EKG Technician

Certificate Program

Delivered in Self-Paced Online and Hybrid On-Campus Formats 

EKG technicians work in physician’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities and organizations. EKG technicians also work for insurance companies to provide data for health and life insurance policies. Similar to other growing healthcare professions, the demand for EKG technicians is expected to continue to grow substantially.

This program covers topics and processes critical to conducting and interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGs). To begin, learners will review the anatomy and physiology of the heart. From there, learners will go on to explore the technology used such as the EKG machine. Next, participants will learn how to interpret a rhythm strip. And finally, learners will discover the details of a myocardial infarction. Successful completion of this program will help prepare learners to perform the role of EKG technician.

This program is presented in partnership with a third-party provider and is not taught by California State University, Long Beach faculty. The course is not offered for academic credit and is not degree-eligible.

California State University programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate.

Choose one of the programs below to get started:

The hybrid format of this program combines the online curriculum with live Zoom lectures along with in-person lab sessions. This format will follow a set schedule that can be found on the program webpage.

The self-paced online format of this program does not meet live or in person. You will be given access to the materials online, and you can complete the program at your own pace and on your own schedule.

  • Basic electrophysiologic principles of cardiac conduction to anatomy and physiology
  • Proper placement of leads to ensure an accurate EKG reading
  • Analysis of EKG rhythm strips, identifying rate, rhythm and intervals
  • Technical aspects of the EKG machine
  • Terminology, types, and rhythm strips of pacemakers
  • Diagnostic electrocardiography
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Common cardiac medications

This program is offered in two separate delivery formats. The hybrid on-campus format has live online Zoom lectures with an instructor in real time, five in-person lab sessions that are held on campus, and asynchronous online curriculum. The self-paced online format does not meet live or in person, but a program coordinator is available to answer any questions you may have. 

Review the comparison below and select the option that best fits your schedule and learning style.

Comparison of Hybrid On-Campus and Self-Paced Online Program Formats
Hybrid On-Campus Self-Paced Online
Best For Students who want live instruction + hands-on lab experience Independent learners who need scheduling flexibility 
Schedule 50-hour set schedule in Spring, Summer & Fall semesters Open enrollment can start anytime
Location On-campus + online content Online video lessons
Support Live instructor/program coordinator, externship opportunities, laptops available 24/7 support + externship opportunities available
Lectures Live instructor-led Zoom sessions, recordings, and digital materials Asynchronous online curriculum only
Lab Sessions 5 in-person hands-on lab sessions on the CSULB campus None (no in-person meetings)
Outcome Certificate of Completion + national certification opportunity Certificate of Completion