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 choose a training program. Poinciana, Florida is home to many state recognized 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 of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute joined with the program. In Poinciana, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When selecting an EKG training program, it’s important to be careful and informed. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not every one of them provide the critical training and clinical resources needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs fail to provide clinical hours, which are fundamental for gaining real-world experience performing EKGs in a professional lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the minimum requirements for national certification — even if you graduate from the course.
One of the most essential factors to consider when researching a program is its accreditation and adherence to professional standards. Accreditation is a quality assurance 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 appropriate education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare best practices.
After graduating from an EKG training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often misunderstood. This document does not make you nationally certified. 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 establish national standards, develops the certification exams, and maintains a registry of certified professionals.
Certification must be maintained 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 professional practices, procedures, and guidelines. Most certifying agencies provide well-defined guidelines on the number 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 school, you will have a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a completely common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of successful completion of an EKG training course and is required to take the national certification test for individuals who have no experience in the field.
To become certified, an EKG Technician must have their competency put to the test by a third-party authorizing agency, like NPS. Once certified, an EKG Technician must renew their certification each 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 include 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 expand 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 skills and commitment to high standards, but also supports ongoing professional development. By regularly participating in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, EKG Technicians can enhance their capabilities, expand their professional network, and prepare themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers prefer certified candidates, making certification an essential step toward becoming a strong 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 convenience of home. Be sure to verify whether your certifying agency provides complimentary materials or if there are separate charges for premium materials.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET).
Once you have registered to sit for the certification exam, make use of a broad selection of study resources to enhance your readiness. Many certifying agencies offer resources such as detailed study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When selecting prep tools, look for materials that reflect the exam’s content outline and focus on both academic material and practical skills.
Consider following a study schedule that incorporates regular studying, targeted practice in weaker areas, and regular use of simulated practice exams to replicate the real test environment. This approach will help boost your confidence and ensure you’re well prepared for exam day.
In addition, mock exams are highly beneficial for replicating the real test environment and pinpointing areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer repeated practice exams, while others require payment for practice attempts.
After you have passed the final exam, your credentials are hastily inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your certification is provided 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 start your medical career in Poinciana, Florida. Electrocardiography is a solid starting point into the medical industry, commonly pursued by aspiring nurses, nurse aides, medical assistants, and medical laboratory technicians. Certified EKG Technicians are in high demand across the healthcare industry due to expanded healthcare services, an aging population, and more frequent diagnostic tests. This rising demand supports a steady job market, making EKG a stable and attractive career choice.
EKG Technicians typically perform a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $47,500, though wages can fluctuate depending on region and experience. With increasing prospects and a fast-track 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 be required to renew their CET Certification every two years. An EKG Technician should begin the process at least 30 days prior to the week their credentials expires. This will allow the EKG Technician enough time to attend their continuing education hours and take their renewal assessment. You will not need to go back to an EKG course or attend a class to renew your certification.
The renewal process can be completed from start to finish online in the NPS learning management system. The cost to renew your certification 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 lapses, many certifying agencies offer ways to restore your certification. The process typically involves finishing any outstanding continuing education requirements, filing a renewal application, and covering a reinstatement fee. It’s important to consult your certifying body for specific guidelines and deadlines 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 greater than 5 years of experience in the field. EKG Technician Instructors can instruct for or own their own school. They’re needed for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the instruction provided by their curriculum. Every class in Poinciana, Florida should tell their students with 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 request 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.
