Certified Electrocardiograph Technician (EKG)
Course Description:
The Certified Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician Program is a 130-clock-hour course designed to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to perform electrocardiograms (EKGs) and assist in diagnosing and monitoring cardiovascular conditions. This program blends classroom instruction with hands-on skills in the skills lab and clinical practice in a hospital setting to ensure that graduates are well-prepared for a successful career in the healthcare field.
Upon successful completion of the program at MedNoc Training College, graduates will be issued a Completion Certificate and a Training Completion Affirmation Form, making them eligible to take the National Certification Exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Once graduates pass the Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam, they can find employment in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, insurance companies, and public health organizations such as EKG Technicians, Cardiovascular Technologists, Cardiology Technicians, and Telemetry Technicians.
EKG Clock Hour Distribution:
Course Breakdown | Hours | |
1 | Classroom/didactic | 70.00 |
2 | Skills Laboratory | 20.00 |
3 | Clinical Externship | 40.00 |
Total Clock Hours | 130.0 |
Certified EKG Program Schedule Options:
Program Schedule | Program Length | Class Days | Class Time | On Campus Skills Lab | Clinical Externship Days | Clinical Time |
EKG Weekday | 4 Weeks | Mondayto
Friday |
8:00 am to2:30 pm | Per the Course Syllabus | 4th WeekMonday – Friday | 8:00 amto
5:00 pm |
EKG Evening | 7 Weeks | Mondayto
Friday |
5:30 pmto
9:00 pm |
Per the Course Syllabus | 7th WeekMonday – Friday | 8:00 amto
5:00 pm |
EKG Weekend | 6 Weekends | Sat & Sun | 8:00 am to4:00 pm | Per the Course Syllabus | After the 6Th weekend Monday – Friday | 8:00 amto
5:00 pm |
EKG Online Hybrid Flex(Self-paced) | 4 Weeks | Online | 8:00 amto
11:59 pm |
2nd WeekMonday
To Friday |
4th WeekMonday – Friday | 8:00 amto
5:00 pm |
Admission Requirements:
- Fill out an Application either online or in person.
- Complete the Enrollment Agreement in person or electronically.
- Minimum age: 18 Years.
- High School Diploma, GED, or another Equivalency, or higher.
- Current Government-issued Photo ID: e.g., driver’s license, passport, military card, green card, work authorization card, or tribal card
- Social Security Card or replacement letter from the Social Security Administration’s office.
- Criminal Background Screening. (Offered at MedNoc for a cost of $35.00).
- Tuberculin (TB) Skin Test (PPD Test). (Offered at MedNoc for a cost of $35.00).
- Current BLS from American Heart Association required. (Offered at MedNoc for a cost of $60.00).
- Drug Test. (Offered at MedNoc for a cost of $50.00).
- During Flu Season, a Flu shot record may be required before attending clinical.
***NOTE: Some clinical sites may require additional requirements such as drug screens, immunization records, flu shots during flu season, or wearing a mask at the clinical site. The school will inform you if any of these items are required on the day of enrollment.
Course Learning Objectives:
- Introduction to EKG Technology:
- Understand the basics of electrocardiography, including the history and development of EKG technology.
- Learn about the role and responsibilities of an EKG Technician in various healthcare settings.
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Heart:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the cardiovascular system, focusing on heart anatomy, physiology, and electrical conduction system.
- Study common cardiovascular diseases and conditions that require EKG monitoring.
- EKG Equipment and Supplies:
- Get hands-on experience with EKG machines, electrodes, lead wires, and other related equipment.
- Learn about the maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of EKG equipment.
- Performing EKG Procedures:
- Master the techniques of preparing patients for EKG procedures, including proper electrode placement and lead selection.
- Conduct standard 12-lead EKGs, rhythm strips, and ambulatory monitoring (Holter monitoring).
- EKG Interpretation:
- Develop skills in reading and interpreting EKG tracings, recognizing normal and abnormal patterns.
- Learn to identify arrhythmias, ischemic changes, and other cardiac abnormalities.
- Patient Interaction and Care:
- Cultivate effective communication skills to interact with patients, explaining procedures and addressing concerns.
- Emphasize the importance of patient confidentiality and professional ethics.
- Safety and Emergency Procedures:
- Understand the safety protocols and procedures for handling medical emergencies during EKG testing.
- Learn basic life support (BLS) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques.
- Medical Terminology and Documentation:
- Become proficient in medical terminology related to cardiology and electrocardiography.
- Learn accurate documentation and record-keeping practices for EKG results.
- Professional Development:
- Prepare for certification exams such as the Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam.
- Participate in review sessions, practice exams, and discussions on career advancement opportunities.
National Certification Examination:
After completing the Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician training program at MedNoc Training College, you will be required to take the CET, a National Certification Exam the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offers. The exam will be offered at MTC.
CET Certification Exam Details:
The CET exam is offered through the National Healthcareer Association.
- 100 questions, 20 pretest questions.
- Exam time: 2 hours.
- Pass: 390 out of 500 is a passing score in a scaled scoring system.
EKG Technician Tuition And Fees:
Itemized Cost | Traditional Course | Online Hybrid Flex Course(Self-paced) | |
1. | Tuition | $ 990.00 | $ 730.00 |
2. | Name Badge | $ 25.00 | $ 25.00 |
3. | Lab Fee | $ 100.00 | $ 100.00 |
4. | National Certification Exam– First Attempt Only | $ 200.00 | $ 200.00 |
5. | 2 Step TB Skin Screen Test | $ 70.00 | $ 70.00 |
6. | Criminal Background Screening | $ 35.00 | $ 35.00 |
7. | Drug Test | $ 50.00 | $ 50.00 |
8. | BLS Certification | $ 60.00 | $ 60.00 |
9. | Total Cost | $ 1,530.00 | $ 1,270.00 |
NOTE: Other additional costs include but are not limited to uniforms and textbooks. The school uniform cost may vary from $40.00 to $ 70.00, and the textbook is $ 75.00. Uniforms and books are required.