If you have ever imagined yourself offering life-saving care and support for patients in Illinois medical facilities like hospitals, clinics, private practices, and surgery centers – starting a career as an EKG technician could be the right pathway for you!
Our guide provides a detailed overview of what it takes to become an EKG technician in Illinois.
We also offer information on five local schools offering certification-based training and education.
Table of Contents
- Licensing Requirements to Become an EKG Technician in Illinois
- 5 EKG Technician Schools in Illinois
- Illinois EKG Technician – Salary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- EKG Technician Info by State
Licensing Requirements to Become an EKG Technician in Illinois
There are no official licensing or certification requirements needed to work as an EKG technician in Illinois.
However, most medical employers in the state will give preference to trained and certified technicians with hands-on experience in the field.
5 EKG Technician Schools in Illinois
The Illinois EKG schools listed below offer certification-based training from the following nationally recognized agencies.
- Cardiac Credentialing International: Certified Cardiographic Technician
- National Healthcareer Association: Certified EKG Technician
University of Illinois at Springfield EKG
About the School
The University of Illinois Springfield campus offers a series of allied health training programs that put students on track for national certification and working in Illinois’ vast healthcare system.
Their online EKG training program prepares students to administer and interpret the results of electrocardiogram tests in medical facilities statewide.
Courses Offered
- Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology
- EKG Analysis
- Medical Terminology
- NHA Certification Test Prep
Contact Information
- Address: One University Plaza, Springfield, Illinois – 62703
- Website: Link
- Phone: 855-520-6806
- Program Costs: $1,995.00 – NHA Test Voucher and Monthly Payment Plan Available.
Chicago School of Phlebotomy – EKG
About the School
The Chicago School of Phlebotomy offers a fast-paced, hands-on EKG training program that Chicago-area students can complete in as few as six weeks.
Their intensive program prepares students to administer 12-lead EKGs, accurately review the results, and provide compassionate patient care.
They require students to have a high school diploma or equivalent as an entry requirement for their year-round programs with an average of six sessions per year.
Courses Offered
- 12-Lead EKG Administration
- Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology
- Holter and Telemetry Monitoring
- Patient Care and Advising
Contact Information
- Address: 932 North Wright Street, Naperville, Illinois – 60563
- Website: Link
- Phone: 847-886-9873
- Program Costs: $500.00 + Fees: Registration, Laboratory, Books, Supplies
College of Dupage – EKG
About the School
EKG trainees taking certification classes at the College of Dupage will learn how to use the latest principles and techniques for recording the electrical activities of the heart.
Their non-invasive EKG program is employment-focused and designed to equip students with the basic skills needed to work as entry-level EKG professionals in local healthcare settings.
CODs program follows the Certified Cardiographic Technician certification track which is administered through CCI.
Courses Offered
- Biomedical Terminology
- Electrical Conduction System of the Heart
- Holter Monitor Testing
- Stress Testing
Contact Information
- Address: 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, Illinois – 60137
- Website: Link
- Phone: 630-342-2800
- Program Costs: $1,295.00 + Books, Course, Lab, Criminal Background, and Drug Testing Fees.
Triton College – EKG
About the School
Triton College gives its EKG students a comprehensive education in administering life-saving electrocardiography services in Illinois.
Their 60-credit hour program teaches students how to administer 12-lead EKGs using the latest EKG technologies and equipment.
Triton’s campus-based program features an immersive clinical component where students practice their skills at partnering area medical facilities.
Courses Offered
- Basic EKG Administration
- Holter Monitoring
- Medical Ethics
- NHA Test Preparation
Contact Information
- Address: 2000 Fifth Avenue, River Grove, Illinois – 60171
- Website: Link
- Phone: 708-456-0600 x 3500
- Program Costs: $999.00 + Textbook, registration, and technology fees.
Rock Valley College at Rockford 
About the School
Rock Valley College offers a four-month web-based program teaching students the fundamental skills needed to work as EKG technicians in Illinois medical facilities and clinics.
Students will learn the practical skills needed to conduct electrocardiogram testing exams as part of medical diagnostic procedures.
Trainees who complete the program will understand how to read EKG rhythm strips and be prepared to pass national certification exams administered by the NHA.
This online program includes access to an optional externship where students practice on-the-job training.
Courses Offered
- Electrophysiologic Principles of Cardiac Conduction
- EKG Interpretation: Rhythm Strips
- Medical Terminology
- NHA Test Prep
Contact Information
- Address: Rockford, Illinois – 61114
- Website: Link
- Phone: 888-574-6218
- Program Costs: $1094.00 + supplies and fees. Monthly payment plans are available.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Illinois at Springfield EKG | One University Plaza Springfield, Illinois 62703, United States |
| College of Dupage - EKG | 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, United States |
| Chicago School of Phlebotomy - EKG | 932 N Wright St #168, Naperville, IL 60563, United States |
| Triton College - EKG | 2000 Fifth Ave River Grove, IL 60171, United States |
| Rock Valley College at Rockford | 3301 North Mulford Road Rockford, IL 61114, United States |
Illinois EKG Technician – Salary
Online salary reports show that local EKG technicians in Illinois make an average salary of around $44,000.00 per year.
Entry-level technicians with fewer years of experience and those working in rural areas may earn less than this average.
Salaries on the lower end of the scale come in at about: $34,539.00.
Top earners on the higher end of the salary scale make as much as $57,082.00 annually.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Chicago | $45,200 |
| Rockford | $42,200 |
| Aurora | $44,800 |
| Naperville | $44,400 |
| Peoria | $41,400 |
| Springfield | $40,500 |
| Joliet | $44,000 |
| Elgin | $44,500 |
| Waukegan | $42,800 |
| Cicero | $45,200 |
Regional Salary in Illinois
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 90 | $64,630 | $31.07 | $92,780 | $35,280 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 1,500 | $67,750 | $32.57 | $99,930 | $37,970 |
| Kankakee, IL | 30 | $60,000 | $28.84 | $89,560 | $37,260 |
| Peoria, IL | 150 | $57,640 | $27.71 | $99,270 | $34,950 |
| Rockford, IL | 60 | $68,960 | $33.15 | $94,240 | $35,230 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an EKG technician in Illinois?
EKG trainees in Illinois typically complete their education and certification requirements within four months to one year of enrollment.
Who licenses or certifies EKG technicians in Illinois?
EKG certification programs offered at Illinois colleges, universities, and trade schools follow the certification tracks laid out by the National Healthcareers Association and Cardiovascular Credentialing International.
How much do Illinois EKG technicians make?
Illinois EKG technicians make an average salary of about $44,000.00 per year.
EKG Technician Info by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
