EKG Technician
On-Campus Certification Course from Calhoun Community College
Program Description
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.
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.
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National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Certified EKG Technician (CEKG) |
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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