Self-Paced Online EKG Technician

Certificate Program

Prerequisite: High school diploma or GED equivalent.

This 50-hour self-paced online program will prepare you to become an EKG technician, which involves monitoring and recording electrical impulses transmitted by the heart. This program prepares you to take the National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) exam.

This course includes important background information on the anatomy and physiology of the heart, medical disease processes, medical terminology, medical ethics, legal aspects of patient contact, electrocardiography, and stress testing. You will learn the proper use of the EKG machine and other clinical practices.

Once you’ve earned our certificate of completion, this certificate only qualifies you to take the National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) exam. This exam is separate from our program and costs an estimated $140.

This program is presented in partnership with a third-party provider and is not taught by California State University, Long Beach faculty. The course is not offered for academic credit and is not degree-eligible. 

  • Self-motivated and disciplined students
  • Individuals interested in becoming a certified EKG technician
  • Individuals interested in working in health care
  • Roles of the EKG technician
  • Functions of the EKG department in a variety of settings including hospital, clinic, office, and mobile service
  • Medical terminology related to electrocardiography
  • Anatomy of the heart, conduction system, and circulation of the heart and blood vessels
  • Electrical conduction system of the heart and the cardiac cycle (electric system)
  • Preparing a patient for a 12-lead EKG
  • EKG strip analysis (P, Q, R, S, T wave form interpretation) and basic EKG interpretation
  • A review of normal sinus rhythm, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, etc.
  • The 12-lead EKG placement and interpretation and troubleshooting
  • Successfully complete all online sections and assignments

Schedule

This course offers open enrollments—just enroll and start when you are ready!