EKG Technician vs Telemetry Technician (2026): Key Differences
Nov 02, 2023
Updated October 2026. Pay data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025.
An EKG technician performs electrocardiograms, tests that record the heart’s electrical activity using leads placed on the body. A telemetry technician specializes in monitoring patients’ heart rhythms and reporting changes. Job titles overlap, and some employers combine the two roles, so read each job posting closely.
EKG Technician vs Telemetry Technician at a Glance
| EKG technician | Telemetry technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Performing EKG tests and stress tests | Monitoring heart rhythms |
| Typical tasks | Set up and administer EKGs and stress tests, prepare patients for Holter or ambulatory monitoring, deliver final test results to physicians, schedule appointments (per NHA) | Monitor heart rhythms, perform cardiac monitoring, send reports to patients’ doctors (per the National Telemetry Association) |
| Typical training | A short certificate program. FHCA’s is 110 clock hours over 4 or 9 weeks. | The National Telemetry Association describes about 120 hours of coursework |
| Entry requirements | High school diploma or GED for the NHA CET exam | The National Telemetry Association says a high school diploma, plus a drug screen and background check |
| Certification | NHA CET. NHA reports 91% of employers require or encourage certification for EKG technicians (2025 Industry Outlook). | Varies by employer. Ask before you enroll. |
Requirements vary by employer and school. Details above come from NHA, the National Telemetry Association and FHCA’s own program page, checked in October 2026.
What Does an EKG Technician Do?
According to NHA, an EKG technician may set up and administer EKGs and stress tests, prepare patients for Holter or ambulatory monitoring, edit and deliver final test results to physicians, schedule appointments and transcribe physicians’ interpretations. Read the full EKG technician job description.
What Does a Telemetry Technician Do?
The National Telemetry Association describes telemetry as a system designed to monitor the heart’s electrical activity and detect changes in rhythm. Telemetry technicians monitor heart rhythms, perform various types of cardiac monitoring, and send reports to patients’ doctors. The association lists intensive care units and telemetry departments among the places they work.
Can an EKG Technician Work as a Telemetry Technician?
Often the skills overlap, but employers set their own requirements. FHCA’s EKG Technician program prepares students for the NHA CET exam, which FHCA says employers accept for entry-level EKG, monitor and telemetry roles. Check the postings in your area.
How Much Do EKG and Telemetry Technicians Make?
BLS does not publish a separate pay figure for either role. For the group that includes EKG technicians (cardiovascular technologists and technicians), BLS reports a national median of $74,310 a year and a Florida median of $77,140 (May 2025). That group also includes technologists with more training, and BLS does not list telemetry technicians separately, so compare job postings for telemetry pay. See how much an EKG tech makes in Florida.
Which Role Fits You?
| If you prefer | Consider |
|---|---|
| Performing tests and working directly with patients | EKG technician |
| Watching and analyzing heart rhythms | Telemetry technician |
| The fastest route into the field | A short EKG program, then check employer requirements for monitor roles |
How to Get Started
Read how to become an EKG technician in Florida and where EKG technicians work.
FAQs
What is the main difference between a telemetry technician and an EKG technician?
An EKG technician performs EKG tests, while a telemetry technician specializes in monitoring heart rhythms and reporting changes.
Do telemetry and EKG technicians work in the same places?
Often, yes. Both can work in hospitals, and job duties depend on the employer.
Do I need certification?
The National Telemetry Association says EKG technicians are not required to be certified, though most employers require it. NHA reports 91% of employers require or encourage certification.
How long is the training?
FHCA’s EKG program is 110 clock hours with a 4-week weekday track or a 9-week Saturday track. See how long the EKG technician program takes.
Train with FHCA
FHCA’s EKG Technician program in Orlando is $1,100 tuition, plus the $134 NHA CET exam fee. Talk with an admissions advisor to see if it fits your goals.
