If you have never worked in healthcare, EKG technician classes for beginners are one of the quickest ways to learn a real clinical skill. In a few weeks you can learn to place 12-lead electrodes, record a clean tracing and prepare for the NHA Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam. This guide covers what EKG technicians do, what beginner classes teach, and how the program at DMS Care Training Center in Carrollton (Dallas area) works.
- Format: hybrid, with online coursework and hands-on EKG practice in Carrollton
- Length: 90 hours, about 6 weeks
- Exam prep: six full practice exams included
- Certification: prepares you for the NHA Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam
- Tuition: $1,500, plus a separate $50 registration fee
What does an EKG technician do?
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) records the electrical activity of the heart. Doctors use it to check for rhythm problems, signs of a heart attack and other conditions. The EKG technician's job is to produce a clear, accurate recording so the provider can read it. On a typical day, an EKG technician:
- Identifies the patient and explains the test in simple words
- Prepares the skin and places 10 electrodes for a 12-lead EKG
- Runs the EKG machine and checks the tracing for artifact
- Repeats the test when a lead is loose or the patient moves
- Sets up Holter monitors or helps with stress tests in some settings
- Documents and sends results according to facility policy
EKG technicians do not diagnose heart conditions. But they do need to recognize when a tracing looks abnormal or unsafe, so they can alert the nurse or provider right away.
What beginner EKG classes teach
You do not need a medical background to start. A good beginner course builds from the basics to hands-on performance.
1. Heart basics
You learn the anatomy of the heart and how blood flows through it, the cardiac conduction system, and the medical terms you will hear every day.
2. Lead placement and recording
You learn where each limb and chest lead goes (V1 to V6), how to prepare the skin, how to position patients who cannot lie flat, and how to operate the EKG machine.
3. Reading a clean tracing
You learn the parts of the waveform (P wave, QRS complex, T wave), normal sinus rhythm, common arrhythmias, and how to spot and fix artifact from movement, loose electrodes or electrical interference.
4. Patient care and safety
You learn infection control, patient privacy, professional communication, and what to do in an emergency. Every DMS student also completes AHA BLS (CPR) certification.
How the DMS EKG Technician program works
The program is designed for beginners with busy lives. You study the academic content online at your own pace, then come to our Carrollton campus for hands-on EKG practice with a nurse instructor.
To qualify for the NHA CET exam, you need to complete training and document live EKGs on real people (NHA currently asks for 10 successful EKGs; check the NHA website for current rules). DMS reviews your clinical procedure requirements and exam eligibility with you before you schedule the exam. As an NHA partner school, we help eligible students schedule it.
Books can be shipped for $12 or picked up at DMS at no charge.
How to start: 5 steps
- Check admission requirements. A government-issued photo ID and a high school diploma or GED, or the NHA provisional pathway for current high school students. Students under 18 need parent or guardian consent. See admission requirements.
- Apply and register. Complete the application form and pay the $50 registration fee.
- Enroll and start online. Pay tuition for the EKG Technician program; your coursework opens in My Courses.
- Complete hands-on practice and BLS. Book your skills session on the skills schedule and complete AHA BLS ($95 if needed).
- Take the NHA CET exam. Use the six practice exams to prepare, then schedule your exam. Exam fees are separate.
Is EKG training worth it?
EKG technicians work in hospitals, cardiology practices, physician offices, urgent care clinics and outpatient diagnostic centers. EKG skills are also valuable add-ons: many employers look for Patient Care Technicians, medical assistants and phlebotomists who can also run a 12-lead EKG.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups EKG technicians with cardiovascular technologists and technicians, a broad category that reported a median pay of $74,310 per year in May 2025. That category includes advanced roles with more education, so it is not a starting wage for EKG-only positions. Entry-level pay depends on the employer, location and your other credentials.
If you are paying for training yourself, ask about payment options. DMS is a WIOA eligible training provider, and military spouses may qualify for MyCAA (SpouseWorks) funding.
Why beginners choose DMS
- RN-led instruction from a school founded by a registered nurse with 17+ years in U.S. hospitals
- 92% of DMS students pass their certification exam on the first attempt
- Approved by the Texas Workforce Commission (Career School #E6316), NHA partner school (#411269) and AHA Training Site
- Students ages 16 to 70, with support in English, Korean and Spanish
Frequently asked questions
Can I become an EKG technician with no experience?
Yes. Beginner classes start with heart basics and medical terms. You need a high school diploma or GED (or an eligible high school pathway) and a photo ID.
How long are EKG technician classes?
The DMS EKG Technician program is 90 hours and usually takes about 6 weeks.
Can I take EKG classes online?
The coursework is online, but placing electrodes and recording EKGs must be practiced in person. DMS combines both.
What is the difference between EKG and ECG?
There is no difference. Both mean electrocardiogram; EKG comes from the German spelling and is common in U.S. hospitals.
Start your EKG technician training
Coursework opens after you register. Talk with an advisor about your start date, skills session and payment options.
Enroll in EKG (CET) See program detailsQuestions? Call 469-237-9852 · 1933 E Frankford Rd, Suite 165, Carrollton, TX 75007 · Mon–Sat, 9 AM–5 PM
Pay source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians (May 2025 data). Certification requirements: National Healthcareer Association.
