EKG Cardiac Telemetry Technician Training Program
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) technicians operate specialized medical equipment to obtain diagnostic cardiac information for physicians. In just a few months, you could be a member of the medical profession conducting EKG diagnostic tests needed by physicians to save lives.
If you have questions or you would like to receive information by email, please complete the contact form below.
More about EKG technicians
Most EKG technicians have full-time positions in hospitals. They can also work in doctors' offices, medical labs, and clinics. The job requires energy because they often stand and help patients with disabilities get ready for an EKG. They might work during the day, evening, or on weekends since hospitals always need testing.
In 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that job openings for cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technicians, will increase 10% from 2016 to 2026 – faster than the average rate of other occupations. One reason for the increase is the large baby boomer population ages. As they age, the demand will increase for diagnostic cardiac testing to assess various heart conditions.
At GTCC, you can complete the EKG training program in just under two months, inclusive of 96 clock hours. Your studies will cover cardiac anatomy and physiology, heart disease, pacemakers, medical terminology, and ethics. You would gain practical training in the operation and maintenance of EKG equipment.
Additionally, you would practice using 12-lead electrodes and interpreting EKG strips that provide data on heart performance. You may also learn about Holter monitors and cardiac stress testing. Graduates of approved training programs are eligible to sit for a national certification examination. Most employers prefer or require this certification. Beginning pay is $16 to $18 per hour.
If you have questions or you would like to receive information by email, please complete the contact form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Enrollment for the course will be capped at 20 students to create an intimate learning environment. Students must have their high school diploma or equivalent (GED) as well as a Social Security card. Experience in the health care field is recommended but not required.
You MUST have a desktop computer or a laptop computer to complete coursework. The required coursework may NOT be completed using a phone. You will receive instructions for setting up your gtcc.edu email and how to access the Canvas course room from your instructor about a week out from the start of class. You are encouraged to look for this email and if you do not find it in your inbox, be sure to check your junk or spam folder.
EKG Technician Class Schedule
Course Code: ICV-3111-T20
First Class Date: 1/14/2025 (must attend from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm in H4 129)
Last Class Date: 3/7/2025
Meeting Days: Monday – Friday
Hours: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Campus: High Point Campus (901 South Main Street, High Point, NC 27260)
Building: H4 – Entertainment Tech Bldg.
Room: 129
Course work will be asynchronous online on these dates: 1/15, 1/16, 1/17, 1/22, 1/23, 1/24, 1/27, 1/29, 1/30, 1/31, 2/3, 2/6, 2/7, 2/12, 2/13, 2/19, 2/20, 2/26On Campus face-to-face dates on the High Point Campus in H4 129 will be: 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/5, 2/10, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/7Clinical Times may vary and students MUST be flexible (no exceptions)! The Clinical dates will be: 2/27, 2/28, 3/3, 3/4, 3/5, 3/6
OR
Course Code: ICV-3111-T21
First Class Date: 1/14/2025 (must attend from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm in H4 129)
Last Class Date: 3/7/2025
Meeting Days: Monday – Friday
Hours: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Campus: High Point Campus (901 South Main Street, High Point, NC 27260)
Building: H4 – Entertainment Tech Bldg.
Room: 129
Course work will be asynchronous online on these dates: 1/15, 1/16, 1/17, 1/22, 1/23, 1/24, 1/27, 1/29, 1/30, 1/31, 2/3, 2/6, 2/7, 2/12, 2/13, 2/19, 2/20, 2/26On Campus face-to-face dates on the High Point Campus in H4 129 will be: 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/5, 2/10, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/7Clinical Times may vary and students MUST be flexible (no exceptions)! The Clinical dates will be: 2/27, 2/28, 3/3, 3/4, 3/5, 3/6
OR
Course Code: ICV-3111-T22
First Class Date: 1/28/2025 (must attend from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm in H4 129)
Last Class Date: 3/24/2025
Meeting Days: Monday – Friday
Hours: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Campus: High Point Campus (901 South Main Street, High Point, NC 27260)
Building: H4 – Entertainment Tech Bldg.
Room: 129
Course work will be asynchronous online on these dates: 1/29, 1/30, 1/31, 2/5, 2/6, 2/7, 2/10, 2/12, 2/13, 2/14, 2/17, 2/19, 2/20, 2/21, 2/24, 2/26, 2/27, 3/10On Campus face-to-face dates on the High Point Campus in H4 129 will be: 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/3, 3/4, 3/5, 3/6, 3/7, 3/24Clinical Times may vary and students MUST be flexible (no exceptions)! The Clinical dates will be: 3/12, 3/13, 3/14, 3/17, 3/18, 3/19, 3/20
Your instructor will work to accommodate your schedule to the best of their ability so that you will be able to attend clinical.
To register
To register, click this link: https://selfservice.gtcc.edu/Student/InstantEnrollment/Search?keyword=ICV-3111.
Cost for this course:
Registration: $306.71 (financial aid is not available for the class because it is a non-credit certificate course)
Required textbook: Cost is included in the registration fee. You will get the book on the first day of class.
Student ID: Students are REQUIRED to buy an ID badge for $5 with cash, check, or card at the cashier's office on each campus.
NOTE: The evening class students MUST come to campus (Greensboro or Jamestown) during the day because the cashier's offices close at 5 p.m
Students are required to get the following vaccinations as you will be asked to turn these in to your instructor within the first week of class. These are mandatory with no exceptions. You will not be allowed to complete the course without these.
- Negative TB skin test OR negative Quantiferon blood test OR negative chest x-ray within the past year
- Flu vaccination (if in class between Sept. 1 and March 1)
Dress code
This applies to the entirety of the course beginning on the first day through graduation.
Clothing:
- Light blue or dark gray scrubs. Scrubs must be clean, neat, and professional in appearance.
- Solid color socks (must pass the ankles).
- Non-porous, closed-toe, closed-heel shoes (may be black, gray, or white).
- Hair must be up, off shoulders, and not touching your collar. Hair must be a naturally occurring color.
- Fingernails must not pass fingertips. No artificial nails may be worn for infection prevention. No fingernail polish may be worn.
- No outerwear except a nursing scrub jacket in the same color as your scrubs.
- No head covering except religious attire.
- GTCC name badge visible above the waist and worn daily on campus and to clinicals.
- Jewelry must not pose a safety or infection control hazard for students or clients. One pair of stud earrings in the earlobe is allowed. Hand jewelry is limited to two rings symbolizing commitment.
- Visible tattoos, body art, and body marks must not be disruptive, offensive, inflammatory, or inciting as determined by the Health Careers Administration or Clinical Site Administration.
Your instructor has the final say on the appropriateness of your attire. If they deem your presentation to be unprofessional, you will be sent home to correct it, which will affect the attendance policy.
Attendance policy:
- The attendance policy is very strict. You may be dismissed from the program if you are absent more than once or are tardy more than three times during the Theory and Clinical portions of the class. You will be dismissed if you are more than five minutes late or absent during clinical.
- You will be given one multiple-choice question final exam. You must score an 80% on the final to receive your certificate.
- You must be able to accept constructive criticism, control your temper, and follow directions carefully.
- Disrespectful, interruptive, disruptive, or impatient behavior toward the instructors, fellow students, staff, or clinical staff will not be tolerated at any time.
- You may be dismissed if the instructor suspects you are a safety risk in clinical.
- You may be dismissed if you are caught cheating or suspected of alcohol or drug use on campus or before class.
- If you are dismissed from a class for any reason, you are not eligible for a refund.
- Disability Services: The NA 1 Departmental Staff wants all students to be successful. If you have any special needs, please contact the Disability Access Services department before starting your class so that arrangements can be made for the first day. Please call 336-334-4822, ext. 50113.
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) or (ESL): If you feel you need assistance with comprehension of the English language, you may call 336-334-4822, ext. 53107. This is highly encouraged before enrolling in an NA 1 course.
- Learning Resource Centers: As a student in the NA 1 training program, you have access to the Learning Resource Centers on all three campus locations.
- Veterans’ Center: If you think you are eligible for VA/Military Education Benefits, please contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-GIBILL1 or 888-442-4551. Eligibility is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs, not GTCC. For more information, contact Flora Taylor at 336-334-4822, ext. 50521.
Veterans and active duty military personnel with special circumstances are welcome and encouraged to communicate these to your instructor or any member of the NA Training Program Administration. Thank you for your service to our country.