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 enroll in a training school. Provo, Utah is house to many state endorsed EKG training programs that will prepare students for a Electrocardiogram Technician career. An EKG training program is generally about 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 united with the program. In Provo, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When choosing an EKG training program, it’s important to be careful and well-prepared. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each of them provide the necessary training and practical experience opportunities needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs do not offer clinical hours, which are vital for gaining hands-on experience performing EKGs in a clinical lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the required 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 recognized standing and adherence to industry guidelines. Accreditation is formal recognition granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of education, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In electrocardiography, attending an accredited training program ensures that you receive appropriate 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 “certified”. It simply proves that you’ve finished training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with zero experience.
To become 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 updated every two years, and completing continuing education is a core 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 clear 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 program, you will get a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a unquestionably common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of successful completion of an EKG training class and is required to attempt the national certification examination for individuals who have no experience in the field.
To officially get certified, an EKG Technician must have their competency put to the test by a third-party credentialing agency, like NPS. Once certified, an EKG Technician must renew 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 maintain and refine their skills.
There are several certification agencies that EKG Technician can choose to become certified with, but selecting the right one can significantly impact your career.
Earning EKG certification not only demonstrates your expertise and commitment to quality care, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly participating in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, EKG Technicians can sharpen their knowledge, build their professional network, and set themselves up for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers look for certified candidates, making certification an important step toward becoming a competitive applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes a comprehensive 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 comfort of home. Be sure to check whether your certifying agency provides included study tools or if there are additional costs for premium materials.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET).
Once you have registered for the credentialing exam, take advantage of a broad selection of exam preparation materials to boost your readiness. Many credentialing agencies offer resources such as detailed study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When choosing prep tools, look for materials that match the exam’s content outline and focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Consider following 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 boost your confidence and ensure you’re well prepared for exam day.
In addition, sample tests are invaluable for simulating the real test environment and spotting areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer unlimited practice exams, while others up sell practice attempts.
After you have passed the certification exam, your credentials are inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your certification is downloadable in your account. Your digital copy, and 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 Provo, Utah. Electrocardiography is a solid 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 increased access to healthcare, a growing elderly population, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand helps ensure a positive employment 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 fluctuate depending on geography and experience. With growing opportunities and a relatively short training period, electrocardiography is a efficient way to begin a rewarding 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 after two years. An EKG Technician should begin the process at least 30 days prior to the week their certification expires. This will allow the EKG Technician ample time to attend their continuing education hours and submit their renewal assessment. You will not have 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 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 fulfilling any outstanding continuing education requirements, submitting a renewal application, and paying 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 proficient EKG Technician with over 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 Provo, Utah should provide 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 prefer 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.
