The course will combine theory and practice to provide instruction in all aspects of EKG technology and patient care. Students will learn about the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, appropriate patient care, and how to properly conduct an electrocardiogram (ECG). The course will also provide students knowledge as to how to diagnose different rhythms discovered through ECG tests. Additional topics that students will learn about is the use of pacemakers as well as ECG cardiogram artifacts and the 12-leag ECG and acute myocardial infarction. Upon completing this course, students will have gained knowledge and confidence to be able to move one step closer to take the AMCA EKG Technician Certification (ETC) national certification exam.
Students will:
- Review the anatomy of the heart and cardiovascular system.
- Demonstrate proper placement and set up of the EKG.
- Demonstrate how to prepare a patient for EKG testing.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the use of EKG technology.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the recording of EKG wave patterns and correct usage of EKG equipment.
- Accurately calculate heart rate and identify the differences between types of rhythm regularity.
- Accurately interpret rhythm strips.
- Describe the relationship between EKG and Myocardial Infraction.
- Perform the proper procedures for applying a Holter monitor.
- Recognize commonly used cardiac medications in relation to their effects on heart rate and their correlation to arrhythmias.
This course prepares students to take the AMCA EKG Technician Certification (ETC) national certification exam.
The laws and regulations pertaining to minimum requirements and the allied health industry vary by state. It is highly recommended that test candidates familiarize themselves with their particular states rules and regulations regarding certification requirements.
Course Outline:
Lesson 1: Anatomy & Physiology of The Heart and Cardiovascular System
The first lesson of the course focuses on the anatomy and physiology of the heart and cardiovascular system. Students will need to gain an understanding of how one of the most important organs and systems of the body function so that they are able to comprehend results from an electrocardiogram (ECG) to determine the next steps. As one will notice, there are numerous working pieces of the cardiovascular system and heart that can affect outcomes when tests are done.
Lesson 2: The Electrocardiogram (ECG)
The main method of measurement of heart scans is the electrocardiogram machine (ECG). This machine provides the data that EKG professionals use to determine if there are abnormalities in one’s heart and cardiovascular system. This lesson goes over an in-depth on how to properly use one of these devices as well as the process of recording results properly and accurately.
Lesson 3: Sinoatrial Node & Atrial Arrhythmias
There are numerous ways to determine whether or not the rhythms that come through a test are normal or not. This lesson focuses on the sinoatrial node arrhythmias and how sinuses can affect the outcomes of ECG scans of the heart and cardiovascular system. The other part of this lesson focuses on atrial arrhythmias. These are more concerned with atrial flutters, fibrillations, and Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome.
Lesson 4: Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
The fourth lesson of the course gives students knowledge of two additional types of arrhythmias. In this lesson, one will learn about junctional and ventricular arrhythmias. One should note that here rhythms may be accelerated when compared to normal rhythms a patient may often experience. Also, premature ventricular contractions can happen in a number of different ways. One other topic of note for this lesson is the concept of pulseless electrical activity which may be due to trauma amongst other reasons as provided by the author.
Lesson 5: Atrioventrical & Bundle Branch Blocks and Artificial Cardiac Pacemakers
When reviewing the results of the cardiovascular system and heart rhythms, there are times where blockages may be discovered. This lesson analyzes the different types of atrioventricular and bundle branch blocks that a patient may experience. With regard to the atrioventricular blocks, there are different degrees of blockage that the author talks about that are important to learn and spot-on readings. The other part of this lesson provides insight into artificial cardiac pacemakers and understanding readings that one may see if a patient has one.
Lesson 6: ECG Artifacts, The 12-Lead ECG, and Acute Myocardial Infarctions
Once an ECG (or also known as an EKG) has been completed on a patient, it is time to review the results of the data that was collected. When looking at ECG artifacts, there is the potential that readings may result in inaccurate conclusions or more questions than answers. This lesson of the course provides an overview of how to accurately interpret and share results with the patient. This is in addition to simple conclusions that are the result of a 12-Lead ECG and acute myocardial infarctions.
Lesson 7: Reviewing ECG Scans
The final lesson of the course requires students to complete practice exams that are provided within the remaining four (4) chapters of the textbook. These practice exercises are crucial to complete correctly so that one is adequately equipped to diagnose readings when in the field and with a patient.
All necessary course materials are included.
Certification(s):
This course prepares students to take the AMCA EKG Technician Certification (ETC) national certification exam.
The laws and regulations pertaining to minimum requirements and the allied health industry vary by state. It is highly recommended that test candidates familiarize themselves with their particular states rules and regulations regarding certification requirements.
