Quality of content
Clear explanations, organized curriculum, easy-to-follow videos, and strong instructor delivery.
Updated February 2026
The Best Online EKG Courses (2026)
If you want to feel comfortable reading electrocardiograms — rhythm strips and full 12‑leads — but aren’t sure which course is worth your time (and money), this guide is for you.
Clinician lens
We prioritize clarity, depth, and real-world ECG nuance.
Practical ranking
Best overall, plus “best for” alternatives by use‑case.
Scan-friendly
Short summaries first, details when you want them.
Why is it so hard to learn EKGs?
A simple analogy that explains why “a few lectures” rarely feels enough.
Learning to read EKGs is like learning another language.
Most healthcare professionals were introduced to ECG interpretation through a textbook or a short course. That approach can work for basic examples — but it tends to fall apart when tracings get messy, mixed, or “non‑textbook.”
The fastest path to confidence is to learn the underlying rules (anatomy, electrophysiology, and mechanisms), then build a reliable thought process you can apply to unfamiliar tracings.
This site is a marketing guide to help learners choose a course. It does not provide medical advice.
Our criteria
How we think about value when reviewing paid ECG courses.
Level of complexity
Does it go beyond “textbook tracings” and teach you how to think through difficult ECGs?
Additional features
Practice cases, quizzes, community/live sessions, and resources that move you from “proficient” to confident.
Quick comparison
A fast way to decide which course fits your goals.
| Course | Best for | Depth | Format | CE/CME | Bottom line |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ECG Academy
|
Beginners → experts | Very deep | Video curriculum + short case “ChalkTalks” | Available via certificate tracks | Best blend of fundamentals + nuanced clinical interpretation. |
|
MedMastery
|
Fast refresher | Moderate | Scripted videos + animations | Premium tier | Good polish, but ECG isn’t their core specialty. |
|
ECG Weekly Workout
|
Intermediate/advanced practice | High (case-based) | Weekly cases + video analysis | Available | Excellent cases, but not a structured beginner course. |
|
BMJ Learning
|
Basics + general practice | Basic → moderate | Modules + short animations | Mostly non‑US | Better as a broad-learning add‑on than a top ECG choice. |
If you want one recommendation
Choose ECG Academy if you want the most complete path from “I’m not confident” to “I can analyze complex tracings reliably.”
Read why we ranked it #1Full reviews
Start with the summaries, then expand for details.
#1
ECG Academy
Best online EKG course for beginners to experts.
ECG Academy has a rare combination: it starts from first principles (how ECG machines work, cardiac anatomy, and physiology) and then steadily builds into advanced rhythm and 12‑lead interpretation. The strongest differentiator is the physiology-first approach — you learn why tracings look the way they do, which makes recall and real-world problem solving far easier than memorizing patterns.
What stands out
- Teaching style: informal, high-clarity delivery that feels like a 1‑on‑1 lesson.
- ChalkTalks: short case walk‑throughs that train your “thought process” on unknown ECGs.
- Depth: advanced topics appear early (e.g., nuanced arrhythmia mechanisms; pacemaker concepts).
- Fresh content: frequent new cases and higher-level lectures.
Pricing snapshot (example tiers)
Entry
Good if you mainly want the short weekly cases.
Core
Best for structured learning through rhythm + 12‑lead skills.
Expert
Ideal if you want maximum case volume and advanced material.
Exact pricing changes over time. Confirm on the provider’s website before purchasing.
#2
MedMastery
A popular multi-topic education platform; ECG isn’t the main specialty.
MedMastery is polished and easy to navigate. Their ECG content is presented with scripted videos and animated graphics. It can work well as a refresher if you want an efficient overview — but it tends to be more “decision tree” than physiology, and may not build comfort with tricky real-world tracings.
Best for / not for
- Best for: students or clinicians who want a quick, guided overview.
- Not ideal for: learners who want deep rhythm mechanism teaching or heavy case volume.
#3
ECG Weekly Workout
High-quality, case-based library — not a structured beginner course.
This is excellent once you already know the basics. The value is in the variety and depth of case analysis. If your main goal is “I want more real ECGs and expert walkthroughs,” it’s a strong option. If your goal is “teach me ECG from scratch,” start elsewhere and come back to this.
Best for / not for
- Best for: intermediate/advanced learners who want case volume and insights.
- Not ideal for: true beginners without foundational rhythm/12‑lead skills.
#4
BMJ Learning
Modular basics with animations; best as a general-learning add‑on.
BMJ Learning provides structured modules and a broad library beyond ECG. The ECG material can help with fundamentals, but it’s not the top choice for building confidence with complex rhythm strips and nuanced 12‑leads. Accreditation also tends to be non‑US focused.
Best for / not for
- Best for: learners who want general modules and basic ECG familiarity.
- Not ideal for: those seeking deep rhythm mechanisms or US‑focused CE/CME.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions.
Do I need CE/CME?
Not always. If you want formal credit, choose a provider that offers accredited certificate-style tracks. If you just want skill and confidence, a non-credit subscription or case library can be perfect.
I’m a beginner. What should I look for?
Start with a course that teaches fundamentals (measurement, axis, conduction, and mechanisms) before throwing you into rare cases. The goal is a thought process you can reuse, not memorization.
Can I use this site as medical advice?
No. This is an educational buyer’s guide and does not provide medical diagnosis or treatment guidance.
Want the most complete ECG learning system?
Start with our top pick, then come back for case practice options.