Online training is a viable EKG technician education option.
EKG technicians are professionals who work with physicians by measuring the heart's electrical impulses as derived from electrodes that they connect to a patient's chest, arms, and legs. The United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics explains that positions for EKG technicians (also known as cardiographic technicians) are expected to grow much faster than the average for other professions. While the training for these positions can be obtained through traditional colleges and trade schools, many people choose to take advantage of a variety of online educational opportunities available today.
Types
Although, as explained by degreedirectory.org, only a high school diploma is required for entrance into this profession, most employers prefer EKG technicians have an education certificate, an associate of science, or a bachelor of health science in cardiovascular technology. Each of these levels of education can be obtained from an online training institution.
Choosing an Online School
As ekgclasses.org explains, when choosing an online school to obtain the desired EKG technician training, it is very important to ensure that the school you choose is an accredited institution. To accomplish this important step, you can check with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT). Some of the top online education providers for EKG technicians are DeVry University, American Intercontinental University, and Baker College Online.
Pros
A significant positive of taking the online approach for EKG technician training is that the class work can be done on a flexible schedule, fitting within whatever time constraints your personal life may impose. Fortunately, prospective employers generally view online degrees in the same light as degrees from brick and mortar institutions.
Considerations
One factor to consider when deciding on an online training path to becoming an EKG technician is that your hands-on opportunities in a lab setting may be more limited than at a traditional school. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics explains that most EKG technicians receive an average of four to six weeks on-the-job training, which may minimize this slight negative of the online approach. Another factor to consider is that the flexible time table for completing assignments and courses means that in order to finish your chosen training path, you will need to be the kind of person that is self-motivated and self-disciplined.
Cost and Financial Aid
While online degrees sometimes feature a cost that is considerably lower than a typical university degree, the price can still add up; however, just like at other educational institutions there are a wide variety of scholarships, grants, and loan programs available for students pursuing an online education. You will want to contact your prospective school's financial aid department immediately upon applying for admission to find out about specific opportunities at that school.
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