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 course. Riverview, Florida is home to many state credited 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 separate of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute united with the program. In Riverview, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When choosing an EKG training course, it’s important to be methodical and knowledgeable. 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 do not offer clinical hours, which are critical for gaining real-world experience performing EKGs in a professional lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the eligibility requirements for national certification — even if you finish the course.
One of the most important factors to consider when evaluating a program is its accreditation and adherence to quality benchmarks. Program accreditation is an official endorsement 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 comprehensive education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare quality expectations.
After graduating from an EKG training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often misinterpreted. This document does not make you “certified”. It simply confirms that you’ve finished training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with limited 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 maintained 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 in compliance with the latest industry standards, techniques, and regulations. Most certifying agencies provide straightforward guidelines on the total and type of continuing education hours required, making it simple 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 gainful 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 extremely common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of successful completion of an EKG training class and is required to register for the national certification examination for individuals who have no experience in the field.
To get certified, an EKG Technician must have their skills put to the test by a third-party certification agency, like NPS. Once certified, an EKG Technician must maintain their certification 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 focus on the latest best practices, safety protocols, and technological advancements in electrocardiography. Many professional organizations and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help EKG Technician enhance and advance their skills.
There are several 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 shows your expertise and commitment to high standards, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly participating in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, EKG Technicians can strengthen their expertise, expand their professional network, and prepare themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers look for 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 a full study guide, endless practice exams, three final certification exam attempts, a professional resume revision, and job placement assistance. The entire process can be completed fully online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare with flexibility and from the ease of home. Be sure to check 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 for the competency exam, utilize a variety of prep tools 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 reflect 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 thoroughly prepared for exam day.
In addition, practice exams are extremely useful for mirroring the real test environment and identifying areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer endless practice exams, while others require payment 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 credentials is available 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 begin your medical career in Riverview, Florida. Training in Electrocardiography is a solid gateway 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 rise in senior patients, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand helps ensure a strong job outlook, making EKG a reliable and attractive career choice.
EKG Technicians typically work a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $47,500, though wages can differ depending on geography and experience. With increasing prospects and a relatively short 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 need to renew their CET Certification every two years. An EKG Technician should start the process at least 30 days prior to the day their certification expires. This will permit the EKG Technician satisfactory time to review their continuing education hours and submit their renewal assessment. You will not need to go back to a school 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 new two year 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 fulfilling any outstanding continuing education requirements, sending in a renewal application, and covering a reinstatement fee. It’s important to check with your certifying body for specific procedures and timeframes to restore your active status.
Click to learn more about Renewing You CET Certification.
A Certified Electrocardiogram Instructor (CEI) is a highly adept EKG Technician with greater than 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 Riverview, 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 undergo the entire process online. If you would like to speak 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.
