Course Code: CSU-EK 05

Course Duration: 4 months

Contact Hours: 375

Tuition: $3000

This EKG Technician Program prepares students to perform EKG’s. This course will include information on anatomy and physiology of the heart, medical disease processes, medical terminology, medical ethics, legal aspects of patient contact, electrocardiography and stress testing. A highly interactive course!

This EKG Technician program prepares students to function as EKG technicians. This course covers the following key areas and topics:

  • Detailed anatomy and physiology of the heart
  • Medical disease processes and terminology
  • Medical ethics and legal aspects of patient contact
  • Electrocardiography and echocardiography
  • An introduction to the components, function, and proper use of the EKG machine
  • The normal anatomy of the chest wall for proper lead placement
  • 12-lead placement and other practices

Education and National Certifications

  • EKG Technicians should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED.
  • There are no state approval and/or state requirements associated with this program.
  • There are several EKG technician National Certification exams that are available to students who successfully complete this program:
  • ASPT – Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam
  • NHA Certified EKG Technician exam

EKG Technician Detailed Course Information:

  • Role of the EKG technician
  • Function of the EKG department in a variety of settings (hospital, clinic, office, etc.)
  • Medical terminology related to electrocardiography
  • Care and safety of patients including medical and legal aspects of patient care
  • Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system
  • Electrophysiology, the conduction system of the heart, and the cardiac cycle
  • Circulation of blood through the heart and vessels
  • Lead placement for 12-lead electrocardiography
  • Basic EKG interpretation of normal rhythms and arrhythmias
  • EKG troubleshooting including recognizing artifacts
  • Waves and measurements
  • EKG strip analysis (P,Q,R,S,T wave-form interpretation)
  • Identification of rhythms using the 12-lead EKG
  • Pacemakers
  • Holter monitoring and the echocardiogram

National Certification

Although there is no state approval, state registration or other state requirements for this program, students who complete this EKG Technician program at Columbia Southern University will be prepared and are eligible to take at least 2 national certification exams. Students are eligible to sit for the American Society of Phlebotomy Technician (ASPT) Certified EKG Technician exam and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) EKG Technician (CET) certification exam. Students who complete this program can and do sit for these national certification exams and are qualified, eligible and prepared to do so. Columbia Southern University works with each student to complete the exam application and register the student to take their national certification exam.

Clinical Externship / Hands on Training / Practicum

Although not a requirement of this program, once students complete the EKG Technician program they have the ability to participate in a clinical externship and/or hands on practicum so as to practice with a 12 lead EKG machine and to perform the job requirements and skills required of a practicing EKG Technician. Students will be assisted with completing a resume and/or other requirements necessary to work in a hospital, physicians practice, clinic and/or with other healthcare organizations near their location. Columbia Southern University works with national healthcare organizations and has the ability to place students in clinical externship opportunities nationwide. Students must complete the elearning program to qualify for a clinical externship.