How to Become an EKG Technician in Florida - Complete Guide
May 25, 2026
To become an EKG technician in Florida, several points should be considered. Conduct a thorough search of the university offering the course, the program duration, available schedules, and program cost.
Ensure the certifying agency is the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), which guarantees the availability of certifications, the opportunity to take the exam upon course completion, and consequently, the possibility of finding employment relatively quickly and continuing professionally through continuing education (CET), opening up a world of opportunities.
Continuing your studies will increase the likelihood of remaining in the profession and renewing your certification securely.
Below are the steps you should follow to become an EKG tech in Florida.
Step 1: Meet the Florida Requirements
It's important to know the requirements to enroll in an EKG Tech program. If you meet them, go to the location that's most convenient for you.
You must be over 18 years old, without exception; this simplifies the application process.
You must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent proof of high school completion.
A Social Security card and a valid photo ID are required to process your application. All of these will be requested on the first day of classes.
Prior experience in healthcare would be very helpful when applying to the program.
With these requirements, you can enroll in the EKG Tech program in Florida and begin your studies without any problems.
Step 2: Choose an Accredited EKG Technician Program in Florida
In Florida, several universities offer this program, but we'll mention those that provide accessible study plans that can be adapted to your schedule, whether you want to obtain your certificate as soon as possible or take several months to complete it.
- Florida Health Care Academy (FHCA) is regulated by the CIE and has a low cost of $1,100, with financing plans available for student convenience. It offers a short program duration, with classes held Monday through Friday or only on Saturdays, depending on your preference. The program requires an estimated 550 hours to complete.
- Advent Health University has an average cost of $2,000. The program duration is longer.
- The University of Central Florida offers payment plans, currently with discounts, at a total cost of $2,490. It is regulated by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and can be completed in up to one year, allowing students to dedicate themselves fully to the program. The program is estimated to take 170 hours to complete.
These three universities are the main providers of this program due to their financing options and their affiliation with the same certifying agency, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Step 3: How Long Does It Take to Become an EKG Tech?
It all depends on the university where you want to do the EKG Technician program. Some offer a 4-week program, with classes held Monday through Friday, and you can choose your class schedule: morning, afternoon, or evening. This only applies to the Monday-to-Friday option. Another option is a 9-week program, with classes held only on Saturdays, but this only includes the morning session. For more information on course schedules and program structure, please visit the FHCA’s EKG Technician Program page.
At other universities, the program duration is even longer, ranging from 6 to 12 months. All universities offer financing plans, so the longer the repayment period, the longer the program will take, giving you more time to plan your studies. Choosing the program that best suits your lifestyle and financing plan will help you successfully complete the program.
Step 4: Pass the Certified EKG Technician (CET) Exam in Orlando
To take the CET exam, students must have graduated from EKG Tech program. This ensures they possess the necessary knowledge to pass the exam and receive their certificate. The exam costs an additional $129, payable at the end of the course, and can be taken at any of the universities offering the course.
Do You Need a License to Work as an EKG Tech in Florida?
To practice as an EKG technician in Florida, you don't need a license, but you must have certification from completing an EKG technician course. The FloridaHealth website lists the professions that require regulation in Florida, and EKG technician certification isn't on it. However, you should be mindful of renewing your certification, as you won't be able to continue practicing without it. It's recommended to renew it within a year, as the cost will be even higher.
Step 5: Find Your First EKG Tech Job in Orlando & Florida Hospitals
Universities that offer EKG technician programs typically have agreements with hospitals so students can familiarize themselves with the environment and improve their skills. Here is a list of hospitals that may require an EKG technician and to which you can apply for a job.
You should conduct thorough research to find out the EKG technician annual salaries and which one best suits your needs. The salary is around $52,000.
- Orlando Health
- Biolife
- Carevit
- Davita
- Florida Hospital
- Oneblood
- Halifax Health
- CSL Plasma
- Granny NANIES
- Ikids Pediatrics
- Night Lite Pediatrics
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
All of these healthcare facilities are located in Orlando, Florida.
How to Maintain Your CET Certification: CEUs & Renewal in Florida
It's important to keep a close eye on your certificate's expiration date so you can renew it on time. You must complete the Continuing Education (CE) hours/credits according to your chosen specialty and then apply for licensing to renew your certification and continue working in your preferred field. Don't wait more than a year to renew, as the cost will be higher. To learn more, visit FloridaHealth
