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 program. West Hollywood, Florida is house to many state credited 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 of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute allied with the program. In West Hollywood, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When choosing an EKG training course, it’s important to be thorough and knowledgeable. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not all of them provide the necessary training and practical experience opportunities needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs lack clinical hours, which are vital for gaining practical experience performing EKGs in a real 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 important factors to consider when researching a program is its accreditation and adherence to quality benchmarks. Accreditation is formal recognition granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of instruction, 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 best practices.
After finishing 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 verifies that you’ve completed 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 establish 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 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 industry standards, techniques, and compliance measures. Most certifying agencies provide clear 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 your successful completion of an EKG training course, you will earn a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a totally common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of successful 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 officially get certified, an EKG Technician must have their competency 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 cover 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 many certification agencies that EKG Technician can choose to become certified with, but selecting the right one can significantly impact your career.
Pursuing EKG certification not only demonstrates your expertise and commitment to quality care, but also opens doors to ongoing professional development. By regularly completing continuing education and professional growth opportunities, EKG Technicians can strengthen their knowledge, grow their professional network, and set themselves up for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers require 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, repeated 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 on your schedule and from the convenience of home. Be sure to check whether your certifying agency provides free resources 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, utilize a wide range of prep tools to maximize 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 core concepts and practical skills.
Consider following a study schedule that incorporates daily review, targeted practice in challenging topics, and regular use of simulated practice exams to mirror the real test environment. This approach will help boost your confidence and ensure you’re fully prepared for exam day.
In addition, sample tests are extremely useful for simulating the real test environment and spotting areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer repeated practice exams, while others charge extra for practice attempts.
After you have passed the final exam, your credentials are inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your credentials is provided in your account. Your digital copy, side by side 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 West Hollywood, Florida. Electrocardiography is an excellent starting point into the medical field, 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 the growth of healthcare services, a growing elderly population, and increased diagnostic testing. This rising demand contributes to a strong job outlook, making EKG a stable and worthwhile 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 expanding job openings and a brief training period, electrocardiography is a smart way to begin a meaningful 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 after two years. An EKG Technician should start the process at least 30 days prior to the day their credentials expires. This will allow the EKG Technician enough time to complete their continuing education hours and take their renewal assessment. You will not need to go register to a training program 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 following two year 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 reinstatement options. The process typically involves completing any outstanding continuing education requirements, filing a renewal application, and covering a reinstatement fee. It’s important to check with your certifying body for specific steps and deadlines 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 more 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 information provided by their curriculum. Every class in West Hollywood, 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.
