EKG Technician

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 online program is taught by Condensed Curriculum International, an educational partner working with the University of Arkansas. 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

• 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

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the option to take a leading national/industry-recognized certification exam related to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified EKG Technician (CET)

EKG Technicians are not regulated in the state of Arkansas,and the surrounding states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Louisiana and Tennessee, meaning you don't need to be state licensed to practice this profession. National certification is often preferred by employers, and this certification can be obtained by the successful completion of the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam, which is the test offered through the course. Please note EKG Technician regulations in the US are not uniform and vary significantly by state. If you reside in a state not listed above, please consult with your state's medical professions regulating agency.

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.