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 school. Killeen, Texas is house to many state recognized EKG training programs that will prepare students for a Electrocardiogram Technician career. An EKG training program is generally compiled of 40-80 in class hours and 20-40 clinical hours that will take place outside of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute joined with the program. In Killeen, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When selecting an EKG training school, it’s important to be methodical and informed. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each of them provide the essential training and hands-on components needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs lack clinical hours, which are required for gaining hands-on experience performing EKGs in a professional lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the minimum requirements for national certification — even if you finish the course.
One of the most crucial factors to consider when researching a program is its accreditation and adherence to industry guidelines. Program accreditation is formal recognition granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of curriculum, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In electrocardiography, attending an approved training program ensures that you receive proper education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare industry standards.
After graduating from 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 confirms that you’ve completed training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with no prior experience.
To become 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 mandatory 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 regulations, procedures, and guidelines. Most certifying agencies provide well-defined guidelines on the amount 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 completion of an EKG training class, you will have a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a entirely common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your completion of an EKG training school and is required to sit for the national certification examination for individuals possessing no experience in the field.
To become certified, an EKG Technician must have their knowledge put to the test by a third-party authorizing agency, like NPS. Once certified, an EKG Technician must maintain their certification each two years by completing Continuing Education. Continuing education can be completed in several ways, such as on-the-job workshops, online courses, webinars, or specialized training modules. These programs often focus on the latest best practices, safety protocols, and technological advancements in electrocardiography. Many professional credentialing bodies and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help EKG Technician enhance and advance their skills.
There are a variety of certification agencies that EKG Technician can choose to become certified with, but selecting the most recognized one can significantly impact your career.
Pursuing EKG certification not only shows your expertise and commitment to professional excellence, but also opens doors to ongoing professional development. By regularly completing continuing education and professional growth opportunities, EKG Technicians can enhance their knowledge, build their professional network, and set themselves up for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers prefer certified candidates, making certification an valuable step toward becoming a standout applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes an all-inclusive study guide, unlimited 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 at your own pace and from the ease of home. Be sure to check whether your certifying agency provides complimentary materials or if there are extra fees for premium materials.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET).
Once you have registered to take the certification exam, make use of a wide range of study resources to enhance your readiness. Many credentialing agencies offer resources such as detailed study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When evaluating prep tools, look for materials that match the exam’s content outline and focus on both core concepts and practical skills.
Consider following a study schedule that incorporates regular studying, targeted practice in weaker areas, and regular use of complete practice exams to simulate the real test environment. This approach will help build your confidence and ensure you’re well prepared for exam day.
In addition, sample tests are highly beneficial for simulating the real test environment and spotting areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer endless practice exams, while others charge extra for practice attempts.
After you have passed the final exam, your credentials are hurriedly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your 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 Killeen, Texas. Electrocardiography is a great starting point into the medical field, commonly pursued by aspiring nurses, nurse aides, medical assistants, and medical laboratory technicians. Certified EKG Technicians are in strong demand across the healthcare industry due to expanded healthcare services, an aging population, and more frequent diagnostic tests. This rising demand contributes to a strong job outlook, making EKG a stable and appealing career choice.
EKG Technicians typically perform 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 increasing prospects and a relatively short training period, electrocardiography is a smart 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 need to renew their CET Certification every 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 acceptable time to attend their continuing education hours and attempt their renewal assessment. You will not have 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 credentials for the next two year time period is $200.00. Renewing ensures your employer that you are dedicated to updating your knowledge in the electrocardiography field.
If your certification becomes inactive, many certifying agencies offer a path to reinstatement. The process typically involves finishing any outstanding continuing education requirements, sending in a renewal application, and covering a reinstatement fee. It’s important to confirm with your certifying body for specific steps and cutoff dates to restore your active status.
Click to learn more about Renewing You CET Certification.
A Certified Electrocardiogram Instructor (CEI) is a highly skilled EKG Technician with over 5 years of experience in the field. EKG Technician Instructors can teach for or own their own school. They’re needed for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the guidance provided by their curriculum. Every class in Killeen, Texas 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 finalize the entire process online. If you would like to speak with someone regarding 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.
