EKG Technician
Electrocardiograph (ECG or EKG) technicians play a crucial role in helping doctors diagnose and treat heart problems. They operate the non-invasive machines that record a patient’s heartbeat, which shows whether the heart is beating at the right speed and with a regular rhythm. There is an ongoing need for qualified EKG professionals in hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices.
Because doctors recommend EKG testing for patients with suspected or active heart problems, EKG technicians must have excellent patient care skills and a compassionate bedside manner. They need a strong working knowledge of the cardiovascular system and the technical skills to operate standard EKG machines. Today’s EKG techs also need to prepare and place Holter monitors, which are wearable units that track heart rhythms throughout daily activity.
MedCerts’ EKG Technician training program covers these essential skills in as little as 12 weeks, with an estimated 15 to 20 hours of study time each week. The program includes preparation for the Certified EKG Technician (CET) credential, issued by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Students who wish to earn their certification must perform at least 10 EKG tests on real patients prior to test day.
Medical Billing Specialist
For those who prefer administrative work to clinical, the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is one of the best-suited healthcare certifications online. Billing specialists with this certification handle claims, coding and reimbursement for healthcare organizations across the country. There’s also the potential for remote work, once you have some experience in the field.
The demand for medical revenue professionals is increasing as healthcare administration becomes more complex. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment of medical records professionals to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, more than double the rate across all occupations.
The MedCerts Medical Billing Specialist program lets you train for this growing field in as little as 14 weeks. The curriculum includes essentials of the billing and coding process, as well as exam prep for the CBCS certification, an NHA credential.
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in dispensing medications, managing inventory and processing insurance claims for patients. They work in retail and healthcare settings and earn a median salary of $43,460, according to the BLS.
Certified pharmacy techs are in high demand nationwide, with an estimated job growth of 6% by 2034. MedCerts’ 16-week Pharmacy Technician Specialist program teaches the skills you’ll need to enter this market. Expect to study professionalism in health care, human anatomy, medical terminology and the basic tasks of a pharmacy tech.
The program prepares you to apply for the NHA’s Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT) credential. This program is restricted in certain states or regions, so it’s important to check the MedCerts State Restrictions page before enrolling. If the pharmacy technician program is not available in your state, check the provided list for alternative options.
Patient Care Technician
If you love hands-on work at the bedside, MedCerts’ Patient Care Technician program could be a great fit. Patient care techs handle vital support tasks such as bathing, feeding, toileting and catheter care. They’re responsible for helping to keep patient rooms clean and safe and are crucial partners in addressing specialized care concerns. They may also assist with diagnostic tests, such as EKGs and blood draws.
With an expected duration of 24 weeks, or six months, this is one of the longest programs listed here. The time frame is still well under a year and allows you to earn up to three credentials:
- Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT)Â
- Certified EKG Technician
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician
This broad skill set lets you pursue a variety of positions that can set you up for a rewarding career in healthcare. Whether you start as a personal care aide, home health aide or nursing assistant, you’ll gain valuable experience and provide much-needed services.
Healthcare IT Technician
If you’re tech-savvy and interested in the medical field, fast healthcare certifications in information technology (IT) can jump-start your career. IT technicians support the digital infrastructure that keeps healthcare organizations running. It’s a great way to make a difference in patients’ lives without direct involvement in patient care.
MedCerts’ Healthcare IT Technician program teaches the skills you’ll need to enter this growing field. You’ll learn how to:
- Manage network infrastructure for healthcare organizations
- Install and troubleshoot practice networks
- Identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks to organizational networks
- Implement IT disaster recovery and cybersecurity contingency strategies
This dynamic program takes an estimated 24 weeks to complete and prepares you for three in-demand credentials:
- NHA’s Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist: A foundational certification for candidates interested in medical billing or healthcare technology systemsÂ
- CompTIA’s A+ Certification: A broadly recognized entry-level credential for candidates entering IT
- CompTIA’s Network+ Certification: A focused credential for professionals focused on network infrastructure
Taken together, these credentials offer a competitive foundation for rising healthcare techs. CompTIA certifications also qualify you to work in industries beyond healthcare, offering additional opportunities in a competitive job market.
Choosing the Right Certification for Your Needs
Whether you’re interested in direct care, administrative support or IT roles, short-term healthcare certifications can help you pursue your goals. Consider your timeline for entering the job market as well as your long-term career goals.
For a broader look at available credentials and training programs, take a look at the complete list of MedCerts’ online healthcare programs. All are possible to complete within a year, and many are accessible to candidates without prior healthcare experience.
Want to learn more about these certifications and where they can take you? Reach out to a MedCerts Education Consultant today, and take the first steps toward a healthcare career.
