Guide to Telemetry Certification for Nurses

Do you get nervous when a patient has a new order for an ECG? Are you confident when it’s time to interpret a strange rhythm? Whether you work in the emergency room, a cardiac unit, med-surg, or the ICU, earning a telemetry certification can help boost your skills when caring for patients with cardiovascular problems.

Telemetry is the practice of remotely monitoring and collecting data. Medical telemetry typically refers to remote cardiac monitors, which patients may wear continuously on telemetry floors and other higher-level care areas like the cardiovascular ICU. This technology helps detect arrhythmias, ischemic changes, and other cardiac events in real time.

When something changes on a five-lead monitor, the provider may order a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which gives a more detailed view of the heart’s electrical pathways. Trained nurses can interpret these rhythms and respond when patients need interventions. Many units require additional education in rhythm interpretation and advanced life support skills to give the best outcomes possible.

What Are Telemetry Certifications?

Telemetry certifications, or tele certifications, are additional credentials that verify a medical professional’s ability to perform and interpret cardiac telemetry tests. Becoming tele certified shows that a nurse has gone through additional training and skill building to administer these tests and think critically about their results. The National Telemetry Association (NTA) offers one of the leading certifications in this area.

Becoming telemetry certified is one of the fastest ways to add another credential to your nursing resume because, if you have experience, you can take the test almost immediately. Unlike other certifications, the application process is expedited, and you can earn your certification quickly. On the other hand, if you’re looking for study help, NTA also offers course and exam options to help you manage telemetry patients with more confidence.

Telemetry nurse certification is typically not a practice requirement. Other nursing certifications cover telemetry skills alongside a broader range of competencies. Cardiac-Vascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC), for example, includes cardiac strip interpretation, plus other cardiac care skills. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification also covers lethal rhythms and how to respond to them. These credentials are more widely recognized than NTAs, but they may require experience and take longer to obtain.

How to Get Telemetry Certification: 4 Steps

Ready to earn your telemetry certification? RN, LPN, or NP licensure qualifies you for this credential, no matter how many years of experience you have. Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements

NTA offers certifications for any of the following medical professionals:

• New telemetry technicians
• CNAs
• LPNs
• RNs
• NPs
• EMTs
• Paramedics

Step 2: Register and Pay for The Exam

Next, check out NTA’s course offerings to understand which is the best fit for you. If you’re a nurse, yourtelemetry certification cost will be lower if you choose to opt out of the courses and simply take the exam. Here’s a breakdown of NTA’s telemetry certification programs:

Step 3: Pass the Test

You’ll have 180 minutes to complete the NTA certification exam and earn a passing score of at least 80%. Whichever program route you choose, it’s wise to do some review before taking the test. NTA recommends using their official study materials and creating a plan to study. If you’re worried about passing, it might be wise to invest in NTA’s preparation resources, such as their telemetry course.

Step 4: Maintain Certification

Once you’ve earned this credential, it’s valid for two years. You can renew your NTA credential for $99, which includes two exam attempts.

Tele Certification FAQs

How long is telemetry training?

Telemetry training for nurses usually happens during unit orientation, and the length of this training can vary. EKG monitoring and strip interpretation should be covered by your nursing school, and you’ll likely get real-world experience with these skills during clinical hours. NTA’s telemetry training is self-paced but is typically completed in about eight weeks.

Can you get a telemetry certification online?

Yes. NTA offers all of its certifications online through self-paced study programs and remote exams.

Do I need a tele certification as a nurse?

The answer depends on your unit, but this training is less common for nurses. It’s more typical for nurses to receive telemetry training grouped with other skills, which is the case in ACLS training. Check with your unit manager or educator to understand the specific training and certification requirements you’ll need to meet.

Related Certifications

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certification
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Cardiac-Vascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC)
• CCRN Certification
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)

Looking to Change the Rhythm of Your Nursing Job?

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