Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician

Instructional Program (CIP)

Description

Description:

The EKG Technician Program is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and clinical skills required to perform electrocardiographic procedures and support cardiovascular diagnostic testing in healthcare settings. The program provides comprehensive instruction in cardiac anatomy and physiology, electrocardiography, patient care, EKG equipment operation and maintenance, EKG acquisition techniques, rhythm analysis, electronic medical records, safety, and professional standards. The program consists of 413 total clock hours, including 203 didactic hours, 50 clinical skills lab hours, and a 160-hour externship.

Competencies to be achieved:

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  EKG Acquisition: Proficiency in preparing patients for EKG procedures, applying electrodes, positioning patients appropriately, placing leads correctly, and obtaining accurate electrocardiographic recordings.


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  Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding of the structure and function of the heart, blood flow, the cardiac cycle, and the heart's electrical conduction system as they relate to electrocardiography.


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  EKG Analysis and Interpretation: Ability to calculate heart rate, evaluate rhythm regularity, measure EKG intervals and waveforms, identify arrhythmias, recognize changes associated with ischemia, injury, and infarction, and distinguish pacemaker spikes from artifacts.


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  EKG Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Proficiency in operating different types of EKG equipment, adjusting machine settings, performing calibration, cleaning and maintaining equipment, and troubleshooting common equipment problems.


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  Vital Signs and Basic Patient Care: Ability to obtain and evaluate vital signs, recognize normal and abnormal findings, and identify emergency situations that may occur during cardiac testing.


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  Patient Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with patients using appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication techniques, active listening, empathy, and culturally sensitive practices. Students also learn to provide patient education and instructions related to cardiac diagnostic procedures.


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  Infection Control and Safety: Knowledge of OSHA guidelines, universal precautions, hygiene protocols, personal protective equipment, infection control procedures, and appropriate disposal practices.


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  Artifact Identification and Resolution: Ability to identify common EKG artifacts, determine their causes, and apply appropriate techniques to resolve or prevent interference with EKG recordings.


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  Emergency Response: Knowledge of the signs of cardiopulmonary compromise and the appropriate initial response to emergencies occurring during cardiac testing, including an overview of basic life support procedures.


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  Ethical and Legal Standards: Understanding of HIPAA requirements, patient confidentiality and consent, legal responsibilities, professional conduct, ethical standards, and the appropriate scope of practice for an EKG Technician.


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  Electronic Medical Records: Proficiency in using EMR/EHR systems to enter and manage patient information, including medical history, medications, vital signs, and EKG results, while maintaining data security, confidentiality, and HIPAA compliance.


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  Clinical Skills: Hands-on training in infection control and PPE, EKG equipment maintenance, electrode application, patient positioning, EKG acquisition, artifact identification, EKG analysis, and emergency response. Students are also required to complete a minimum of 10 electrocardiograms on live individuals during their practical training.

WIOA Contact for Enrollment Status /Credential Verification: 

Name: Maria Vega

Email: mariav@apc.college

Phone number: (602) 768-8929

Credentials: (The following questions must be answered along with a supporting explanation for each)

• Industry Recognized: (Developed and offered by, or endorsed by a nationally-recognized industry association or organization representing a sizeable portion of the industry sector)

Yes or No: Yes

Nationally Recognized Industry Association or Organization: National Healthcareer Association

• Stackable: (Part of a sequence of credentials)

Yes or No: Yes

Career Pathway: Healthcare/Medical

• Portable: (Recognized in other geographical areas; by other educational institutions; or by other industries/companies)

 Yes or No (Explain): Yes, NHA certification is recognized nation-wide.

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  Accredited Curriculum:  (This is referring to the course being accredited,  not the test or school)

Yes or No: No

 Accrediting Agency and link to website: N/A

Details

Cost Items

Demand Occupation(s)