How to Become an EKG Technician in Arizona

Cardiographic Technicians (EKG Technicians) are vital in clinical settings, often aiding with diagnostic testing.

They help doctors assess patients’ cardiovascular problems and play a crucial role.

Becoming an EKG technician requires training, which includes coursework and clinical hours.

Below, we’ll show you how to become an EKG Technician in Arizona and everything you need to know.

Licensing Requirements to Become

To become an EKG technician, you must first meet the minimum requirements to attend a training program.

The requirements are set on the federal level and are prerequisites to continuing education. 

Here are the general requirements:

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

Next, applicants must attend an accredited state course for EKG Technician training.

The course ranges anywhere from 60 to 80 hours. It is designed to prepare students to take the Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) exam.

Students are expected to pass the course with a minimum score of 80%.

Otherwise, students will need to retake the course.

Alternatively, Arizona allows students to test for the CCT exam if they have one year of on-the-job experience for the past three years.

In addition, applicants must have ten successful EKGs on their record.

Those who complete these requirements may sit for the state CCT exam without attending a training course.

Applicants must pass the CCI National Certification exam to become a licensed EKG Technician. 

5 EKG Technician Schools in Arizona

Oquirrh Mountain Phlebotomy School LLC

The Oquirrh Mountain Phlebotomy School LLC is offering EKG Technician training.

The course is an in-person class at school.

Pricing is $250 for the course and a $45 national exam fee.

Registration must be done either on their website or over the phone. 

There is a $100 deposit required to register.

The deposit is non-refundable after three business days after registration.

So, it’s best to keep that in mind.

The course covers a wide variety of subjects including:

• Coronary Anatomy and Physiology
• Electrophysiology
• Lead Placement
• Heart Rate Calculation
• Technical Aspects
• Heart Rate Calculation
• Basics of Rhythms Strip Interpretation
• Commonly seen Heart Rhythms
• Basic of Cardiac Pharmacology
• Introduction to Diagnostic Electrocardiography

Resilient Healthcare Academy

The Resilient Healthcare Academy in Phoenix, Arizona, offers an EKG training program.

The course lasts approximately two weeks and features a hybrid learning method.

The application fee for the class is $150, with tuition costing $750.

Students can learn self-paced if they complete the class within the given period.

There are 60 hours in the program, and they go over the basics.

Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to learn:

• Cardiovascular Terminology
• Anatomy 
• Physiology
• Maintenance of Equipment

Central Arizona College

The Central Arizona College offers an online self-paced course to become a Certified EKG Technician.

The course will prepare students to apply for the Certified EKG Technician (CET) certificate exam run by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

In total, the course takes 170 hours and lasts 12 months.

Attendance costs $2,490, but there are times when the course is offered at 20% off.

The discount brings the cost to $1,995.

Students are expected to complete the course within the given time.

Otherwise, they will need to repeat the course and pay for the class again.

During this course, you will learn:

• Concepts of Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology
• Proper Machine Protocols and Maintenance
• Electrocardiography Interpretation
• Proper Communication Methods

LifeWork Medical Training Institution

The Medical Training Institution has locations in Phoenix and Tuscon, Arizona.

The classes are in-person and are instructed.

Classes are offered in the evenings, Monday through Thursday, from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm.

They also offer classes on the weekends, Saturday and Sunday, from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. 

Program costs include a total of $1,200.

The breakdown of fees includes course tuition for $900, a registration fee of $200, and a technology fee of $50.

In addition, students will be charged a $50 supply fee for lab supplies.

There are multiple payment options, so ask about that when applying.

The curriculum offers the following:

• 12 Lead EKG Testing
• Evaluate and Interpret Electrocardiograms
• Holter Monitoring and Stress Testing Techniques
• Cardiovascular Anatomy and Physiology
• Hypertrophy and Englargement of the Heart
• Arrhythmias
• And more.

Altrain Medical and Dental Assisting Academy LLC

Altrain Medical and Dental Assisting Academy LLC is located in Glendale, Arizona.

It’s a two-week program that is composed of 20 course hours.

The program is offered in either a hybrid or blended method of teaching.

The cost of the program is $950, which includes $625 of tuition and a $125 testing fee.

There is also a $200 registration fee that is non-refundable.

Students will not be able to get a refund after three days.

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 base salary in Arizona is $52,264, with the low-end making $43,801 and the high-end making $61,157. 

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Phoenix	$42,300
Tucson	$40,600
Mesa	$42,300
Glendale	$42,300
Scottsdale	$42,300
Chandler	$42,300
Tempe	$42,300
Gilbert	$42,300
Peoria	$42,200
Yuma	$43,500

Regional Salary in Arizona

* Salary information based on the May 2023 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

Where do EKG techs get paid the most in Arizona?

EKG technicians get paid the most if they work at outpatient care centers.

However, an EKG technician can work in a variety of places.

The pay will also depend on experience and location.

Is becoming an EKG tech hard in Arizona?

Becoming an EKG technician is not difficult, but it takes dedication.

Each program will require a different amount of work.

So, it’s important to weigh if you have enough time to grasp the concepts fully.

What is the best place to get EKG training in Arizona?

The best place to get EKG training in Arizona is in Phoenix.

There are a handful of different programs with different learning options (hybrid, remote, etc).

In addition, Phoenix has reasonably priced programs that are nationally accredited.

EKG Technician Info by State