ELECTROCARDIOGRAPH TECHNICIANS/EKG TECHNICIAN

Electrocardiograph technicians, commonly called EKG technicians, operate noninvasive equipment which prints graphic tracings of electrical impulses transmitted by the heart.  The graphic tracing is interpreted by the physician to aid in the diagnosis of heart disease, monitor the effect of drug therapy, and analyze changes in the condition of the patient's heart over a period of time. Computerized electrocardiograph equipment has the capability of analyzing the graphic tracing.  

The EKG technician is responsible for maintaining the equipment and supplies, preparing the patient for the test and monitoring the patient during the procedure. Additional duties may include scheduling of appointments, data entry into computerized machines, typing of physicians' interpretations, and maintaining patient file.

In addition to performing routine diagnostic electrocardiograms, EKG technicians may specialize in continuous ambulatory (Holter) monitoring or cardiac stress testing. Holter monitoring records a patient's cardiac rhythm for a 24 to 48 hour period, while patients pursue their normal routines. Cardiac stress testing monitors and records a patient's cardiac rhythm during a period of prescribed exercise.

EKG technicians work in hospital cardiology departments, physicians' offices, cardiac rehabilitation centers, health maintenance organizations, or clinics. In the hospital setting most EKGs are performed at the patient's bedside, thus EKG technicians will spend a significant amount of time walking and standing. Employees serving as monitor techs may be subjected to long hours of sitting in confined quarters.

PURPOSE:

The program is designed to prepare students for employment as health unit coordinators, unit clerks, ward clerks, or unit secretaries 

PROGRAM CONTENT: This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of Theory, laboratory and clinical experiences. The following are the course requirements:

BASIC HEALTH CARE WORKER

·          Health Careers Core

ELECTROCARDIOGRAPH AIDE

·          Cardiovascular system.

·          Legal and ethical responsibilities of an EKG aide.

·          Medical instrumentation modalities.

·          Patient care techniques in the health care facility.

ELECTROCARDIOGRAPH TECHNICIANS/

EKG TECHNICIAN

·          Monitoring normal and abnormal and testing results.

·          Cardiovascular drugs, actions, use, and adverse effects.

·          Knowledge of other cardiovascular diagnostic modalities. 

ENTRANCE/CLINICAL NEEDS

·          Proof of a High School Education

·          Successfully complete Background Check

·          Basic Skills Test

·          Attend Orientation 

LENGTH OF PROGRAM:

465 hours approximately 5 months.

TIME:

Days Class              8:00 AM-2:30 PM M-R

Evening Class         5:00 PM-10:30 PM M-R

UNIFORMS:

Students are required to wear the official school Uniform during the entire program (Class and Clinical). 

TRANSPORTATION:

Students must provide their own transportation to and from the campus as well as all clinical settings 

BASIC SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education)

Reading                   9.0 D Level

Math                        9.0 D Level

Language                                9.0 D/A Level

*Must be achieved for program completion. 

LABORATORY ACTIVITIES:

Laboratory activities will be correlated with classroom activities and reinforced in the clinical area. 

CLINICAL ACTIVITIES: Students must provide their own transportation to the clinical sites.  Student s will receive clinical training in hospitals and other health care facilities 

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE