Electrocardiogram Technicians prepare patients, attach and adjust EKG electrodes, record and interpret cardiac rhythms, and maintain accurate ECG logs — ensuring reliable heart monitoring and patient safety. Follow this NPS guide to earn your Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET) credential.
The first step to your career as a Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET) is to complete a training class. Flatbush, New York is home to many state attributed EKG training programs that will prepare students for a Electrocardiogram Technician career. An EKG training program is generally between 40-80 in class hours and 20-40 clinical hours that will take place after completion of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute joined with the program. In Flatbush, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When choosing an EKG training school, it’s important to be methodical and informed. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not every one of them provide the vital training and hands-on components needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs fail to provide clinical hours, which are critical for gaining practical experience performing EKGs in a clinical lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the eligibility requirements for national certification — even if you graduate from the course.
One of the most important factors to consider when researching a program is its approval status and adherence to professional standards. Program accreditation is an official endorsement granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of curriculum, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In electrocardiography, attending an recognized training program ensures that you receive appropriate education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare quality expectations.
After finishing an EKG training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often confused. This document does not make you a certified EKG Technician. It simply proves that you’ve completed training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with limited experience.
To get certified, students must pass an exam from a recognized agency such as National Performance Specialists (NPS). NPS helps set national standards, develops the certification exams, and maintains a registry of certified professionals.
Certification must be updated every two years, and completing continuing education is a key requirement for renewal if the a certification holder does not wish to take an additional exam. This ensures that certified EKG Technician remain in compliance with the latest professional practices, techniques, and compliance measures. Most certifying agencies provide straightforward guidelines on the total and type of continuing education hours required, making it straightforward for professionals to maintain their credentials.
If you are planning to attend an EKG training program and would like an NPS adviser to double check that the program is legit, contact us today.
Upon your successful completion of an EKG training program, you will get a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a enormously common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of successful completion of an EKG training class and is required to sit for the national certification exam for individuals who have no experience in the field.
To officially get certified, an EKG Technician must have their knowledge put to the test by a third-party credentialing agency, like NPS. Once certified, an EKG Technician must renew their certification once every two years by completing Continuing Education. Continuing education can come in multiple formats, such as on-the-job workshops, online courses, webinars, or specialized training modules. These programs often cover the latest best practices, safety protocols, and technological advancements in electrocardiography. Many professional associations and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help EKG Technician enhance and refine their skills.
There are a variety of certification agencies that EKG Technician can choose to become certified with, but selecting the right one can make a big difference in your career.
Pursuing EKG certification not only proves your competency and commitment to quality care, but also supports ongoing professional development. By regularly engaging in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, EKG Technicians can enhance their expertise, grow their professional network, and prepare themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers look for certified candidates, making certification an valuable step toward becoming a competitive applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes an all-inclusive study guide, endless practice exams, three final certification exam attempts, a professional resume revision, and job placement assistance. The entire process can be completed 100% online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare on your schedule and from the comfort of home. Be sure to verify whether your certifying agency provides free resources or if there are extra fees for upgraded content.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET).
Once you have registered to take the credentialing exam, make use of a variety of study resources to boost your readiness. Many certifying agencies offer resources such as comprehensive study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When selecting prep tools, look for materials that closely align with the exam’s content outline and focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Consider creating a study schedule that incorporates regular studying, targeted practice in weaker areas, and regular use of simulated practice exams to simulate the real test environment. This approach will help boost your confidence and ensure you’re fully prepared for exam day.
In addition, sample tests are highly beneficial for simulating the real test environment and identifying areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer repeated practice exams, while others charge extra for practice attempts.
After you have passed the certification exam, your credentials are rapidly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your official certification is available in your account. Your digital copy, along with your NPS transcripts, should be downloaded and printed for use as proof of certification.
Now that you’re a Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET), you’re ready to begin your medical career in Flatbush, New York. Electrocardiography is a great gateway into the medical field, commonly pursued by aspiring nurses, nurse aides, medical assistants, and medical laboratory technicians. Certified EKG Technicians are in great demand across the healthcare industry due to the growth of healthcare services, a growing elderly population, and more frequent diagnostic tests. This rising demand helps ensure a strong job outlook, making EKG a secure and appealing career choice.
EKG Technicians typically work a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $47,500, though wages can vary depending on location and experience. With growing opportunities and a relatively short training period, electrocardiography is a great way to begin a fulfilling healthcare career.
NPS works with multiple staffing agencies to help our members find a career in the EKG field. Click here for more information on EKG job placement assistance by NPS.
Certified Electrocardiogram Technicians will have to renew their CET Certification after two years. An EKG Technician should start the process at least 30 days prior to the week their certification expires. This will permit the EKG Technician plenty time to review their continuing education hours and submit their renewal assessment. You will not need to go register to an EKG course or attend a class to renew your certification.
The renewal process can be completed entirely online in the NPS learning management system. The cost to renew your certification for the following two year is $200.00. Renewing ensures your employer that you are dedicated to updating your knowledge in the electrocardiography field.
If your certification lapses, many certifying agencies offer ways to restore your certification. The process typically involves fulfilling any outstanding continuing education requirements, sending in a renewal application, and paying a reinstatement fee. It’s important to check with your certifying body for specific guidelines and timeframes to restore your active status.
Click to learn more about Renewing You CET Certification.
A Certified Electrocardiogram Instructor (CEI) is a highly capable EKG Technician with over 5 years of experience in the field. EKG Technician Instructors can teach for or own their own school. They’re responsible for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the instruction provided by their curriculum. Every class in Flatbush, New York should tell their students details about the instructors background and credentials.
If an EKG Technician Instructors meets the requirements and wishes to become a Certified Electrocardiogram Instructor (CEI) they can complete the entire process online. If you would like to talk with someone about the process, contact us today.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Electrocardiogram Instructor (CEI).
National Performance Specialists is also partnered with the American Red Cross to provide job placement assistance to NPS Members and to assist the American Red Cross in recruiting quality candidates across the United States.
All NPS certification programs are proudly listed within the Certification Finder by CareerOneStop. CareerOneStop is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration and is a proud partner of the AmericanJobCenter network.
