Trade Schools
EKG Technicians are responsible for performing non-invasive tests that help physicians diagnose and prevent cardiac issues.
Their job descriptions usually include operating and caring for test devices or equipment and explaining procedures and processes to patients.
Illinois residents who want to start a career in the healthcare industry without spending years in post-secondary education are invited to read our collection of top EKG training schools in their state.
Most programs prepare students to complete tasks such as:
- Evaluating a patient and explaining the procedures
- Verifying patients identity
- Performing EKGs
- Performing point-of-care testing
- Preparing test results for the doctor
Most programs take only a few months to complete and prepare you for entry-level employment in this industry.
After reading our list we invite you to continue your research and decide what program best meets your needs and career aspirations.
1Chicago School of Phlebotomy
About the School
Chicago School of Phlebotomy offers an EKG Technician program that can be completed in six weeks.
The program is available on-site and is designed for a beginner level.
Courses Offered
The EKG Technician curriculum is designed to train graduates in:
- Cardiac Anatomy
- Cardiac Physiology
- Electrical Conduction in the Heart
- 12-Lead EKG Administration
- Identification and Interpretation of EKG Tracings
- Holter and Telemetry Monitoring
- Patient Care and Advising
The program admission requirements include:
- Being 18 years of age or older
- Holding a high school diploma, GED, or International High School Diploma Equivalency
Tuition for this program is $500.
The registration fee is $50.
The laboratory fee is $150 while books and supplies cost $100.
Contact Information
- Address: 932 N. Wright St., Suite 168, Naperville, IL, 60563
- Phone: (847) 886-9873
- Website: https://www.chicagophleb.com
2American Society of Electrocardiogram Technicians
About the School
According to its website, the American Society of Electrocardiogram Technicians provides the most cost-effective, user-friendly certification experience available.
The school offers an EKG Certification program in Chicago, Illinois.
Its members have access to high-qualified national certification, and competency-based programs designed to be completed at their own pace.
Courses Offered
The program is comprised of 40-48 class hours and 20-40 clinical hours.
Classes typically enroll between 10 to 30 students.
To qualify for enrollment, prospective students need:
- High school diploma or GED
- Be over the age of 18
- Have a clean background check
- Negative Hepatitis test
- Negative TB test
- Immunization records
At the end of the program, graduates receive a Certificate of Completion.
Students learn how to complete tasks such as:
- Evaluating a patient and explaining procedures
- Verifying patients identity
- Performing EKG
- Performing point-of-care testing
- Preparing test results for the doctor
- Maintaining the area and equipment.
Contact Information
- Address: 1717 Pennsylvania Avenue Suite 1025, Washington D.C. 20006
- Phone: (888) 797-9354
- Website: https://ekgcert.org
3University of Illinois
About the School
Among many other academic programs and career paths, the University of Illinois offers a Certified EKG Technician program that prepares students for a career as an EKG Technician.
The asynchronous course trains students for employment in the healthcare field and prepares them for the National Healthcareer Association nationally recognized Certified EKG Technician certification exam.
Courses Offered
The Certified EKG Technician syllabus includes courses on topics such as:
- Introduction to Medical Terminology
- Introduction: EKG Technician
- Safety and Patient Care
- Patient Vital Signs
- Electronic Medical Records
- Patient Preparation and Positioning
- Lead Placement and Positioning
- Lead Placement and Artifacts
- Heart Electrical Physiology
- EKG Interpretation
- And many more
The program includes 170 course hours and can be completed in 12 months.
Contact Information
- Address: One University Plaza, Springfield, IL 62703
- Phone: 855.520.6806
- Website: https://careertraining.uis.edu
4Tukiendorf Training Institute
About the School
Tukiendorf Training Institute offers a wide range of in-demand medical certification courses as well as top-of-the-line educational guidance and advice.
The courses are offered by highly trained and experienced instructors.
Courses Offered
The institute provides an EKG Technician program.
The courses are designed to teach students the skills for performing electrocardiogram tests in hospitals and physician offices.
EKG Technician students will gain the following skills:
- Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system
- Be able to identify the phases of the cardiac cycle
- Demonstrate the ability to recognize normal and abnormal EKGs
- Be able to properly set up ECG equipment
- List the information included in the ECG report
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of the pharmacology of drugs commonly used in the treatment of cardiac disorders
Contact Information
- Address: 5310 N. Harlem Ave., Suite 209, Chicago, IL 60656
- Phone: 773.774.2222
- Website: https://ttimedicalschool.com
5Triton College
About the School
Triton College offers students a place to start, continue, or finish their education.
More than 120 degree and certificate programs are available.
Triton College has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1972.
Courses Offered
The EKG Technician program at Triton College teaches students how to perform basic EKGs, Holter Monitoring, 12-lead placement, and stress tests.
The comprehensive 60-hour EKG Technician Certification Program prepares students to function as EKG technicians and to take the NHA exam.
The course includes practice and background information on the anatomy of the heart and physiology, medical disease processes, medical terminology, medical ethics, legal aspects of patient contact, laboratory assisting, electrocardiography, and echocardiography.
The curriculum includes the following key areas:
- Role of EKG technician
- Introduction to medical terminology
- Medical terminology related to electrocardiography
- Anatomy of the heart and conduction system
- Circulation of the heart and blood vessels
- The electrical conduction system of the heart
- Cardiac cycle
- EKG strip analysis
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2000 Fifth Ave, River Grove, IL 60171
- Phone: 708.456.0300
- Website: https://www.triton.edu
6The Aquarius Institute
About the School
The Aquarius Institute offers training programs designed to provide students with practical implementation of skills and preparation for industry.
Among many other programs, the institute provides an Ultrasound/Sonography Technician Program.
This 18-month training program prepares students to become certified Ultrasound technicians and prepares them for work in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers.
The program includes lectures, practical labs, and clinical training.
Students need the following general requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold proof of graduation from a U.S.-accredited high school
- Official high school transcript and have a grade point average of 2.5 or above
- Provide a current resume if applicable
Courses Offered
The Ultrasound/Sonography Technician Program curriculum includes the following classes:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Patient Management
- Ultrasound Physics
- Ultrasound Scanning
- Echocardiography
- Ultrasound Clinical Internship
Contact Information
- Address: 1011 East Touhy Avenue, Suite 335, Des Plaines, IL 60018
- Phone: (847) 296-8870
- Website: https://aquariusinstitute.com
7Jethro Healthcare
About the School
Jethro Healthcare prepares students for work as EKG technicians.
Students learn how to operate noninvasive equipment to print graphic tracings of electrical impulses of the heart.
The program has the following admission requirements:
- Hold a high school diploma
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Have a social security number
- Hold a valid state ID or driver’s license
- Pass a written admission exam
- Hold a CNA license or have a medical background
Jethro Healthcare is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
Learners study the principles of basic electrocardiography.
The program prepares technicians to perform these procedures in a healthcare setting under supervision.
Contact Information
- Address: 650 W Algonquin Rd., 2nd Floor, Des Plaines, IL 60016
- Phone: 847-258-5783
- Website: https://jethrohealthcareschool.com
8Healthcare Training
About the School
Healthcare Training offers an Electrocardiography Technician program.
The program is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the IBHE and follows the guidelines set by the NHA.
After completing the program students receive a certificate of completion and are qualified to take the written exam through the NHA.
Tuition for this program is $950.
The registration fee for this program is $50.
The program includes the following admission requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent
Contact Information
- Address: 85 Woodbury St. South Elgin, IL 60177
- Phone: (630) 549-0577
- Website: https://aplushealthcaretraining.com
9International Career Institute
About the School
International Career Institute offers educational programs that put students on a path toward a career in health care.
The institute was founded in 2008 by a group of nurses and educators with the aim of inspiring students to improve the field of nursing.
International Career Institute is approved and licensed to operate and conduct vocational training by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
International Career Institute offers an EKG Technician program.
This program involves classroom instruction that incorporates lectures, live demonstrations, and practical application.
Courses Offered
Students learn how to perform the following tasks:
- Prepare patients for EKG testing
- Implement skills for the operation of an electrocardiograph machine
- Record the 12 lead ECG rhythm strips
The Chicago EKG program requires that students complete 40 hours of Patient Care Technician education.
These include theory and laboratory training.
After completing the program students are eligible to sit for the National Health Career Association Certification Exam.
Tuition for this program is $750.
General fees are not included.
Contact Information
- Address: 6425 N. Hamlinave Lincolnwood, IL 60712
- Phone: 847-920-6169
- Website: https://www.ici-training.com
10Parkland College
About the School
Parkland College offers an EKG Technician program that combines theory and practice to provide instruction in all aspects of EKG technology and patient care.
Students learn the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, appropriate patient care, and how to properly conduct an electrocardiogram.
The program also covers knowledge on how to diagnose different rhythms discovered through ECG tests.
Additional topics include the use of pacemakers, as well as ECG cardiogram artifacts, and the 12-lead ECG and acute myocardial infarction.
Tuition for this program is $949.
After completing the program students will have the knowledge and confidence to be able to take the AMCA EKG Technician Certification national certification exam.
The program is available online 24/7
Contact Information
- Address: 1315 N Mattis Ave Champaign, IL 61821
- Phone: 217/351-2235
- Website: https://parkland.augusoft.net
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.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our list of the best EKG Technician schools in Illinois, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your learning style, schedule, budget, and career aspirations.
Take your time and make sure you gather information about all the relevant factors before making your choice.
