EKG Tech Certification
Become an EKG Technician
- Career Plan: How to Become an EKG Tech
EKG Technician Resources…
- Duties & Statistics: cardiographic technician career
- EKG Technician Certification
- Related Diagnostic Careers
As a technician you will probably not be asked to register with the state or obtain a license. Certification, though, is a testament to your cardiac expertise. You can get certified as an EKG Technician through the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians. Prerequisites include completing an approved program or verifying six months of work experience. You will take an exam and submit a mounted electrocardiogram.
You can also get certified as a Certified Cardiographic Technician through Cardiac Credentialing International. This option is open to those who fulfill basic requirements through work experience or education. CCI is a very well respected organization, but some requirements are higher. If you earn certification through CCI, recertification will be required every three years. During each cycle you will need to do 16 units of continuing education.
Basic EKG certification is not necessarily the endpoint of the credentialing process. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, your employment options will be better if you are also trained in a related specialty area like Holter monitoring or stress testing. CCI has a new credential for technicians, the Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician, or CRAT.
What else can give you that competitive edge? Basic CPR is a must, but ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) can be an asset. Some EKG technicians choose to complete higher education and move into positions as cardiac technologists. Successful employment as a tech will help you get into a program and may increase your chances of earning a scholarship.
