Trade Schools
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by cardiovascular technologists and technicians in California was 84,520, higher than the national average for workers in this profession.
Salaries vary depending on expertise, education, and a variety of other factors but becoming a Certified EKG technician can be the first step towards a rewarding career in healthcare.
The skills needed for this profession can be learned through a post-secondary training program that usually can be completed in only a few months.
Most EKG training programs include less than 100 hours of training and prepare students for a nationally recognized certification.
To help you choose the program that best meets your learning style, budget, and career aspirations, on this page, we have compiled information about the best EKG technician schools in California.
Our selection includes weekday and weekend programs as well as programs that are available fully online and can be completed by students at their own pace.
After completing an EKG Technician program, you are ready for employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, private practices, and other healthcare settings.
1Cal State East Bay
About the School
Cal State East Bay gives students the opportunity to choose from a wide range of degree and certificate programs.
Courses Offered
Among many other career training programs, Cal State East Bay offers a program that prepares students for certification as EKG Technicians.
This program provides students with the skills they need to make an impact in this healthcare profession.
During their training, EKG technician students learn about the anatomy and physiology of the heart, medical disease processes, and terminology, electrocardiography, and echocardiography.
The program also covers medical ethics and legal aspects of patient contact.
Graduates are prepared to take national certification examinations sponsored by the National Healthcareer Association.
Classes are taught by a faculty with extensive experience in EKG and cardiac medicine.
During hands-on labs, students are introduced to the function and proper use of the EKG machine, the normal anatomy of the chest wall for proper lead placement, and other clinical practices.
Contact Information
- Address: 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, SF 102, Hayward, CA 94542
- Phone: (800) 730-2784
- Website: https://ce.csueastbay.edu
2California State University Long Beach
About the School
California State University Long Beach has provided academic programs for more than 70 years.
Among many other career paths, the university offers an EKG Technician program that leads to a Certificate.
The program is delivered in hybrid and self-paced online formats.
The 50-hour EKG Technician program prepares students to become EKG Technicians.
The program covers a variety of skills, including monitoring and recording electrical impulses transmitted by the heart.
The course also includes 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.
The course is not offered for academic credit and is not degree-eligible.
Courses Offered
The EKG Technician program outline includes:
- 12-Lead Electrocardiography
- Electrophysiology
- Waves and Measurements
- Analyzing EKG Rhythm Strips
- Identifying Rhythms using the 12-Lead EKG
- Pacemakers
- Holter Monitoring and the Echocardiogram
- Lab Skills
Contact Information
- Address: 6300 E. State University Dr. Suite 104, Long Beach, California 90815
- Website: https://www.cpie.csulb.edu
3California Medical College
About the School
California Medical College offers a variety of medical certification training programs.
The EKG Technician program available at California Medical College can be completed in as few as twelve months.
The objective of this course is to provide graduates with the skills and knowledge that qualify them for work as ECG/EKG Technicians or Telemetry Technicians in a medical facility, physician’s office, clinic, or rehabilitation center.
After completing this program, students are prepared to take national certification exams.
Courses Offered
The ECG/EKG Technician course covers the role of an EKG in the healthcare industry, as well as the responsibilities associated with this career.
Students also learn:
- Key terminology relating to the heart and its basic anatomy and physiology
- An understanding of how an EKG uses electrical conduction to get readings of the function of the heart
The course is taught on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for each session.
The 64-credit hour course is broken down into 52 hours of lecture/theory and 12 hours of clinical/lab work.
Contact Information
- Address: 7851 Mission Center Court, Suite #326, San Diego, CA 92108
- Phone: (858) 357-8800
- Website: https://californiamedicalcollege.edu
4Pasadena City College
About the School
Pasadena City College offers an Electrocardiogram Technician program that prepares individuals for entry-level employment opportunities as EKG Technicians.
The course focuses on the basic principles of performing and recording electrocardiograms in the medical office or acute care clinical setting.
Pasadena City College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Courses Offered
Future EKG Technicians learn how to:
- Perform electrocardiograms
- Recognize abnormal heart rhythms
- Ensure appropriate lead placement when performing electrocardiograms
- Enter patient data into electronic health records or other patient data system
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and provide proof of high school graduation, GED, or Foreign Equivalency Report.
Contact Information
- Address: 1570 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91106
- Phone: 626 585 7123
- Website: https://pasadena.edu
5California State University San Marcos
About the School
California State University San Marcos offers a Certified EKG Technician program that is self-paced and can be completed in 12 months.
This program costs $2,095.
Students learn skills such as:
- Concepts of cardiac anatomy and physiology, infection control, and standard precautions
- Proper machine protocols and maintenance
- Electrocardiography interpretation of various types of EKGs
- Proper communication methods with clinical scenarios
Students become prepared to take the CET certification from NHA and receive a voucher after completing the course.
Courses Offered
The EKG Technician curriculum includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Medical Terminology
- Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, Pharmacology
- Ethics, Compliance, and Communication
- Safety and Patient Care
- Patient Vital Signs
- Electronic Medical Records
- EKG Equipment Settings and Supplies: Maintenance and Disinfection
- Patient Preparation and Positioning
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos, CA 92096
- Phone: 855.520.6806
- Website: https://careertraining.csusm.edu
6Cal Regional Career Accelerated Learning
About the School
Among many other programs, Cal Regional Career Accelerated Learning offers a California Online EKG Technician program.
This program costs $1,995 or less.
The program can be completed in 3-5 weeks.
Courses are offered 100% online.
Previous healthcare experience is highly recommended, though not required.
EKG Technician students learn:
- Proper use of an EKG machine, including how to prepare patients for cardiovascular testing
- In-depth understanding of electrocardiography and medical terminology
- How to analyze and calculate heart rates from a rhythm strip
- Detailed anatomy and physiology of the heart
Contact Information
- Address: 4820 Business Center Drive, Suite 100 Fairfield, CA 94534
- Phone: (800) 927-5159
- Website: https://calregional.com
7Critical Care Training Center
About the School
Critical Care Training Center offers an EKG Monitor technician course that is available fully online.
The course is designed for students who want to become certified EKG technicians and for those who are looking to enhance their careers in the healthcare industry.
The 50-hour program that prepares students for the EKG Technician profession is approved by NCCT and can be completed over six days.
The course equips students with the skills needed for the National Center for Competency Testing national EKG certification exam.
The course fee is $849.
The NHA test fee is $117.
Courses Offered
The EKG Monitor technician course includes the following classes:
- An introduction and orientation for EKG testing
- Cardiovascular physiology
- Cardiac cycle and electrical conduction system
- Preparation for a 12-lead EKG
- A review of sinus rhythms
- The 12-lead EKG placement, troubleshooting, and interpretation
- Knowledge of the function of the EKG department in a variety of settings
Contact Information
- Address: 6426 Bellingham Ave North Hollywood, CA 91606
- Phone: (818) 766 – 1111
- Website: https://acls123.com
8San Francisco State University
About the School
San Francisco State University offers an EKG Technician Online course through its College of Professional & Global Education.
The course prepares students to function as EKG technicians.
Among other topics, the curriculum covers the anatomy and physiology of the heart, medical disease process and terminology, medical ethics and legal aspects of patient contact, electrocardiography and echocardiography, EKG machine use, lead placement, and chest wall anatomy.
Students can take the course online, on their schedule.
The course costs $1,299 and can be completed in up to nine months.
Students have six months of access with a possible three-month extension.
Contact Information
- Address: SF State Downtown Campus: 160 Spear Street, 5th Floor, San Francisco, California 94105
- Phone: (415) 405-7700
- Website: https://cpage.sfsu.edu
9DAS Career and Education Center
About the School
DAS Career and Education Center offers an Electrocardiogram Technician program that prepares students to take the National Certification exam by the National Competency testing or the National Health Career Association exam.
This 50-hour program offers theory and practical hands-on training.
Courses Offered
Electrocardiogram Technician students take classes such as:
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Heart
- Rhythm Interpretation
- Stress Testing
- Electrocardiography
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Ethics and Legal Aspects of Patient Contacts
- And more
This program costs approximately $999.
Program costs include books and administrative fees.
Contact Information
- Address: Downey Adult School, 12340 Woodruff Ave, Downey, CA 90241
- Phone: (562) 940-6200
- Website: https://www.das.edu
10BAMA Institute
About the School
Bama Institute offers hands-on training, real-world experience, and courses taught by caring instructors.
The institute’s healthcare career training programs are created in partnership with employers.
Courses Offered
The EKG Technician program available at BAMA Institute is a 60-hour course that leads to a nationally recognized certification.
Students may choose between weekday and weekend schedules.
They also have the option of attending an 80 to 180-hour externship.
The estimated total charges for the entire program add up to $1,725.
The EKG Technician program is available in San Francisco and San Jose.
To qualify for admission into the program applicants need:
- A high school diploma, GED, or higher-level degree
- A sealed official transcript
Contact Information
- Address: 530 Bush St. Suite 201, San Francisco, CA 94108
- Phone: 415-508-5404
- Website: https://bama-institute.com
Regional Salary in California
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA | 90 | $85,950 | $41.32 | $119,730 | $47,610 |
| Chico, CA | 30 | $95,980 | $46.15 | $132,570 | $50,520 |
| Fresno, CA | 180 | $69,540 | $33.44 | $119,000 | $45,240 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 1,570 | $87,870 | $42.25 | $138,760 | $49,320 |
| Modesto, CA | 60 | $95,180 | $45.76 | $160,770 | $50,160 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 60 | $109,150 | $52.48 | $159,380 | $51,240 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 470 | $73,990 | $35.57 | $119,520 | $40,150 |
| Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA | 330 | $93,820 | $45.11 | $150,990 | $49,080 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | 470 | $83,390 | $40.09 | $141,850 | $48,010 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | 520 | $113,680 | $54.65 | $205,250 | $60,820 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 280 | $106,980 | $51.43 | $215,270 | $59,650 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 70 | $68,300 | $32.84 | $113,780 | $46,360 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | 40 | $94,510 | $45.44 | $132,890 | $59,540 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 40 | $80,500 | $38.7 | $118,500 | $47,010 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | ** | $95,070 | $45.71 | $159,300 | $47,360 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you want to start a rewarding career in healthcare, becoming a Certified EKG Technician can be the first step.
Now that you have read our list of ten of the best EKG Technician training programs in California is time to continue the research and decide if this is the path you want to pursue and what school will help you get started.
