedback

You will receive feedback if hired under a trained EKG specialist.

However, you may not receive much in-person feedback from your instructor during online classes.

On the other hand, you might have the chance to join a hybrid training track that does include some classroom time if you live close enough to where the in-person sessions take place.

Does Not Fulfill Practical Portion

You can find in-person opportunities to practice your EKG readings within your community.

However, do not expect your online training to include that.

It is up to you to find those opportunities yourself, but your instructors may at least send you in the right direction when looking for ways to complete your EKG practical, in-person training.

Less One-on-One Feedback

You might have more chances to communicate with online instructors than when enrolled in an in-person class.

However, you might still not have as much one-on-one feedback during sessions.

You may need to instead find a patient, certified EKG specialist to supervise you during your on-the-job training period.

This might pose some challenges, such as when a hospital emergency room has reached full capacity.

Still, you can continue to watch experienced professionals.

In the process, see how they react in a variety of situations during your in-person job training.

The less one-on-one classroom feedback just means you need to find motivation within you to fulfill in-person requirements.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Online EKG Technician Training – Summary Table

Benefits of Online EKG Technician Training	Drawbacks of Online EKG Technician Training
Shorter Training Times	Not As Much Local Networking
Lowered Cost	Limited Instructor Feedback
Convenient Scheduling	Does Not Fulfill Practical Portion
Learning At Your Pace	Less One-on-One Feedback
More Communication Options

5 Self-Study Tips for EKG Technician Online Students

Do Your Research Before Registering

This includes exploring the online training content before course registration.

In the process, learn more about the online institution’s reputation.

If you are still in high school, talk to your health teacher about your career goals and ask about courses that will support your desire to obtain an EKG Technician Certificate.

If not in high school, refer to the NHA or NWCA websites.

Obtain Your High School Diploma

If you have not completed in-person high school graduation requirements yet, you could register for an online GED program.

Complete high school before enrolling in your EKG training courses unless your high school offers this as an elective.

Seek On-The-Job Training Opportunities

Although you will fulfill most of your EKG technician training requirements online, you will need to take this important step because it is the only way you can practice EKG monitoring on “real” humans.

If you have not earned your certificate yet, you might perform your EKGs while supervised.

Complete Your Certification

During your training, you will learn how to use both stationary and portable EKG machines.

You will perform at least 10 successful EKG readings during this time and receive authorization to also perform stress tests.

To complete your certification, make sure you prepare well for the CET exam that about 80 percent of employers require.

Start the Job Search

If not already in a paid training position, look for a permanent job.

If you need resume creation help, you may want to ask your instructor or contact your local job center.

Then, prepare for your interviews.

If you already have your certificate, you will probably feel a boost of confidence when the time comes to look for the right position.

Schools Offering Online EKG Technician Training Programs

Summary

You can complete most of your EKG training online.

However, you must verify that the program you choose offers you a curriculum that pertains to local certification requirements.

Furthermore, you need to complete a brief, in-person, on-the-job period before you obtain a long-term position.

Sources

• https://nwca.edu2.com/
• https://apps.illinoisworknet.com/cis/clusters/OccupationDetails/100030?parentId=111600&section=license&sectionTitle=Licensing%20%2F%20Certification
• https://www.sdms.org/advocacy/state-licensure
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm#tab-7

Frequently Asked Questions

What states require EKG technicians to have a license?

You may only need a license if you live in one of the following states: Ohio, Delaware, Arkansas, Indiana, South Carolina, Washington, or Texas.

However, you may want to check with the organization that issues your certification or the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography if you need a license.

It depends on the types of tests you qualify for.

By the way, it is usually the workplaces and not the state that requires the certifications.

This ensures you prove competency and understand medical safety.

Is an EKG technician the same as a cardiographer?

An EKG technician may also work under the title of a cardiographer or Medical Sonographer, depending on the chosen training path.

You might also find job postings for a Cardiologist Technologist, which does perform similar duties as an EKG technician.

Who do I answer to as an EKG technician?

You might work for a general physician or obtain employment in a hospital’s cardiology department.

You would probably answer to a doctor or head nurse or a superior from your EKG team.

How do I gain the in-person experience I need?

Contact local medical centers, ask your instructors how to find out about internship possibilities, and join local associations.

Other students who live in your state might have suggestions for you as well.

Where would I work as an EKG technician?

Most of the time, you would probably find opportunities at a nearby hospital.

However, you also might live near specialized clinics that could use your heart testing services.

Sometimes, independent, non-profit organizations make use of EKG technician or cardiogram services.