Build the skills to give safe, compassionate patient care, and prepare for your Massachusetts nurse aide certification.
Why become an EKG technician?
EKG technicians record the heart's electrical activity so providers can spot problems quickly. You'll work alongside nurses and physicians in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers.
You'll learn how to:
- Perform 12-lead EKGs
- Place electrodes correctly
- Recognize basic cardiac rhythms and when to alert the care team
- Prepare patients for testing
- Work as part of a healthcare team
Program overview
| Credential | Prepares you for the NHA Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam |
|---|---|
| Hours | 40 hours: 25 lecture and 15 hands-on lab |
| Practice | 10 successful EKGs on live participants, as NHA requires for certification |
| Length | 10 weeks |
| Format | Hybrid: live online classes and in-person lab sessions |
| Class schedule | Mondays, 6–9 PM: live online class. Wednesdays, 6–9 PM: in-person lab at the Chelsea Campus |
| Location | BHCC Chelsea Campus |
| Cost | Contact the R3 team for current tuition and funding options. You must be a Massachusetts resident to qualify for any funding. |
What you'll learn
EKG skills
- 12-lead EKG acquisition
- Electrode placement
- Rhythm basics
- Troubleshooting tracings
Patient care and safety
- Patient preparation
- Infection control
- Safety procedures
- Professional conduct
Professional skills
- Medical terminology
- Documentation
- Communication
- Team collaboration
Career opportunities
- Hospitals
- Cardiology practices
- Outpatient clinics
- Diagnostic centers
- Physician practices
How to get started
Spring 2027 cohorts
What to expect after you apply
There's no application deadline. After you apply, our team contacts students as seats become available. None of our programs offer rolling admissions, and seats are limited, so applying doesn't guarantee a seat in the next cohort. Plan for time between applying and your first class, and apply early. You must be a Massachusetts resident to qualify for any funding.
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Submit your application. Apply online at www.bhcc.edu/training.
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Complete intake. Meet with our team to confirm the program is a good fit. Medical Interpreter applicants must pass the language assessment to be considered for the course.
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Attend orientation. R3 orientation for all programs is Tuesday, January 19, 2027, in person.
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Start class. Phlebotomy and EKG begin Monday, January 25. CNA and Medical Interpreter begin Tuesday, January 26.
Frequently asked questions
When can I start?
None of our programs offer rolling admissions. The next EKG cohort starts Monday, January 25, 2027. There's no application deadline. Seats are offered as they become available. You must complete intake before classes begin, so apply early.
Do I need healthcare experience?
No. You learn every skill in class and practice it in the lab.
Why do I need 10 live EKGs?
NHA requires 10 successful EKGs on live participants before you can sit for the CET exam. You complete them during lab sessions.
Is the NHA exam fee included?
Ask the R3 team about exam registration and fees for your cohort.
Is funding available?
Funding may be available for eligible students. You must be a Massachusetts resident to qualify for any funding. Contact the R3 team to learn more.
What happens after I finish?
After you earn your CET, you can apply for EKG technician roles. R3 career workshops help you get ready for your job search.