The demand for EKG Technicians is increasing at a very rapid pace, and as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth for EKG Technicians is expected to rise by 8-10% in the next ten years.

To start your career, you need the right training, but which program should you choose?

Choosing the training program is the biggest decision you make towards starting your career, and you don’t want to get it wrong.

In this article, we discuss the two main pathways to get your EKG Tech training and which option we ultimately recommend.

So, if you’re having trouble choosing the right training program, you’re in the right place. Let’s Go

EKG Tech Posing

EKG Technician Training Options

Picking the right training program for EKG Tech can be a bit confusing as there are multiple programs available. However, there are two ways in which you can get your training.

  1. Option 1 – Full-Time EKG Technician Training Programs (Traditional Path)
  2. Option 2 – Online Certification Program (Recommended Path)

Note – Before you enroll in an EKG program, you need to obtain your high school diploma or GED equivalent.

A full-time program is typically an on-campus program you take at a university or Community college. This can be through a 2-year associate degree program or a 1-year diploma program.

An online certification program is one where you get your EKG tech training online from the comfort of your home.

As we said earlier, we recommend an online program. And they’re several reasons for that. Below we discuss the major problems you encounter with a full-time program and the benefits of an online program.

Why Full-Time, On-Campus Programs Are Not Recommended

On-campus programs where you have to drive to classes every day make little sense for EKG Techs. Here’s why.

High Enrollment Fee

An associate degree program can cost up to $30,000. Even a diploma program can cost anywhere between $5,000 – $10,000.

To afford such a high cost, you’ll mostly like to rely on student loans. That means even before you start your career, you’re under student loan debt. Do you really want that?

The big price tag is the number #1 reason why we don’t recommend a full-time EKG Technician School.

Attending Regular Classes

Another disadvantage is that you have to attend regular classes with fixed schedules. This comes with its own expenses like gas money, groceries, and even accommodation. For busy adults, attending classes can get challenging. Eventually, if you miss a lecture, you can lag or lose momentum.

Longer Duration

Finally, it takes a lot of time to complete your EKG Tech training. As we stated earlier, it can take 1-2 years. Time is money, and you’re wasting that by sitting in a classroom. (Related: How Long Is EKG Technician Training)

Ultimately, a big price tag, scheduled classes, boring classroom education & long-course duration are the biggest factors that go against a full-time EKG Technician Program.

how long is ekg technician training

Benefits of Online Certification Program – Recommended for EKG Technicians

You can’t go wrong with an Online training program, especially for EKG Techs. Here’s why –

Affordable

An online program will cost less than $5,000. This means they are far more affordable than a full-time program. Think about it, with an online program; you don’t have to worry about student loans.

If budget was something that stopped you from enrolling in a training program before, you could go the online route.

Attend Classes On Your Own Schedule

In an online program, you don’t have to attend regular classes or follow a fixed routine; you can attend classes from the comfort of your home.

Some online programs are also self-paced. This means you can learn at your own pace and get on-demand EKG Tech training. Freedom from boring, monotonous classroom learning.

Shorter Duration of Courses

With the online program, you can finish your EKG Tech Training in less than 4 months. That’s right; you don’t need to spend years on your training; with an Online program, you can complete your training within 3-4 months. This means you can start your career faster!

Ready to Get Certified

Being a Certified EKG Technician is one of the top requirements to be an EKG technician. With some online programs, you’re also prepared to crush the different certification exams. Having an EKG Technician Certification can set you apart, and with some online programs, you’re prepared for that.

Here’s our pick for an Online Certification Program -> That Ticks All The Boxes!

1
Our #1 Recommend Online Certification Program -> Preppy
Top Pick

Key Highlights

  • 100% Online
  • In-Partnership With Accredited University
  • Finish in 2-3 Months
  • Lowest Price
  • Free Laptop Included
  • Externship Opportunity
Check out Preppy's EKG Program ->

If you’re looking for EKG Technician Training, you won’t find a better program offered than the one through Preppy.

It ticks all the boxes. Here’s why we recommend Preppy for EKG Tech Training ->

100% Online & Self Paced

Preppy’s Certification program is 100% online, and you can get your EKG Training on any device.

You can learn at your own pace, and you don’t have to worry about attending classes on a schedule.

Note – This is a self-paced program, but if you dedicate a few hours each day, you can complete this program in as little as 2-months.

In-Partnership With Auburn University

Preppy’s program is in partnership with an accredited university. When you complete their program, you get a University Certificate.

This really sets Preppy apart, as you get the best of both worlds – A University Certificate & Online Training.

Externship Opportunity For Clinical Experience 

You’ve probably wondered how you perform an electrocardiogram test (EKG Test) with an online program. Well, Preppy also takes care of that.

An externship opportunity is included with their program. Through an externship, they will place you at a local healthcare facility near your location. They offer externships throughout the US, so you should get one, irrespective of where you live.

Thanks to Preppy, you’ll have priceless hands-on clinical experience even before you start working as an EKG Tech.

Apart from that, they have other features like –

  • Prepare you’re for National EKG Technician Certifications.
  • Free Laptop
  • No Hidden Fees

Check Out Preppy’s EKG Technician Training Program >>


About the Author
Grant founded OnlineDegree.com with a purpose-driven mission: make college accessible and affordable for everyone. After graduating college with an overwhelming amount of debt, he was determined to change how students embark on their education. He's a frequent speaker and author in higher education, and has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader's Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.