Program Description

Our EKG Technician Online program gives you immediate access to the NHA national EKG curriculum the moment you enroll. Work through 80 hours of self-paced online theory — covering EKG fundamentals, rhythm interpretation, lead placement, and real-world clinical application — entirely on your own schedule.

Once you have completed your 80 hours of online coursework, log in to your Student Portal to view upcoming lab dates and reserve your spot. Lab sessions are offered twice monthly at our San Diego Learning Lab — you choose the date that works best for your schedule.

After completing both the online theory and the hands-on lab, you are eligible to sit for the NHA EKG national certification exam, administered on-campus at Western Medical Training Center.

This program does not include an orientation session, CPR certification, or externship. If you are looking for a more comprehensive experience that includes those components, see our EKG Technician Hybrid program.

What is an EKG Technician?

An EKG (electrocardiogram) technician is responsible for conducting diagnostic tests to monitor the electrical activity of patients' hearts. Their duties include preparing patients for the procedure, applying electrodes to specific locations on the patient's body, operating electrocardiograph machines to record heart activity, performing various types of EKG tests, and ensuring the accuracy and clarity of recorded data. While they do not interpret EKG results themselves, EKG technicians assist healthcare providers by organizing test results and maintaining accurate records for review. They play a crucial role in assisting healthcare professionals in diagnosing and monitoring heart conditions.

Where Can I Work?

EKG technicians have a range of employment opportunities across various healthcare settings where cardiac monitoring and diagnostic testing are conducted.

Program Structure

1. Online Self-Paced Theory (80 Hours) — Gain immediate access to the NHA national EKG curriculum upon enrollment. Work through structured online modules at your own pace, covering EKG theory and clinical application, rhythm interpretation, real-world case scenarios, and exam preparation. There are no scheduled class sessions — complete your hours on your own timeline.

2. In-Person Hands-On Lab (4 Hours) — Once your 80 hours of online coursework are complete, log in to your Student Portal to view posted lab dates and reserve your session. Sessions are offered twice monthly at our San Diego Learning Lab. This instructor-led session covers hands-on lead placement, EKG machine operation, rhythm recognition, simulated patient interaction, and clinical professionalism.

3. NHA Certification Exam — After completing both the online theory and the hands-on lab, you are eligible to sit for the NHA EKG national certification exam. WMTC administers the exam on-campus.

San Diego Campus — In-Person Lab Required

The 4-hour hands-on lab must be completed in person at our San Diego Learning Lab. Please do not enroll in this program unless you are able to attend one in-person lab session in San Diego.

Lab sessions are offered twice monthly, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Once enrolled, access your Student Portal to view upcoming dates and reserve your session — lab sign-up is not available through the enrollment form.

Looking for More? See the EKG Hybrid Program

The EKG Technician Hybrid program ($1,900) includes everything in the Online program plus a twice-monthly in-person Orientation with CPR/BLS Certification, ongoing instructor-led support, and an 80-hour supported clinical externship to strengthen your resume and prepare you for the job market.

If you want hands-on clinical experience and a more guided path to employment, the Hybrid program may be the better fit.

Program Dates

How It Works: After enrolling, you will be registered for an orientation session where you will get set up and ready to go. From there, you work through the curriculum individually at your own pace. Please allow 24 business hours for your account to be set up after enrollment. You will receive an invitation to log in to your NHA account by email once your account is ready. When registering with NHA you will be asked when you plan to complete your program — you are welcome to enter any date, as this is simply an NHA reporting tool and does not affect your access or timeline.

On-Campus NHA Test Dates