If you want a healthcare career you can train for quickly, becoming an EKG technician is worth a serious look. EKG techs work alongside nurses and doctors to run heart tests. The training is short, the skills are widely needed, and you do not need a long degree to get started.
In Massachusetts, you can find several trade schools, community colleges, and training centers that offer EKG technician programs. Choosing the right school is critical, because the quality of your training will shape your job options later.
What an EKG Technician Does
An EKG technician operates electrocardiogram equipment to record heart activity. These tests help doctors find and treat heart problems. Most EKG techs work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or diagnostic labs. The job can include:
Preparing patients for testing
Explaining the procedure
Applying electrodes to the body
Operating and monitoring EKG machines
Recording and printing test results
Maintaining equipment
You’ll often work under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician.
Requirements to become an EKG Technician in Massachusetts
Massachusetts does not require a state-issued license for EKG technicians. Most employers look for a completed training program and national certification.
Tip: Certification is not legally required in Massachusetts, but many employers prefer or require it for hiring.
To start working as an EKG tech, you typically need to:
Below are some of the top options for EKG technician training in Massachusetts. These programs vary in length, cost, and format, so it’s smart to compare them.
#1
Bunker Hill Community College
📍
Boston, MA
•In-state option
Located in Boston, MA Bunker Hill Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Located in Worcester, MA Quinsigamond Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Accounting Technology.
Located in Springfield, MA Springfield Technical Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Beauty Cosmetology. The campus serves roughly 3,965 learners.
Here’s a side-by-side look at common EKG program features across these schools:
School
Length
In-Person Hours
Certification Prep
Bunker Hill CC
8 weeks
Yes
CET exam
Quinsigamond CC
1 semester
Yes
CET exam
MassBay CC
8-10 weeks
Yes
CET/Other
STCC
6-8 weeks
Yes
CET exam
American Red Cross
Varies
Yes
CET exam
Health Care Training Services
10 weeks
Yes
CET exam
How to choose the right program
When picking a school, think about:
Location Shorter commute means easier attendance.
Schedule Evening and weekend classes can work around jobs.
Externship availability Real-world. Practice helps with job confidence.
Certification prep A good program will align training with exam content.
Reputation Talk to recent graduates or read reviews.
After training - getting certified and finding work
Once you finish your program, schedule your certification exam. Your school may help with this. The two most common choices are the CET through NHA or the ECG Technician exam from ASPT.
Most healthcare employers in Massachusetts will train you on their equipment after you’re hired. The key is to show them you have the core skills and certification.
Note: Keep your certification current. Most require renewal every 2 years through continuing education.
The bottom line
Becoming an EKG technician in Massachusetts can be a fast, affordable way into healthcare. The job offers steady work, the chance to help patients, and a path to other medical roles down the line.
Here’s what to do next:
Review the schools above and contact the ones that fit your schedule and budget.
Ask about hands-on training and externship opportunities.
Enroll, complete the course, and study for your certification exam.
Apply for entry-level EKG tech positions in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers.
The sooner you start, the sooner you can get certified and begin your career.