About This Program

Program Summary

The Electrocardiogram Technician Program consists of 48 hours of lecture and lab hours. This diploma-based program meets twice a week for four-hour sessions over a 6-week period. This program will include practice and background information on the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, cardiac disease processes, medical terminology, medical ethics, legal aspects of patient contact, Holter monitor, electrocardiography, stress testing and telemetry monitoring. Students will get hands-on lab practice with operating an Electrocardiogram, 12- lead electrode placement, vital signs collection, and bloodborne pathogen training. This course includes American Red Cross BLS CPR training and certification. Students are provided with a National Health Career Association (NHA) certification exam to become nationally certified and recognized as a Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET). Students enrolled in this program has the option of enrolling in the LPD 101: Leadership & Professional Development at no additional tuition cost. This course can assist students in professionalism, business etiquette and creating a professional portfolio.

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of this program the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate and understand basic lead strip interpretation
• Demonstrate knowledge of clinical safety
• Utilize a working knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology
• Demonstrate proficiency in EKG techniques, including Holter and Telemetry monitoring
• Demonstrate knowledge of equipment used in Cardiology and its proper uses
• Demonstrate understanding of quality assurance and result in analysis in EKG collection to identify and resolve artifacts
• Demonstrate an understanding of basic lead strip interpretation
• Respond to signs and symptoms of cardiopulmonary compromise
• Measure and monitor patient vital signs
• American Red Cross Basic life support cardiopulmonary resuscitation training and certification
• Have an opportunity to gain a national certification as an Electrocardiogram Technician (CET) with the National Health Career Association (NHA).

General Admissions Requirements

All applicants must submit their:

·       High School Diploma, Transcripts, (from an accredited high school), high school equivalency, or a letter from their High School Administrator that they are in good academic and attendance standing.

·       Be 17 years of age or older, and

·       Submit a copy of their government-issued photo identification.

Mon/Wed Morning EKG Technician Program 9:30 AM – 1: 30 PM 6 Weeks

Transfer Credits are not accepted into this program. 

Graduation Requirements

Student’s are required to complete the following courses with 70% or higher and pass all clinical competencies on a pass/fail system. The following courses are required to successfully complete the program:

EKG 101: Applied Electrocardiography: 31 Instructional, 17 Lab = 48 Total

Total Program Contact Hours: 48

Performance Requirements

All performance requirements are evaluated on a pass/fail system. Students must pass with 100% accuracy in order to satisfy the requirement. Students who fail any of their performance requirements will have an opportunity to be remediated and re-evaluated to demonstrate proficient skills with a maximum of three separate attempts.  

• Performing a 12-Lead Electrocardiogram   
• Blood Pressure  
• Pulse
• Respiration     

National Certifications

Students that successfully complete this The EKG Technician program will have the opportunity to take certification examinations with the National Health Career Association (NHA) and the American Red Cross. The first attempt at these exams is at no cost to the graduate. Additional attempts will be at the student’s expense.

Students that complete EKG 101 course successfully will receive their certification with the American Red Cross in Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider CPR.

The NHA certification exams that graduates are eligible to take for the EKG Technician program is the Certified EKG Technician (CET).

NHA practice exams are supplied to the graduate at no-cost through the NHA website. In order to qualify to sit for the initial exam, graduates must pass at least two (2) practice exams with a 70% or higher. Once this has been achieved by the graduate, the exam(s) can be scheduled by logging into the student NHA account. A maximum of one (1) national certification exam can be taken in a one-week period. Additional certification exam attempts must be scheduled a week apart from each other. The graduate is responsible for contacting the Campus Director to ensure the practice test requirements are met and to schedule the date and time of the exam(s).