The EKG Technician program prepares students for national certification as a Certified EKG Technician (CET). EKG/ECG technicians work in healthcare facilities specializing in electrocardiography testing for patients. These tests help detect irregularities that may result in a heart attack or heart disease. Common duties include explaining procedures to patients, monitoring blood pressure, and positioning patients. In this program, students are taught how to apply Holter monitors and assist cardiologists with stress testing.

Throughout the program, students will gain knowledge of medical terminology and disease processes to become familiar with healthcare settings and roles of EKG/ECG technicians.

With additional on-the-job training or experience, EKG technicians may specialize in areas such as cardiac catheterization, Holter monitoring, phonocardiography, stress testing, and vectorcardiography. EKG technicians must be able to recognize an emergency and assist the physician in responding to them. Anyone interested in this field should have an interest in high-tech mechanical equipment and be able to sympathize with people and reassure them when apprehensive about a testing procedure.

Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to sit for the CET exam, issued by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The exam fee is included in your tuition cost. To earn full certification, students will be required to complete a minimum of 10 EKGs on a live person. Certifications are issued once the exam(s)have been passed and clinical requirements are met.

Students are responsible for locating and securing a site to fulfill the clinical requirements of the program.