Our secondary programs are not designed as standalone programs for new students. If you do not have experience working in the medical or dental industry, please see our Medical Assistant Certification Program, Dental Assistant Training Program, or Medical & Dental Administrative Assistant Program. If you are currently working in the Medical or Dental industries and are looking to earn a specific certification, please contact us as secondary programs may be a standalone option for you.

Our EKG Technician Program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to become Certified EKG Technicians in just five months. This program is offered as part of our Medical Assistant Certification program, or standalone if all qualifications are met. Our program covers both academic and hands-on clinical instruction in all the responsibilities of an EKG tech.

• Achieve Certification in a Few Months
• Accredited Clinical & Academic Program
• Choose from Day or Evening Classes
• Small Class Sizes with Hands-On Medical Training
• Financial Aid Available for Eligible Programs
• Classes Starting Soon

Read on for more information about the day-to-day tasks an EKG Technician is expected to perform, and the features of our program.

EKG Technicians are vital members of the healthcare team, specializing in electrocardiogram (EKG) testing for patients. They monitor and analyze the heart’s electrical activity, which is crucial for diagnosing cardiovascular problems. EKG Technicians’ responsibilities include:

• Operating EKG machines to perform tests.
• Placing electrodes on patients in the correct positions.
• Monitoring and interpreting EKG readouts.
• Identifying normal and abnormal EKG patterns.
• Maintaining patient records.
• Ensuring the proper functioning and maintenance of equipment.
• Communicating findings to the healthcare team.

EKG Technicians are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of:

• The anatomy and physiology of the heart.
• The conduction system of the heart.
• Cardiovascular diseases and their processes.
• Blood flows through the systemic and pulmonary circulation.
• Pertinent medical terminology.
• Legal and ethical aspects of patient contact and safety.
• Additionally, students receive hands-on training in:
  • Using and handling 12 Lead EKG machines.
  • Reading and analyzing EKG printouts to identify cardiac intervals and complexes.
  • Distinguishing between normal and abnormal EKG readings.

Students with no prior experience in the medical field are encouraged to enroll in our full Medical Assistant Certification program. In addition to EKG training, students who take this program receive:

• NHA Certification: Students will earn certification through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). This certification opens doors to diverse healthcare settings, where you will assist doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
• Comprehensive Training: Our full program goes beyond EKG training and includes Phlebotomy and Patient Care Technician certification.
• Career Assistance: Our Career Assistance Program (CAP) is a key component of our programs. It guides students in strategizing their career plans and achieving their employment goals after graduation.
• Financial Aid: Financial assistance is available for eligible students through Federal Direct Loans (FAFSA) and VA benefits for our day programs. With these options, you can pursue your education without worrying about upfront costs. At ACI Medical & Dental School, we are committed to supporting you in achieving your goals.
• Flexible Class Options: Our program has flexible day and evening classes. The accelerated daytime program lasts 14 weeks, while the flexible evening program takes 35 weeks.

For those already working as Certified Medical Assistants who need their EKG certification, this program can be taken standalone if all requirements are met.

The job outlook for EKG Technicians is highly promising, with a 22% increase expected in the coming years according to the NHA. This growth is due to a combination of factors, including:

• The aging population is increasing, leading to a higher need for cardiac monitoring and diagnostics.
• Advancements in cardiac care technology require specialized skills in EKG technology.
• Heart disease is a leading cause of death globally, making early diagnosis and monitoring crucial.
• The healthcare industry is moving towards specialization, favoring professionals with expertise in cardiac care.

Where Do EKG Technicians Work?

EKG Technicians work in various healthcare settings where cardiac testing and monitoring are required. Some common places where EKG Technicians can be found include:

• Hospitals: EKG Technicians play a crucial role in hospitals, conducting EKG tests on patients in various departments, including cardiology units, emergency rooms, and intensive care units (ICUs).
• Cardiology Clinics: EKG Technicians may work in specialized cardiology clinics where they perform EKGs and assist cardiologists in diagnosing and monitoring heart conditions.
• Diagnostic Imaging Centers: EKG Technicians can be employed in diagnostic imaging centers that offer cardiovascular testing and other diagnostic services.
• Ambulatory Care Centers: EKG Technicians may work in outpatient or ambulatory care centers, assisting healthcare providers in performing EKG tests on patients.
• Private Physician’s Offices: Some private practices, particularly those with a focus on cardiology or internal medicine, employ EKG Technicians to perform cardiac tests on their patients.
• Rehabilitation Centers: EKG Technicians can be found in rehabilitation centers, where they may monitor patients’ cardiac activity during exercise or therapy sessions.
• Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities: EKG Technicians may work in long-term care facilities, assisting in the cardiac monitoring of residents with heart conditions.
• Mobile Healthcare Units: Some EKG Technicians work in mobile healthcare units, traveling to different locations to conduct EKG tests and provide cardiovascular screening services.
• Medical Laboratories: EKG Technicians may be employed in medical laboratories that conduct various cardiac tests and diagnostics.

ACI Medical & Dental School, with its extensive experience in providing exceptional career training, is the ideal option for students pursuing a healthcare certification. Embark on the path to a sought-after career in the medical industry by reaching out to us today. Learn more about our admissions process and take the first step toward your future.