Online EKG Certification and Certificate Program Information

EKG (Electrocardiogram) certification and certificate programs are not offered entirely online; however, a portion of coursework may be available through distance learning programs. These programs teach prospective technicians how to attach electrodes to patients, track the electrical impulses of the heart and report the results using an EKG machine. Read on to learn more

Overview of an Online EKG Certificate Program

Students in an EKG certificate program study heart-related medical terminology, ethics, anatomy, disease processes, physiology, laws and lab work. Students also learn basic and portable EKG testing, along with lead placement and stress tests. Usually there are no prerequisites, but some schools require drug screening prior to entry. Programs are usually offered by a school's health and science department and award a certificate of completion. These programs also prepare students to take national certification exams.

Program Information and Requirements

Most of these certificate programs consist of one class consisting of approximately 50 hours of study. Others include four classes and 10.5 credit hours that take one full-time semester to complete. All programs include hands-on EKG machine training that must be completed at the school or an affiliated hospital, clinic or physician's office.

List of Common Courses

These programs include coursework in EKG functions, terminology, analysis, testing and interpretation. Some programs also include training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic keyboarding skills.

Anatomy and Physiology Course

This class helps students learn the structures that make up the human body and their functions. Students will learn medical terminology that will help them to work effectively in a hospital or other healthcare environment.

Electrocardiography Technician Course

This class covers EKG procedures and theory. Stress testing, 12-lead placement and Holter Monitoring, a portable EKG that records activity for 24-48 hours are also covered. Heart and blood vessel diseases, irregularities and disorders are examined.

Health Professional CPR Course

Participants in this course learn to perform one and two-rescuer CPR on adults, infants and children. The use of an automated extended defibrillator (AED), resuscitation mask and the Heimlich maneuver are also covered.

Career Information for Graduates

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of cardiovascular technologists and technicians was expected to grow by 24 percent between 2008 and 2018; however, due to basic EKG procedure training being offered to other medical employees, fewer EKG technicians may be needed (www.bls.gov). According to Salary.com, in October 2010 EKG technicians earned between $23,851 and $39,700 annually.

Continuing Education and Certification Information

For further education, associate's degree programs are available to EKG technicians. These are typically in x-ray studies or combined with other healthcare subjects, such as phlebotomy. Bachelor's degree programs are also becoming more commonly available in combination with other health science disciplines.
Certification of EKG technicians is voluntary, but usually required by employers. After completion of an accredited EKG certificate program, students are eligible to take a certification exam offered through Cardiovascular Credentialing International or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.