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 program. Missoula, Montana is home to many state endorsed 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 united with the program. In Missoula, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When choosing an EKG training school, it’s important to be careful and knowledgeable. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each of them provide the essential training and clinical resources needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs fail to provide clinical hours, which are vital for gaining hands-on experience performing EKGs in a real lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the eligibility requirements for national certification — even if you complete the course.
One of the most important factors to consider when researching a program is its accreditation and adherence to industry guidelines. 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 accredited training program ensures that you receive proper education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare quality expectations.
After completing an EKG training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often misinterpreted. This document does not make you nationally certified. It simply verifies that you’ve completed training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with limited experience.
To officially become certified, students must pass an exam from a recognized agency such as National Performance Specialists (NPS). NPS helps define national standards, develops the certification exams, and maintains a registry of certified professionals.
Certification must be renewed 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 current with the latest regulations, techniques, and compliance measures. Most certifying agencies provide well-defined guidelines on the total and type of continuing education hours required, making it easy 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 successful completion of an EKG training class, 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 your completion of an EKG training school and is required to sit for the national certification test for individuals who’ve acquired no experience in the field.
To get certified, an EKG Technician must have their knowledge put to the test by a third-party certification 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 include 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 maintain and advance 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.
Obtaining EKG certification not only shows your competency and commitment to high standards, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly completing continuing education and professional growth opportunities, EKG Technicians can strengthen their capabilities, build their professional network, and position themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers look for certified candidates, making certification an essential step toward becoming a competitive applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes a comprehensive study guide, repeated 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 verify whether your certifying agency provides complimentary materials or if there are separate charges for upgraded content.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET).
Once you have registered for the competency exam, utilize a variety of study resources to enhance your readiness. Many credentialing agencies offer resources such as comprehensive 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 creating a study schedule that incorporates consistent study sessions, targeted practice in trouble spots, and regular use of simulated practice exams to replicate the real test environment. This approach will help build your confidence and ensure you’re fully prepared for exam day.
In addition, sample tests are highly beneficial for mirroring the real test environment and pinpointing areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer repeated practice exams, while others up sell practice attempts.
After you have passed the certification exam, your credentials are hastily inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your official certification is made available in your account. Your digital copy, paired 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 start your medical career in Missoula, Montana. Training in Electrocardiography is a great gateway into the medical industry, 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 the growth of healthcare services, an aging population, and increased diagnostic testing. This rising demand contributes to a positive employment outlook, making EKG a secure and worthwhile career choice.
EKG Technicians typically are scheduled for 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 fast-track training period, electrocardiography is a efficient 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 be required 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 ample time to complete their continuing education hours and take 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 new two year 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 ways to restore your certification. The process typically involves completing any outstanding continuing education requirements, filing a renewal application, and processing a reinstatement fee. It’s important to consult your certifying body for specific procedures 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 competent EKG Technician with over 5 years of experience in the field. EKG Technician Instructors can instruct 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 Missoula, Montana 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 prefer to talk 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.
