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UPCOMING COURSES

CERTIFIED EKG TECHNICIAN COURSE CET3

• Orientation Session Saturday July 9, 2011
• First class is Monday July 11, 2011
• Click here for CET3 calendar

CERTIFIED EKG TECHNICIAN COURSE CET4

• Orientation Session Saturay September 10, 2011
• First class is Monday Septembr 12, 2011
• Click here for CET4 calendar

TUITION INFORMATION - EKG TECHNICIAN

• Tuition: $2400 (includes book, lab fees, and externship assistance)
• Application fee: $50
• Uniform: Students must purchase a uniform for class (approximate cost $35); students may purchase more than one uniform if desired
• NHA testing fee (due at end of course): Approximately $105 (payable to the National HealthCareer Association)
• Payment forms accepted: cash, check, money orders, credit card, and paypal
• 911Programs is an eligible training provider for the RI Department of Labor and Training (if you are receiving unemployment benefits, you may be eligible to take this course using funds from the DLT); if this is the case, please notify your Network RI counselor to get approval
• NOTE: Currently Licensed or Certified Medical Professionals (i.e. EMTs, CNAs, RNs) can test out of the  "General Medical Studies" portion. Test fee is $50. If the  applicant passes the test, he/she can opt to skip the General Medical Studies portion (reduces tuition by $1200). If the applicant fails the test, he/she must take the entire General Medical Studies module; in this case the $50 test fee will be applied toward the tuition.

COURSE PRE-REQUISITES - EKG TECH

Requirements for entry into an EKG Tech course

• Applicants must be able to read and write at the 8th grade level and do math at the 6th grade level
  

• Applicants must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently
• In accordance with standards of the RI Department of Labor and Training, a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) is required to take the course
• Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to contact the program to discuss any necessary accommodations

• Applicants desiring admission to any 911PROGRAMS course of study must read and accept the terms and conditions (course policies) found in the online classroom

GENERAL INFORMATION - EKG TECHNICIAN

Overview

The 911PROGRAMS EKG Technician program provides complete training in all aspects of EKG acquisition (3, 6, 9, and 12Lead, Stress Testing, and Holter Monitoring). This course also provides training in General Medical Studies such as Basic Anatomy/Physiology, Medical Terminology. Infection Control, Vital Signs, Legal Issues, CPR, and First Aid.  Upon successful completion of this program (which includes written and practical examinations), graduates are eligible to take the written certification examination of the National Health Career Association through which we are nationally accredited.

Jump-Start Your Career in the Medical Field

If you've wanted a career in the medical field but didn't want to spend 2 years in school; if you like working independently; if you like flexible hours including nights and weekends; maybe an EKG Technician program is for you.  In about 3 months you can become certified as an EKG Technician.  In our program, we don't require that you take several non-related courses - we focus on the core curriculum needed for an EKG certificate.

Whether you're sure you want to begin a fulfilling career as an EKG Technician or if you plan on choosing a different path altogether, medical training can provide you with a solid foundation on which you can build your future.  If you are thinking about becoming a health care provider, you should choose a program with a proven track record.

Nature of the Work

Cardiovascular technicians who obtain EKGs are known as electrocardiograph (or EKG) technicians. To take a basic EKG, which traces electrical impulses transmitted by the heart, technicians attach electrodes to the patient’s chest, arms, and legs, and then manipulate switches on an EKG machine to obtain a reading. A printout is made for interpretation by the physician. This test is done before most kinds of surgery or as part of a routine physical examination, especially for persons who have reached middle age or who have a history of cardiovascular problems.

EKG technicians with advanced training perform Holter monitor and stress testing. For Holter monitoring, technicians place electrodes on the patient’s chest and attach a portable EKG monitor to the patient’s belt. Following 24 or more hours of normal activity by the patient, the technician removes a tape from the monitor and places it in a scanner. After checking the quality of the recorded impulses on an electronic screen, the technician usually prints the information from the tape so that a physician can interpret it later. Physicians use the output from the scanner to diagnose heart ailments, such as heart rhythm abnormalities or problems with pacemakers.

For a treadmill stress test, EKG technicians document the patient’s medical history, explain the procedure, connect the patient to an EKG monitor, and obtain a baseline reading and resting blood pressure. Next, they monitor the heart’s performance while the patient is walking on a treadmill, gradually increasing the treadmill’s speed to observe the effect of increased exertion. Like vascular technologists and cardiac sonographers, cardiographic technicians who perform EKG, Holter monitor, and stress tests are known as “noninvasive” technicians.

Some EKG technicians schedule appointments, type doctors’ interpretations, maintain patient files, and care for equipment

Working Conditions

EKG technicians generally work a 5-day, 40-hour week that may include weekends. Those in catheterization labs tend to work longer hours and may work evenings. They also may be on call during the night and on weekends.

EKG technicians spend a lot of time walking and standing. Those who work in catheterization labs may face stressful working conditions because they are in close contact with patients with serious heart ailments. Some patients, for example, may encounter complications from time to time that have life-or-death implications.

Employment

About 3 out 4 jobs were in hospitals, primarily in cardiology departments. The remaining jobs were mostly in offices of physicians, including cardiologists; or in medical and diagnostic laboratories, including diagnostic imaging centers

EKG technicians must be reliable, have mechanical aptitude, and be able to follow detailed instructions. A pleasant, relaxed manner for putting patients at ease is an asset.

How much does an EKG Tech make?

Generally EKG Techs makes $12-14 per hour before shift differential.  A shift differential is offered by many institutions as an incentive for working evenings, nights and weekends.  An example of a common differential is $1 per hour for second shift (3-11pm), $1.50 per hour for third shift (11pm-7am), and $2 per hour for weekends.  For example, an EKG Tech working third shift on a Saturday might make $17.50 per hour as a new Phlebotomy Technician ($14 + $1.50 + $2).  More experienced EKG Techs can make more.

EKG TECH CERTIFICATION

Rhode Island

• Although the state of Rhode Island does not currently license EKG Techs, the Department of Health is working towards that requirement. Our program is recognized, approved, and certified by the National HealthCareer Association (NHA)

• Students of this course are required to pass the NHA exam as part of this course
• Graduates of this course will receive a certificate of completion from the program as well as national certification from the NHA

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES- EKG TECHNICIAN

Career Paths

Phlebotomists can be employed in a variety of settings including

• Hospitals

• Doctor's offices

• Clinics

Many employers require at minimum, successful completion of a formal program. Because our program encompasses a full spectrum of acquisition and analysis, our graduates are more capable and desirable than the average applicant.

What is the job potential for EKG Techs right now?

According to the RI Department of Health, there are not enough EKG Tech programs to meet the needs of open positions.  There are more jobs than there are techs to fill them.

COURSE DESCRIPTION - EKG TECH

The 911PROGRAMS EKG Tech Curriculum

The course curriculum may differ from program to program to suit the needs of the student and provide a comprehensive educational experience.  The course hours and content always exceeds the minimum state and national standards as does the instructor to student ratio.  Please refer to individual training program syllabuses for more detailed information.

The EKG Tech Course has 3 phases

• General Medical Studies - a 5 week course which is required for all our Allied Health Education Courses
• The Core Curriculum Studies with incorporate didactic or classroom lectures as well as lab stations for hands-on practice
• Externships, which are optional but recommended

Course hours and schedule

The didactic portion is about 60 hours but may be increased based on the needs of the students

For schedule, refer to the specific course you are interested in.

Course Delivery Method

911PROGRAMS Didactic lessons are delivered almost entirely by PowerPoint presentation with accompanying handouts which are available in our exclusive online classroom.  Other forms of instruction include overhead projection of materials, written information on a dry erase board, video presentations, actual case presentations, as well as scenarios and hands-on practice.  The laboratory portion will be delivered in a more informal setting using hands-on practice with equipment and a student:instructor ratio of no greater than 10:1.

Continuing Education

• The NHA recommends continuing education every 2 years but this is often not required by employers