Health/ Health Careers

EKG Technician Training Course CHHO-5700 

This 60-hour course will prepare you to enter the healthcare profession, or enhance your current level of training, as an EKG technician. An EKG technician is a medical professional trained in operating specialized equipment used to measure the heart’s performance. EKG technicians work directly with patients, administer tests, and provide the resulting data to the appropriate medical staff for analysis. Students will learn important practice and background information on the anatomy and physiology of the heart, medical disease processes, medical terminology, medical ethics, and legal aspects of patient contact. Students will practice with EKG equipment and perform hands-on labs, including introduction to the function and proper use of the EKG machine and other clinical practices.

Ready to learn more? Complete our online form or contact us at 319-398-1022.

Upcoming Offerings:
No upcoming dates at this time. 

Tuition Assistance:
Yes. Full tuition assistance is available to support your career goals. Fill out our referral form at www.kirkwood.edu/cefunding.
*Some eligibility restrictions may apply.

Industry Credentials Earned:
Completion of this course will qualify the student to take the National Health Career Association Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam, which is included in the tuition of the course, and is optional to take. This exam is not required to work as an EKG technician in Iowa.

Entrance Requirements/Prerequisites:
Prospective students must be at least 18 years of age or older, have evidence of high school diploma or equivalent, and score a 245 or higher on the Next Generation Accuplacer Reading Placement Exam.

Delivery Method:
Classroom, Online, Lab

Length of Program and CEU Credits:
60 hours, 7.2 CEUs

Program Completion Requirements:
This is a pass/fail course based on both score and attendance. Tests and quizzes taken in class must total a score of 75 percent or greater, and attending clinical is mandatory. Students must also adhere to the attendance policy, where no more than one class may be missed during the classroom/lab and no more than one class missed during the clinical.

Course Objectives:
• Demonstrate knowledge of coronary anatomy and physiology, electrophysiology, and lead morphology and placement.
• Understand the technical aspects of the EKG machine.
• Calculate heart rate in a variety of methods.
• Interpret a rhythm strip using the 5-step process.
• Demonstrate rhythms originating in the sinus node, atria, AV junction, and ventricles.
• Demonstrate knowledge of AV blocks, rhythm strips, and myocardial infarction (MI).
• Identify the steps of a 12-lead EKG, including methodology and basic interpretation.
• Describe medications and electrical therapy options.
• Describe and demonstrate proper patient protocols.

Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the EKG Technician Training Course, students will have the knowledge and skills required to work as an entry-level EKG technician in a hospital, clinic, or private office setting. Students will also be prepared to take the optional Certified EKG Technician exam at the end of the course.

Other Items to Know About this Course:
All classroom materials are included in the tuition fee and will be provided in class.

Pathway to Credit Program:
None.

Related Information: 
NA