Online ECG Technician Course & Certification Overview

ECG technicians collect data from electrocardiograms, heart monitors, and telemetry monitors. The data that is collected is called telemetry in the field of cardiovascular studies. Telemetry is interpreted via rhythm analysis and breakdown. If you are interested in getting into healthcare without spending years in school, this course may be the perfect fit for you.

The 100% online course curriculum includes principles of proper ECG technique, cardiology, electrocardiography, and experiences in the interpretation of the 12 lead EKG.

Upon course completion, students will need to pass the online certification exam to receive their ECG Technician Certification. Our online classes offer national accrediting exams which allow students to work anywhere in the U.S. and Canada.

Student Experience While Taking Our Online ECG Class

The online ECG Technician Training is designed to work with your schedule. Courses are self-paced and accessible 24/7. The modules are also mobile-friendly. The curriculum can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, but you will have as long as 6 months to complete the course from the time of enrollment.

Upon enrollment, students will be assigned an instructor who will send them a welcome email within 24-48 hours. Your assigned instructor will help you with any questions you may have while taking the course.

Online ECG Class Prerequisites

A high school diploma or equivalent GED is recommended to enroll in the Online ECG Technician Course. No prior work experience is required.

Online ECG Class Curriculum (Modules & Exams)

The ECG Technician Training includes 60 hours of course content and covers over 35 individual course topics including:

• Principles of proper ECG technique
• Review of 12 Lead ECG
• Review of the heart anatomy
• Review of the cardiac cycle
• Understanding of cardiac muscle contraction
• Review and analysis of rhythms on ECG readings
• Review of Heart Medications
• Rhythm Analysis and Interpretation of Arrhythmias
• Maintenance and use of equipment
• Record keeping and documentation
• Compassionate patient care
• Therapeutic communication
• Patient assessment

Students will need to pass an ECG Certification Exam after completing the course to receive their certification. Phlebotomy Career Training has partnered with the National Telemetry Association and provides all ECG students with one complimentary voucher to take NTA’s Online National ECG Technician Certification Exam. To be able to use the voucher students must schedule their exam at least 6 weeks prior to the expiration of their course. Students will receive 5.5 CEUs through CAPCE for passing the NTA ECG National exam. Students also may take the exams provided by AMT, NCCT, NHA, and AMCA.

ECG Internship Requirements

Students are required to complete an in-person internship that allows them to do 40 live hours of ECG observation and/or 10 live ECGs to complete the program’s clinical core requirements. The student is responsible for locating an internship at their location. Cardiology doctor’s offices, urgent cares, hospitals,  etc. are some examples of locations where students may find internship opportunities.

Requirements for ECGs can be waived for those students with prior experience within the past 16 months.

About Phlebotomy Career Training

Phlebotomy Career Training (PCT) has been educating students and professionals throughout the U.S. with online and in-person programs for over 14 years. PCT is an accredited organization that offers nationally-recognized certification programs.

PCT understands the adult student’s need for quality education, a hands-on learning atmosphere, and a fast-track career path. Students can expect professional educators and quality instruction throughout their course. 95% of our graduates have found employment opportunities in their field!

ECG Class Instructors

Each student will be assigned a designated instructor upon enrollment. Our world-class, qualified instructors have years of teaching and field experience. Our instructors consist of Family Nurse Practitioners, RNs, Doctors, and other qualified medical professionals.

Your instructor will personally reach out to you within 24-48 hours and will be available to answer any questions throughout the program.

What’s Included With Our Online ECG Class

The course includes the following:

• ECG Technician Certificate
• Complimentary 6-month voucher for the National ECG Technician Certification Exam through the National Telemetry Association (NTA)
• NTA Study Guide in Paperback format (283 pages, full book) with calipers
• Access to additional resources and materials
• Access to instructors via phone and email.
• Available tutoring sessions via Zoom at an affordable price from experienced medical professionals, LPNs, RNs, and Doctors.

ECG Employment Opportunities

ECG is a growing career field with great prospects. If you are looking for a career path with ample employment opportunities, competitive pay, benefits, and job satisfaction, ECG may be a great fit for you. 95% of our students were able to find employment upon graduation.

Do the online courses require an in-person test?

There are multiple national certification exams that PCT graduates may take. We offer one complimentary attempt at the NTA National ECG Certification Exam, which is online.

How does the internship/ externship work?

As part of the ECG Technician Certification Program, students are required to complete an internship that will allow them to observe and/or practice their ECG skills. You may see this internship referred to as an externship or clinical in various materials; these all refer to the same requirement. Students are responsible for securing an internship. Your instructor can provide you with a letter to help you secure an internship.

How do the credit hours work?

Students who complete the full ECG Technician Certification Program will receive 5.5 CEUs through CAPCE. Read more about the credit hours here.

Is Phlebotomy Career Training accredited?

Phlebotomy Career Training is a licensed proprietary school in the state of Michigan and our National Testing Partners which have approved our programs are accredited. This means that the student who graduates and takes their national exam will have accreditation through the National Testing Organization and is eligible to work anywhere in the United States. These organizations include:

• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
• National Telemetry Association (NTA)
• National Association of Phlebotomy Technician Professionals (NAPTP)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT) (Phlebotomy only)
• National I.V. Association (NIVA)
• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

Phlebotomy Career Training does not offer Credit hours and therefore does not accept financial aid. We are a private for-profit post-secondary school, licensed by the state of Michigan. Phlebotomy Career Training offers clock hours. These clock hours can transfer to some colleges and universities for credit hours.

Is ECG a good stepping stone into other medical careers?

ECG is a great way to get into healthcare without any prior experience in the field. And there are many advancement opportunities for ECG technicians once they get their foot in the door. The ECG Technician training is also a great learning opportunity for those that are looking to apply to medical school or nursing programs.

Is the ECG Technician Certification valid nationwide?

Yes, ECG Technician Certification from PCT is valid in the United States and Canada.

Students should always check with their state department for their licensing or certification requirements. Some states may require additional training or examination before becoming qualified to work in that state.