Best EKG Tech Schools in New Hampshire

Updated August 13, 2025

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If you're ready to start a career as an EKG technician in New Hampshire, the first step is getting the right training. Employers in hospitals, clinics, and labs look for candidates who can operate heart monitoring equipment accurately and keep patients comfortable during tests. That means you'll need hands-on skills and recognized credentials before applying.

Here's what you need to know to find the best school, understand the certification process, and start working in the field.

Certification Basics in New Hampshire

New Hampshire does not have a separate state licensing requirement for EKG technicians, but most employers expect you to be certified through a respected national organization. Common options include:

  • National Healthcareer Association (NHA) - Certified EKG Technician (CET)
  • American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT) - Electrocardiograph Technician Certification
  • National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) - National Certified EKG Technician (NCET)

The NHA requires proof of training and successful completion of an exam before issuing certification. They also require continuing education to maintain your credential.

Before you can sit for these exams, you'll need a formal training program that covers ECG interpretation, patient prep, equipment operation, and safety.

How to Choose an EKG Tech School

Look for programs that meet at least these standards:

  1. Accredited instruction - Ideally through a state-recognized school or nationally accredited institution.
  2. Hands-on training - Practice with actual EKG equipment in a lab environment.
  3. Exam preparation - Courses that specifically prepare you for NHA or other recognized exams.
  4. Externship opportunities - On-the-job training in hospitals or clinics.
  5. Flexible scheduling - Evening or weekend classes if you're working.

A school should give you both the academic knowledge and the practical skills needed to feel confident on your first day at work.

Best EKG Tech Training Options in New Hampshire

Based on accreditation, training quality, and employer recognition, here are some top picks:

1. Manchester Community College - Patient Care Technician Program

  • Location: Manchester, NH
  • Format: In-person
  • Highlights: Includes training in EKG, phlebotomy, and general patient care. Prepares students for multiple certifications.
  • Extra Advantage: Blends several entry-level healthcare skills into one program.

2. River Valley Community College - Medical Assistant Certificate

  • Location: Claremont, Keene, Lebanon campuses
  • Format: In-person and hybrid options
  • Highlights: Medical Assistant certificate includes EKG training within a broader clinical curriculum.
  • Extra Advantage: Expands job opportunities beyond EKG-only roles.

3. LNA Health Careers - EKG Technician Training

  • Location: Manchester & Lebanon, NH
  • Format: Short-term program, classroom and hands-on
  • Highlights: Direct focus on EKG skills, test preparation for certification exams.
  • Extra Advantage: Fast start for those aiming to specialize quickly.

4. Online and Hybrid Programs

For those who can't attend in person full-time, some schools offer online theory lessons with in-person labs at partner sites. Always check that these programs are approved for New Hampshire residents and lead to certification eligibility.

School/Program Length Format Exam Prep Included
Manchester Community College 1 semester In-person Yes
River Valley Community College 2 semesters Hybrid/In-person Yes
LNA Health Careers 6-8 weeks In-person Yes

Steps to Become an EKG Technician in New Hampshire

  1. Research schools - Focus on those with hands-on training and recognized certificates.
  2. Apply and enroll - Meet prerequisites, usually a high school diploma or GED.
  3. Complete training - Learn theory and practice with EKG machines.
  4. Pass a national exam - NHA (CET) is the most recognized.
  5. Start applying for jobs - Hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers are common employers.

What to Expect in Training

A quality EKG program will teach:

  • Anatomy of the heart
  • Electrical conduction system
  • How to attach electrodes and leads
  • How to run and print EKG tests
  • Recognizing basic heart rhythm abnormalities
  • Communication and patient comfort

Training often combines lectures, lab work, and clinical experience.

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for cardiovascular technologists and technicians, which includes EKG techs, is projected to grow in the coming years1. That means skilled technicians should continue to have steady opportunities in hospitals, outpatient centers, and physician offices.

Final Tips for Getting Started

  • Confirm program accreditation before enrolling.
  • Ask about externships - real-world experience matters to employers.
  • Plan your exam date right after graduation to keep the knowledge fresh.
  • Keep your certification current with any required continuing education.

If you start with a solid training program and national certification, you can be job-ready in just a few months. In New Hampshire, several high-quality schools can help you reach that goal.

Here's what you should do next: contact two or three schools from the list above, compare schedules and costs, and pick the one that fits your timeline. That choice will put you on track for a stable healthcare career.

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm ↩

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