How to Become an EKG Technician in Colorado

If you want to become a Cardiographic Technician (EKG) in Colorado, you’re in the right place.

Being an EKG can be extremely fulfilling, as you’ll be helping patients feel their best.

An EKG technician is responsible for administering EKG tests, preparing patients, and reporting findings to the doctor.

But before all of this, you’ll need to gain certification first.

Below, we’ll introduce you to everything you need to know to become an EKG technician in Colorado.

Licensing Requirements to Become

Becoming an EKG tech requires that you meet specific criteria before you can apply for a training program.

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and state laws set many of these requirements. 

Here are the requirements that you may need to meet:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 18 Years of Age
• Clean Background Check
• Negative Hepatitis Test
• Negative TB Test
• Immunization Records

Once students meet the requirements, they must apply to an EKG training program.

The program length varies based on factors such as degree level and education.

However, the average length of basic EKG training is 60 to 80 course hours.

Students must maintain good grades and pass the final exam to pass the program.

After finishing their EKG technician training program, students can apply for the NHA certificate exam.

The exam will test students’ knowledge of EKG subjects and, if passed, will provide EKG certification (CET).

4 Top EKG Technician Schools in Colorado

ECG Training Specialists

ECG Training Specialists is a nationwide company that provides EKG training.

The company is located in Colorado Springs, CO, and offers an in-person program.

Training is Monday through Friday, and classes are from 9 am until 1 pm.

Students who take this course can sit for the NHA’s CET exam.

Tuition costs vary depending on location, but this course is estimated at a total of $495.

This includes tuition of $175, a registration fee of $200, book supplies for $75, and an exam fee of $45.

Here are some of the topics covered in the program:

• Maintaining Diagnostic Imaging Equipment
• Becoming Proficient in Heart Health 
• Learning about Cardiovascular Anatomy
• Lead Placement
• Performing Live ECGs
• Recognize Abnormal Imaging
• Identifying Relevant Diagnostic Information

ECG Academy – University of Northern Colorado

The ECG Academy provides national education to those looking for EKG training.

Created by Dr. Nicholas Tullo, an award-winning cardiac electrophysiologist, there are plenty of videos and lectures to help students become certified.

Courses are offered online and also in person at specific campuses.

Attendance days vary by location, and so do costs.

You must contact ECG Academy directly for more information about the program.

Students can request information and purchase a membership, which can help them gain access to other resources.

E&S Academy

E&S Academy is an online course providing EKG technician training.

Tuition costs are a total of $500.

The course is 75 hours and is designed to help students sit for the NHA’s CET exam.

Students will need to complete 80 lessons, which span over four weeks.

Learning is self-paced, allowing students to complete each section at their convenience. 

Students will learn the following:

• Cardiac Arrhythmia Interpretation
• Electrophysiology
• Dysrhythmia Treatments
• Cardiovascular Physiology and Anatomy
• Lead Placement
• Troubleshooting
• EKG Grid Paper Analysis
• EKG Pattern in 12-leads
• Plotting EKG axes

Colorado Cardiac CPR

The Colorado Cardiac CPR is located in Littleton, CO, and provides EKG training from time to time.

Classes are listed on their website and are offered at the basic or advanced level.

Here, students can learn EKG/ECG interpretation and will be granted an 8-hour certificate through the Colorado Cardiac CPR.

The class’s tuition is $99, and students must purchase supplementary materials, such as textbooks.

The course covers the following:

• Difference between the use of 3- and 12-lead EKGs
• Critical interval measurements (PR interval, QRS duration, QTc)
• Bradycardias
• Tachycardias
• PEA/asystole
• Heart blocks
• Introduction to Physiology of EKGs
• Proper 12 lead placement
• Basic 12 Lead MI pattern recognition

The advanced EKG Interpretation class will have topics about the following:

• A brief review of 12 lead physiology and basic MI patterns.
• Electrolyte abnormalities
• Drug overdose patterns
• Atypical MI patterns
• Atypical MI mimics (pericarditis, pancreatitis, etc.)
• Right heart strain patterns (pulmonary embolism)
• Brugada, Wellen’s criteria and more

Salary

The average EKG Technician salary in the United States is $42,00, with the low-end making $33,530 and the high-end making $55,500.

The average salary in Colorado is $43,200, with the low-end making $33,839 and the high-end making $56,000.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Denver	$43,500
Colorado Springs	$42,600
Aurora	$43,500
Loveland	$42,000
Fort Collins	$42,000
Arvada	$43,500
Pueblo	$40,200
Westminster	$43,500
Boulder	$43,900
Castle Rock	$42,800

Regional Salary in Colorado

* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, OCC Code 29-2031, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are EKG Training Programs Difficult in Colorado?

EKG training is a lot of work but isn’t difficult.

You’ll pass if you’re willing to dedicate the hours to studying the coursework.

How do I become an EKG technician in Colorado?

You can become an EKG technician if you pass the minimum requirements, such as being over 18 and having a high school degree or GED.

In addition, you will need to complete an EKG training program or have one year of on-the-job experience for the past three years.

After performing ten successful EKGs, you can apply to the NHA’s CET exam, and if you pass, you will become certified.

Are there in-person or hybrid EKG training programs in Colorado?

Yes, Colorado has in-person, hybrid, and online training programs.

Depending on your area, you may or may not need to attend an online course.

EKG Technician Info by State