On-Campus

EKG Technician

On-Campus Certification Course from Calhoun Community College

Program Description

Clinical Practice2-4 Months

EKG technicians are in demand! EKG technicians work in physician’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities and organizations. EKG technicians also work for insurance companies to provide data for health and life insurance policies. Similar to other growing healthcare professions, the demand for EKG technicians is expected to continue to grow substantially.

This program covers topics and processes critical to conducting and interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGs). To begin, learners will review the anatomy and physiology of the heart. From there, learners will go on to explore the technology used such as the EKG machine. Next, participants will learn how to interpret a rhythm strip. And finally, learners will discover the details of a myocardial infarction. Successful completion of this program will help prepare learners to perform the role of EKG technician.

Program Objectives
Skills-Based Labs and Activities

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

Apply the basic electrophysiologic principles of cardiac conduction to the anatomy and physiology of the body
Identify proper placement of leads to ensure an accurate and consistent EKG reading
Evaluate various EKG rhythm strips following established normal criteria for each of the wave forms and intervals
Analyze a variety of EKG rhythm strips, identifying rate, rhythm and intervals
Analyze a variety of EKG rhythm strips for common dysrhythmias
Apply an understanding of the technical aspects of the EKG machine to the correct use of the machine and interpretation of artifacts
Describe the functions, associated terminology, types, and rhythm strips of pacemakers
Describe diagnostic electrocardiography in terms of goals, types, procedures, indications, and contraindications
Explain how to interpret a 12-lead EKG strip
Explain myocardial infarction in terms of physiology, symptoms, and EKG interpretation
Describe common cardiac medications

As part of this program, Learners will complete the following hands-on labs and activities:

Donning and Doffing Medical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Performing Hand Hygiene
Performing Required Steps in Patient Identification
Cardiac Anatomy, Physiology, and Medical Terminology
12-Lead EKG Placement
Vital Signs
Patient Preparation and Safety for an EKG Procedure
Using an EKG Machine
Calculating a Heart Rate from an EKG Strip
Interpreting an EKG Strip
Interpreting Rhythms Originating in the Sinus Node
Interpreting Rhythms Originating in the Atria
Interpreting Rhythms Originating in the AV Junction
Interpreting Rhythms Originating in the Ventricles
Interpreting AV Blocks

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

	National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Certified EKG Technician (CEKG)
	National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified EKG Technician (CET)

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience. As learners progress through their eLearning program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED

Program Details

On-Campus Program
50-Hour Schedule
Hands-On Labs
eBooks & Digital Materials Included
Laptops Available
National Certification Opportunity
Certificate of Completion
Clinical Externship Opportunity