Electrocardiogram (ECG) Technician
This award is not eligible for Financial Aid
The Certificate of Competency (CCT) in Electrocardiogram (ECG) Technician is a 325-hour program that prepares students to perform the daily duties and responsibilities related to cardiac monitoring and telemetry. This program introduces students to keyboarding, electronic patient records, record keeping, patient assessment, basic knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, cardiac conduction system, 12-lead ECG acquisition and rhythm interpretation, basic life support and advanced cardiac life support skills, telemetry, holter monitoring, conducting stress tests and artificial pacemaker evaluation.
This program also serves as a stackable credential for students who have completed a Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, EMT or CNA program and wish to acquire additional skills that may be suited for positions such as a patient monitor technician, ECG/cardiac technician, telemetry technician, and stress test technician.
This is a Fast Track Certificate, which can be completed in two semesters or less.
Details
Field of Interest
Health Sciences
Degree Type
Certificate of Competency (CCT)
Academic Plan
Electrocardiogram (ECG) Technician (CER)
Academic Plan Code
1119N
Total Clock Hours Required
325
Catalog Year
2024-2025
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Admissions criteria
1. Background check requirements: Admission to an Allied Health program requires that students be in compliance with the Maricopa County Community College District Background Check Standards. Upon conditional program enrollment, the student must comply with all requirements of the MCCCD Background Check Policy.
2. Clinical health and safety requirements must be met. Upon conditional program enrollment, the student must comply with all requirements of the MCCCD Clinical Health and Safety Policy.
3. Inability to comply with background check requirements and/or clinical health and safety requirements at the start of classes may result in cancellation of enrollment.
4. 18 years of age to enroll.
Notes
This program is not eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.
The Electrocardiogram (ECG) Technician program tuition and fees includes CPR and ACLS certification through the American Heart Association (AHA), and the Certified ECG Technician (CET) exam by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
What You'll Learn
This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- Articulate the role and responsibility of the electrocardiogram (ECG) technician.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular and circulatory systems.
- Demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology related to the heart and ECG.
- Describe characteristics of ECG tracings such as rhythm, rate, wave configurations, interval measurement, segments and complex duration.
- Become familiar with different ECG equipment including positive and negative electrode placement and how to set up ECG equipment.
- Demonstrate effective communication within a team dynamic and during patient interactions.
- Explain the purpose and the pharmacology of drugs commonly used in treatment of cardiac disorders.
- Demonstrate proficiency in obtaining an ECG from a patient.
- Demonstrate the preparation and application of a Holter monitor on a patient as well as recording and analyzing data.
- Describe event monitoring versus Holter monitoring.
- Recognize ECG changes consistent with acute myocardial infarction.
- List the indications and contraindications of stress testing.
Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this certificate. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
$58,140 Show expanded career information for Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by block. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with a navigator to discuss their academic and career goals.
- The course sequence is laid out by block and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- This is a cohort program in which students progress through their course of study together in the required course sequence.
Courses Sequence
Block 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Clock Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECG100 | Introduction to Healthcare: Medical, Legal, Ethics | 25 | ||
| ECG101 | The Cardiovascular System: Anatomy & Physiology and Pathophysiology of Cardiovascular Disease | 30 | ||
| ECG102 | Introduction to ECG | 40 | ||
| ECG103 | Applied ECG: Atrial, Junctional, Ventricular Rhythms and Heart Blocks | 50 | ||
| ECG104 | Advanced Cardiac Life Support | 20 | ||
| ECG105 | Advanced ECG: Diagnostic Procedures, Certification Prep and Exam | 80 | ||
| ECG106 | Clinical Practicum | 80 |
Disclaimer
Students must earn a grade of ‘P’ or ‘C’ or better (depending on the course grading scale) for all courses required within the program.
Weekly hour requirements vary by program. Students should meet with a navigator to discuss these requirements further. Actual completion times may vary. A separate $15 Registration Fee will be charged per academic year.
This certificate is not eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm12?id=182972).
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.